The World Heritage Site, Sarnath, is one of India’s four most important sites where Buddhism was introduced. Sarnath is considered as the foremost Buddhist pilgrimage site in India. Sarnath is located at a distance of 29 kilometers (18 miles) from Varanasi and has an estimated population of 15,000 people residing there. It is also known as Sarvodaya Vihar or Sarvadeshika Vihar, as it houses many Buddhist stupas.
Complete with more stupas and temples than you’ll have time for, Sarnath is definitely a great spot for Buddhist devotees. If you’re planning on visiting Sarnath, here’s a list of the top Buddhist sites and temples to check out for the best trip:
1. Bodhi Tree, Sarnath
Sarnath is home to the Bodhi tree, a sacred spot for all Buddhists. The Buddha gained enlightenment while meditating under this tree. This tree itself is said to be over 2000 years old and has three main branches:
- One main trunk, which is over 1500 years old.
- An extension of the main trunk.
- Another extension of the main trunk that was planted by King Ashoka around 250 BC.
The three branches are called the Three Jewels (tri-jewel).
2. The Sivali Vietnamese Buddhist Temple
The Sivali Vietnamese Buddhist Temple in Sarnath (also known as the Jyotirmoy Temple) is one of India’s most famous Buddhist temples. It lies on a hilltop at the site of Buddha’s first sermon and is surrounded by a large grassy area. The temple was built in 2014 by Doan Lam Tan, a monk who left a prosperous life in Vietnam to build the temple.
The temple houses a massive statue of the Buddha, standing at 70 feet tall, along with statues of other important Buddhist figures like Ashoka.
3. The Korean Temple (Nokyawon)
The Korean Buddhist Temple in Sarnath is not just a place of worship. It’s where an international community celebrates its traditions and customs. The Korean Buddhist Temple in Sarnath has been established to promote Korean culture and heritage.
Image source-google/image by-credit: koreanbuddhism
4. Chaukhandi Stupa
The Chaukhandi Stupa is located at a distance of 10 km from the city of Sarnath and 5 km from the cantonment area. Akbar built this stupa in the 5th Century AD.
The stupa has intricate carvings on its walls, which depict scenes from the life of Buddha and his principal disciples, including the birth of Buddha, his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, preaching to his first followers, preaching to non-believers, his parinirvana (death) and his cremation.
Image source-google/image by-credit: wayfarerxp
5. The Cambodian Monastery
The Cambodian Monastery is one of the many unique monasteries dotting the landscape of Sarnath. Built using donations from Cambodia, this structure is magnificent when you visit during the sunset and features many traditional Cambodian architecture elements. With gorgeous looks and a 4ft. statue of Gautama Buddha, it’s a must-visit for people interested in Sarnath.
It’s also not far away from the Tibetan monastery, showcasing another of Asia’s most prominent Buddhist countries. Make sure to drop in there when you’re visiting the Cambodian Monastery (or vice versa)!
Image source-google/image by-credit: hiddencityphila
6. Dhamek Stupa (Stupa at Sarnath)
The Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath remains a central place of Buddhism in Sarnath. It is believed that Lord Buddha first revealed his first eightfold path sermon to his disciples here.
The stupa was built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE and later enlarged by his son Mahinda who converted it into a Buddhist pilgrimage center.
The structure is made of red sandstone with a square plan measuring about 15 meters on each side and about 20 meters high. It has four tiers of cells for monks and nuns, which are arranged around an open courtyard where there is also a small shrine dedicated to Buddha.
The Takeaway
Sarnath is a religious tourism site and a famous Buddhist pilgrim site. Sarnath must have been an important place in the past, as it was visited by some of the most significant Buddhist figures, including Gautam Buddha. The site is currently experiencing a lot of development, and infrastructure growth plans are being drawn up for the place.
It’s an important site for Buddhists and an important Hindu pilgrimage. Those who have never visited Sarnath or heard about it can see this place with great joy and delight on their faces.