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Sarnath Varanasi – the second Online , Aktha Sarnath

Sarnath, located just 12 km from the Hindu holy city of Varanasi, is the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of the four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by Lord Buddha himself for pilgrimage. The other three sites are Lumbini(birth, Bodh Gaya (enlightenment), and Kushinagar(death).

Sarnath has previously been known as Mrigadava, "deer park," and Isipatana, meaning the place where holy men (Pali: ISI) fell to earth. The last name is based on the legend that devas came down to announce it to 500 holy men when the Buddha was born. The holy men all rose into the air and disappeared, and their relics fell to the ground.

The current name Sarnath, from Saranganath, means "Lord of the Deer" and relates to another old Buddhist story in which the Bodhisattva is a deer and offers his life to a king instead of the doe he is planning to kill. The king is so moved that he creates the park as a sanctuary for deer.

History

After his enlightenment in Bodhgaya, the Buddha went to Sarnath seeking his five former companions. He found them, taught them what he had learned, and they also became enlightened. This

event is referred to as "the turning of the wheel of the Dharma" and also marks the founding of the Sangha or the community of monks.

Buddha's first discourse, delivered here at Sarnath, is known in Pali as the Dhammacakkhapavathana Sutta. Other Suttas include the Anattalakhana Sutta and the Saccavibhanga Sutta. After his enlightenment, the Buddha's central teaching centered around the Four Noble Truths (concerning the meaning of life) and the Noble Eightfold Path (concerning the right way to live).
The Buddha spent the next rainy season in Sarnath at the Mulagandhakuti vihara. The Sangha, having grown to 60 in number, the Buddha sent them out to teach the Dharma to others.

Buddhism flourished in Sarnath partly because of the support of kings and wealthy merchants based in nearby Varanasi. By the 3rd century, Sarnath had become an important center for the arts, which reached its zenith during the Gupta period (4th-6th century AD). When Hsuan Tsang visited China in the 7th century, he found 30 monasteries and 3000 monks living at Sarnath.

Sarnath became a major center of the Sammatiya school of Buddhism, one of the Nikaya or Hinayana schools. The presence of images of Heruka and Tara indicates that Vajrayana Buddhism is also practiced here.

At the end of the 12th century, Sarnath was sacked by Turkish Muslims. The site was subsequently plundered for building materials and has remained in ruins until the present day. The site was entirely deserted until 1836 when the British began excavations and restoration.

Must-Visit Historical Attractions in Sarnath

Sarnath is filled with ancient architectural wonders that reflect its grand Buddhist heritage. When you plan your visit, make sure your itinerary includes these key historical sites:

• Dhamekh Stupa: The massive cylindrical structure marking the exact spot where Lord Buddha preached his very first sermon.

• Chaukhandi Stupa: An impressive lofty mound with an octagonal tower, built to commemorate the place where Buddha met his first disciples.

• Sarnath Archaeological Museum: Home to a world-famous collection of Buddhist art, including the original Lion Capital of Ashoka, which is India's national emblem. To see the iconic Lion Capital of Ashoka up close, make sure to add the historical collections at the Sarnath Archaeological Museum to your daytime itinerary. 

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• Mulagandhakuti Vihara: A beautiful modern temple featuring stunning internal frescoes painted by a famous Japanese artist, surrounded by the peaceful Deer Park.

The Significance of Sarnath in Global Buddhist Pilgrimage

As one of the four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by Gautama Buddha himself, Sarnath holds immense spiritual value worldwide. It stands alongside Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, and Kushinagar as a core destination on the international Buddhist Circuit. Every year, thousands of pilgrims from countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, China, and Myanmar travel here to meditate and study. The town features several beautiful international monasteries built by these respective nations, allowing visitors to experience distinct global Buddhist architectural styles and cultures in one single locality.

How to Reach and Best Time to Visit Sarnath

Located just 12 km from the main city of Varanasi, Sarnath is highly accessible for day trips or extended stays:

• Getting There: You can easily hire an auto-rickshaw, local taxi, or pre-book a private rental car through a reliable local agency for a comfortable journey from Varanasi Cantt Station or the airport.

• Best Time to Visit: The ideal months to explore are from October to March when the winter weather is pleasant and cool for outdoor sightseeing.

• Special Occasions: Visiting during Buddha Purnima (typically in May) offers a vibrant spiritual experience, though the weather is significantly warmer.

Why Book Your Tour with The Second Online Travel Aktha?

Navigating local transport, entry tickets, and historical guides can be overwhelming in a busy tourist hub. Choosing The Second Online Travel in Aktha, Sarnath ensures a completely seamless experience:

• Expert Local Planners: Benefit from over two decades of hospitality and tourism experience right here in Varanasi.

• Comprehensive Services: Get instant access to car rentals, expert tour guides, flight or rail ticketing, and customized itinerary planning.Whether you are looking to explore the spiritual ruins of Sarnath or want to book completely different customized tour packages across India, our team handles all your planning requirements under one roof.

• 24/7 Reliable Support: Enjoy peace of mind with a dedicated, punctual, and agile team ready to assist your travel needs at any hour.

Conclusion

So, that's all about Sarnath Varanasi!We hope our readers shall surely be able to get the complete knowledge about Sarnath if they go through the above post till the end.

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For any inquiry related to Travel, please do give us a missed call at ++ 91 0 7408358005 either or drop a message using the contact form. You can also contact us through our website.

Ramesh Verma, Cmd, the second online Travel Aktha, Sarnath Varanasi

Frequently Asked Questions About Sarnath, Varanasi

1. Why is Sarnath a historically significant destination?

Sarnath is one of the four holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites. It is the revered location where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as the Dharma Chakra Pravartana, to his first five disciples after attaining enlightenment.

2. What does the name 'Sarnath' actually mean?

The name Sarnath is derived from 'Saranganatha', which translates to 'Lord of the Deer'. This relates to an ancient Buddhist legend where Buddha, in a previous birth, was a holy golden deer who offered his life to a king to save a pregnant doe.

3. What are the top attractions to visit in Sarnath?

The absolute must-visit attractions include the towering Dhamekh Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, the Sarnath Archaeological Museum (housing the Ashoka Lion Capital), Mulagandhakuti Vihara, and the peaceful Japanese and Thai Monasteries.

4. How far is Sarnath from Varanasi Cantt Railway Station?

Sarnath is located approximately 10 to 12 kilometers away from Varanasi Cantt Railway Station. Depending on local traffic conditions, a taxi or auto-rickshaw ride typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes.

5. When is the best time of year to plan a trip to Sarnath?

The ideal time to visit is during the cooler winter months, from October to March. The pleasant weather makes it perfect for walking around and exploring the extensive open-air archaeological ruins and stupas comfortably.

6. What services does The Second Online Travel provide for Sarnath tours?

The Second Online Travel provides comprehensive, hassle-free travel arrangements including air and rail ticketing, reliable AC car rentals, professional local tour guides, hotel bookings, and fully customized pilgrimage itineraries.

7. How can I contact the travel agent team at Aktha, Sarnath?

You can directly contact Ramesh Verma, CMD, and the expert team at The Second Online Travel by calling +91 07408358005. You can also visit our local office in Aktha, Sarnath, Varanasi for personalized support.

Have more questions? Visit our official FAQ Page.