Nestled near the sacred city of Varanasi, Sarnath beckons travellers with its rich spiritual heritage and historical significance. This charming destination is a treasure trove of Buddhist history, offering respite from the chaos of daily life. This extensive guide takes you on a comprehensive tour of the top Sarnath tourist places, where spirituality, history, and natural beauty converge to create an unforgettable experience. Join us as we delve deep into the heart of Sarnath's treasures and uncover the hidden gems that await your exploration.
Our Sarnath adventure begins with a visit to the enchanting Mulagandha Kuti Vihar. This remarkable temple, adorned with exquisite fresco art, offers a vivid depiction of significant events from the life of Buddha. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a magnificent golden statue of Lord Buddha resting on a marble platform. The temple's interior walls are adorned with mesmerising frescoes created by the renowned Japanese artist Kosetsu Nosu.But what truly sets this place apart is the sacred Bodhi Tree. It's believed to have sprouted from a tree sapling under which Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. As the sun dips below the horizon, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar comes alive with the soothing chants of monks during Buddha's first sermon, creating a truly serene atmosphere. Take advantage of this tranquil oasis near Sarnath's main chowk.
Our next stop exploring Sarnath tourist places is the Chaukhandi Stupa, which holds a historical significance intertwined with Buddha's journey. Legend has it that Buddha was abandoned by his five disciples, Pancha Vargeeya Bhikkhus, as he travelled from Bodh Gaya to Sarnath. This stupa marks where Buddha was later reunited with these five companions. Dating back to the 5th century AD, the stupa's four-armed layout gave it the name "Chaukhandi." The tower atop the stupa was added in the 16th century to commemorate Emperor Humayun's visit. The stupa's intricate design and lush surroundings make it an ideal place for meditation and introspection.
After absorbing the beauty of Mulagandha Kuti Vihar and the history of the Chaukhandi Stupa, it's time to explore one of the most iconic Sarnath tourist places, the Dhamek Stupa. Situated just behind Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, this place is a treasure trove of stupas, monasteries, ruins, temples, museums, gardens, and more. Dhamek Stupa is the most prominent structure in Sarnath, standing as a testament to Buddhist history. Built in 500 CE to replace an earlier formation commissioned by the great Mauryan king Ashoka in 249 BCE, the Dhamek Stupa is where Buddha delivered his first sermon, revealing his "Eightfold Path." This imposing structure boasts a 28-meter diameter at its base and rises to 43.6 meters. Its lower part features delicate floral carvings of Gupta origin, while the upper part remains unfinished. The stupa's walls are adorned with intricate human and bird figures and inscriptions in the Brahmi script.
History enthusiasts will be captivated by this tourist attraction in Sarnath, the Archaeological Museum. This museum provides a glimpse into the era when Buddha walked this land. It houses relics from Buddha's life, including the 3rd-century-BC lion capital from the Ashoka Pillar and a 2000-year-old stone umbrella adorned with Buddhist symbols.Constructed a century ago using sandstone, the museum's exhibits offer insights into Buddhist culture and history. The building's design is reminiscent of a Sangharam or a vihar, a testament to its connection with Buddhist antiquities.
Near Dhamek Stupa, you'll discover the Dharmarajika Stupa, which, although mostly in ruins today, is believed to house the mortal remains of Lord Buddha. According to historical accounts, his remains were divided into ten parts and buried at various locations, each marked by a monument. This site became significant archaeologically when a stone box containing a casket of green marble was discovered during the dismantling of the stupa in
Launglata, a delightful blend of tastes, takes centre stage in the world of Banaras' sweets. These deep-fried sugary dumplings are infused with the essence of clove (laung), imparting a fragrant touch that teases the senses. As you take a bite, the crispy exterior gives way to a soft, syrup-soaked centre, releasing a burst of sweetness. Allow the aromatic dance of launglata on your palate to transport you to the vibrant streets bursting with Kashi food specialities!
Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the Garden of Spiritual Wisdom behind the Chaukhandi Stupa. This well-maintained garden is a mind, body, and soul sanctuary. The park has beautiful plants and flowers, including Ayurvedic herbal plants. Educational exhibits provide insights into Buddha, spirituality, and the various plants and herbs in the garden.
The temple, one of the noteworthy marvels in Sarnath, is a magnificent shrine featuring stunning Tibetan architecture. Here, Lord Buddha imparted his teachings on the four truths of life to his disciples. Inside this impressive edifice, you'll find a beautiful statue of Shakyamuni, prayer wheels, and intricate traditional Buddhist paintings known as Thangkas. One of the temple's distinctive features is its prayer wheels, which, when turned clockwise, release strips of paper inscribed with sacred chants.
Our journey culminates at the Mahabodhi Society Temple, one of the prominent Sarnath tourist places and one of India's oldest temples, built entirely of bricks during the Gupta period. This temple marks the site where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. It has been meticulously restored with contributions from Buddhist countries and houses exquisite paintings by Japanese artists. The temple also holds some ashes of Buddha, making it a place of great reverence.
Beyond our top 10 iconic landmarks, several other remarkable sites reveal the profound significance of this cherished place. Here are a few more places to consider during your visit:
The Nichigai Suzan Horinji Temple is a Japanese temple in Sarnath. This temple holds great importance in Buddhism and provides a unique cultural experience.
The Migadawon Myanmar Temple is one of the earliest Buddhist temples near the Deer Park in Sarnath.
Sarnath isn't just a destination for history enthusiasts; it's a living testament to the profound wisdom and timeless beauty gracing this sacred ground for centuries. As you wander through the hallowed precincts of Sarnath, each step unravels stories of enlightenment and transformation, connecting you to an ancient heritage that continues to resonate through the ages. From the serene aura of Dhamek Stupa to spellbinding relics in the Archaeological Museum, Sarnath whispers age-old narratives.
So, if you're planning a journey to explore the majestic Sarnath tourist places or discover the spiritual wonders of Varanasi, choose Stay Banaras for comfortable, peaceful and luxurious accommodations and tailored guided tours. We've got everything from ensuring you have a wonderful time at the tourist sights to feasting on the local delicacies! Let Sarnath touch your soul, creating lasting memories in this enchanting retreat.