Sarnath
General
Information (Sarnath)
Sarnath the tranquil deep park at Sarnath is where the Buddha
preached hid first sermon. Sarnath 
became
one of the great center of Buddhism and the Emperor Ashoka erected
magnificent stupas and structure here. The Chinese scholar Huien
Tsang who to write of the splendor of the city. Rediscoverd and
excavated in 1836, Sarnath is once again a place of pilgrimage
where visitors come to pay homage to the great teacher.
Area
: 2.80 sq. km.
Altitude : 80.71 mtrs. above sea level.
Season : August - March.
Clothing : Cottons (Summer), Winter: Woollens.
Language : Hindi.
Festivals : Buddha Purnima (May), Kartik Purnima (Oct-Nov).
Excursions (Sarnath)
Chanderi : The town is famous for gaossamer Chanderi Sarees.
It has also some of the finest examples of Bundela, Rajput and
Malwa Sultanate architecture. A magnificent Mughal fort dominates
the skyline of this old interesting town.
Barua Sagar
The
town situated on the road to Khajuraho, is named after Barua Sagar
Tal, a large lake created about 260 years ago when Raja Udit Singh
of Orchha built the embanked. The Barua Sagar Fort, pictuersque
and located at a height, commands an excellent view of the lake
and surroundings landscape.
Sightseeing (Sarnath)
Dhamek Stupa : The imposing stupa 39m high was probably
erected in 200 B.C in the Mauryan era. Rebuilt a number of times,
the geometric and flora patterns on the stupa belong to the later
Gupta period.
Ashoka
Pillar : Erected by the Emperor Ashoka, the pillar had his
edict engraved on it. At one time it stood over 17m high. Its
capital with the four lions back to back-the official symbol of
modern India, can be seen in the museum at Sarnath.
Bodhi
Tree : Grown from the sapling of the famous tree in Anuradhapura,
Sri Lanka, which is believed to be a progeny of the original tree
at Budh Gaya, under which the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
Chaukandi Stupa
This stupa was rebuilt by Mughal Emperor Akbar.
Dhamarajika Stupa
Only the ruins of this stupa built by Emperor Ashoka can be seen
today.
Moolgandha Kuti Vihara
Built in more recent times by the Mahabodhi Society, it has a
life-size statue of the lord Buddha in the Dharmachakra Pravartan
form.
Travel Information (Sarnath)
Air : Varanasi (Babatpur) Airport is the nearest airport.
Rail : Varanasi railway station is well connected to important
cities.
Road : It is located on the National Highway No. 29 that
also connects Varanasi and Gorakhpur.
