Sarnath: Where the Buddha delivered his first sermon

                                     Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath|Wikimedia Commons

Located 10km north of Varanasi, the famous site of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh is a Buddhist site not to be missed. It was at Sarnath where in Deer Park the Buddha delivered his first sermon after the attainment of enlightenment under the tree of wisdom at Bodh Gaya. The event of his deliverance of first sermon at Sarnath is known in the Buddhist tradition as the turning of the wheel of Sacred Law or “Dharmachakra Privartan”. 

Painting of the Buddha's first discourse, turning the Dharmacakra; Circa 700-1100 CE; Sanskrit Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita Sutra manuscript written in the Ranjana script; Nalanda, Bihar, India. Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The Buddha journeyed to Sarnath to preach his first sermon to those five ascetics who were his disciples but had left him in disgust when they found that the Buddha became convinced that rigorous self mortification is not the way to obtain final bliss. These five ascetics were so impressed by Buddha’s sermon that they became his disciples once again and stopped practising austerities. 

In contrast to the hustle and bustle of hectic Varanasi, Sarnath, previously known as Isipatana, is a serene place where one can wander around the grassy gardens and explore the Buddhist ruins.

Places to see in Sarnath 

Dhamekh Stupa 

The most important highlight of a trip to Sarnath is the Dharmekh Stupa, a major tourist attraction in India. Dating back to the 3rd century AD, the stupa, which is now in ruins, is impressive at 31.3 meter high, and 28.3 in diameter. It marks the spot where the Buddha is said to have delivered his first sermon.

Ashoka Pillar 

Erected by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath is an important attraction in Sarnath. The splendid lion capital which was once placed on top of the pillar can be seen in the Sarnath Archaeological Museum which also possesses some of the most beautiful images of the Buddha. The capital has been adopted by India as its national emblem. 

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