Discover the Beauty and Holiness of Sarnath, the Sacred City Where Buddha Proclaimed Four Places of Worship
Sarnath is a small city located near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, that has great importance in Buddhism. This sacred city is believed to be the place where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. It is also one of the four places where Buddha proclaimed as places of worship, along with Bodh Gaya, Kushinagar, and Lumbini.
The city of Sarnath is particularly holy as it is believed that Buddha visited here after his enlightenment. Many devotees prefer to visit Sarnath on Buddha Poornima, a Buddhist ceremony commemorating the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama, the king of
Pataliputra, who later became known as Sri Buddha. This celebratio
n is widely observed through pilgrimages and prayers, and speeches may be given reminiscing on the Buddha’s teachings.
Buddha Poornima is celebrated every year with spiritual and cultural programs, attracting devotees from all over the world. This year, the festival will be held on May 16, and it is expected to draw large crowds despite the ongoing pandemic.
The city of Sarnath will be decorated with attractive light and color schemes, adding to its natural beauty. Vi
sitors will also have the chance to admire the ancient stupas and statues that the city is known for. Among them, the Chaukhandi Stupa is particularly noteworthy as it is situated in an eight-faced solid shape. It is widely held that this stupa was built by Emperor Ashoka.
The cylindrical-shaped Dhamek Stupa, which stands 28 meters high and 43.6 meters wide, is another attraction. This magnificent structure is decorated with Gupta-era wall paintings that add to its beauty and historical significance.
In addition to these famous la
ndmarks, visitors can also explore the city’s many other stupas, temples, and monasteries. The city is home to several Buddhist institutions, including the Tibetan Institute of Higher Studies, the Mahabodhi Society, and the International Meditation Centre.
Sarnath is a place of immense spiritual and historical importance. It is a city where visitors can learn about Buddhism and its rich heritage, while also enjoying the natural beauty of the region. Whether you’re a devout Buddhist or simply interested in history and culture, Sarnath is a destination worth visiting.
And while you’re in Sarnath, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Sarnath Museum, where you can see the famous original sandstone sculpted Lion Capital of Ashoka that was originally erected around 250 BCE atop an Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath. The angle from which this picture has been taken, minus the inverted bell-shaped lotus flower, has been adopted as the National Emblem of India showing the Horse on the left and the Bull on the right of the Ashoka Chakra in the circular base on which the four Indian lions are standing back to back. On the far side, there is an Elephant and a Lion instead. The wheel “Ashoka Chakra” from its base has been placed onto the center of the National Flag of India. The fragments of the stone dharma-chakra that was once atop the lions, are now displayed nearby.
Sarnath is a city with a rich history and deep spiritual significance. It is a place where Buddha himself visited and proclaimed as a place of worship, making it one of the most important destinations for Buddhists around the world. If you’re planning a trip to India, consider adding Sarnath to your itinerary. Whether you’re looking for spiritual enlightenment or simply a chance to explore a unique and beautiful city, Sarnath has something for everyone.
