 Ancient Sarangnath or Sarnath also known as Mrigadava (deer park), only 8 kms. away from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. He set the great 'Wheel of Law' (Dharmachakra) in motion here, more than 2,500 years ago by revealing to the world his Eight fold path - the path to end sorrow, achieve inner peace, enlightenment and ultimate Nirvana. The region once housed 3,000 monks.
Remains of the Dharmarajika Stupa set up by Asoka; his Sarnath pillar edict and ruins of temples and monasteries and the spot where the Emperor meditated in seclusion; takes one back to the heydays of the Mauryan empire. The remains of an ancient monastery can still be seen here.
Dhamekh Stupa bears particular significance at Sarnath as it signifies the "seat of the holy Buddha", as he proclaimed his faith. It is about 34mtrs. In height and including the foundations, it can be measured upto 42mtrs. Besides Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath also has the ruins of Dharmajajika Stupa and that of the original Mulgandha-kuti Temple, which according to Hieun Tsang was about 61mtrs. High. Buddha is said to have rested and meditated here while in Sarnath. Emperor Ashoka (273-232 B.C.), converted to Buddhism visited Sarnath. A smooth glistening stone pillar, called the Ashoka Pillar commemorates his visit and laid the foundation of the Buddhist Sangha here. The Lion Capital on top of this pillar is now the National Emblem of India. The Chaukhandi Stupa was originally a terraced temple during the Gupta period (4th to 6th Centuries). However in 1588 A.D., Govardhan, the son of Raja Todarmal, built an octagonal tower to commemorate the visit of Humayun-father of Akbar. Govardhan later went on to become the Governor under Akbar's rule. Similarly Akbar, the great Mughal Emperor who revered all religions alike, raised the after the Kalinga war and also Chaukhandi Stupa in 1555 A.D.
| Location |
Varanasi 10 kms |
| Distance |
Agra 565 kms, Allahabad 128kms, Bodhgaya 240kms and Patna 246kms |
| STD Code |
0542 |
| Language |
Hindi, English |
| Climate / best Season/ Best Time To Visit |
For the tourist the best time to visit Sarnath or Varanasi is between end of September and March. The temperature at this point varies between 20-6 Degrees Celsius. |
| Entertainment |
Bodhi Tree,Bodhi Sarovar,Chankamana |
| How to Reach |
Air : Varanasi (Babatpur) Airport is the nearest airport. Commercial flights connect Varanasi to Kathmandu, Delhi , Agra and Mumbai.
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. |
|
