A trip to Sarnath is not complete without visiting the Temple, Chaukhandi Stupa and Dhamek Stupa. You can also visit the Dharmarajika Stupa, a replica of the first sermon delivered by Buddha. These places are sacred to many Buddhists from around the world, and visiting them is one of the most important things you can do while in Sarnath.
Chaukhandi Stupa
The Chaukhandi Stupa at Sarnith is a Buddhist stupa located 8 kilometres from Varanasi’s Cantt Railway Station. Stupas are ancient burial mounds that were converted into shrines for a relic of the Buddha. Today, the Chaukhandi Stupa in Sarnath is a popular destination for Buddhist pilgrims.
The Chaukhandi Stupa at Sarnith Varanasi was built in the fifth century and is the tallest structure in the city. This ancient Buddhist shrine is covered by a brickwork edifice, and has an octagonal tower that stands over it. The Chaukhandi Stupa is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
The Stupa was built during the Gupta period by Govardhan, the son of Raja Todarmal. During excavations, images of the Buddha were found. Its square design, four-armed plan, and Mughal octagonal tower make it a popular attraction. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides the Chaukhandi Stupa, Sarnath Varanasi is also home to the Dhamekh Stupa, where Buddha preached his first sermon.
Dhamek Stupa
The Dhamek Stupa is a massive stupa located in the town of Sarnath, 13 kilometers from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. Its significance is not just religious, but also spiritual, so it’s worth visiting during your trip to India. Read on to learn more about the stupa and its fascinating history. This article was written by an expert in Buddhism who lived in Sarnath.
One of the most important sights in Sarnath is the Dhamek Stupa, the first place in which Buddha gave his first sermon. The tower rises nearly 43 meters into the sky, with a diameter of about 28 meters. Inside the monument, you’ll see intricate carvings and arched niches that may have once held statues of Buddha. The stupa is easily accessible by taxi or cab from your hotel.
Temple
The Sarnath Varanasi Temple was the site of numerous Buddhist encampments. The first of these was constructed by the Buddhist kings Ashoka and Govinda Chandra, who ruled from 1114 to 1154. Later, Qutb-ud-din-Aibak destroyed Sarnath, and the ruins were hidden beneath a forest of debris. However, the ancient ruins of the site were unearthed in the 1970s.
Buddhism first emerged in ancient India and Sarnath played a prominent role in its evolution. Once the religion became widespread, it was founded by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, who converted to Buddhism and promoted nonviolence. He also built stupas and pillars across India. The Sarnath pillar is a symbol of Buddhism in India and has even appeared on the Indian flag. Despite the Buddhist religion’s gradual decline in India, the Sarnath temple is still of great importance.
The main stupa is a magnificent example of Buddhist architecture. It stands 34 metres high and contains the relics of the Buddha. In the Dhamekh Stupa, the earliest inscription was written in Brahmi script. The Ashokan king wanted to preserve the Sangha as one for all eternity. Another important landmark is the octagonal tomb commissioned by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1567 in honour of his father Humayun.
Dharmarajika Stupa
The Sarnath Stupa is a famous pilgrimage site in India. The Stupa, which is 13 km northeast of Varanasi, depicts the incredible craftsmanship of Buddhist art. It attracts thousands of tourists every year and is open from dawn to dusk. Visitors must pay Rs. 100 for admission, which is valid year round. Children below 15 years of age enter the Stupa for free.
The Dharmarajika Stupa in Varanasi was built in five stages, including a large one and a smaller one. The Dharmarajika Stupa was once a single large stupa, but was later enlarged and strengthened. The construction of this stupa began during the Mauryan period, and the structure has undergone five stages of rebuilding.