Sarnath Stupa : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Sarnath Stupa is a historical religious site located in the city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is believed to be the place where Buddha gave his first sermon. The Stupa, a hemispherical mound of brick and stone, is considered one of the most important and revered Buddhist pilgrimage centers in the world. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This article explores the interesting facts, information, and travel guide of Sarnath Stupa. Read on to find out more about the hidden gems of this spiritual attraction.

Interesting Facts About Sarnath Stupa

1. Sarnath stupa is one of the four ancient Buddhist holy sites, located near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India.

2. It is believed that Lord Buddha gave his first sermon at the site.

3. The stupa was created in the 3rd century BCE, when Emperor Ashoka visited Sarnath.

4. At the time of its construction, Sarnath Stupa was the largest stone structure in India.

5. In the 13th century, Sarnath was invaded by the Mughal Empire and was transformed into a mosque.

6. Today it stands as a living example of the multi-ethnic culture of North India.

7. The archaeological excavations at Sarnath showed the abundance of Buddhist art from Gupta period.

8. Today there are several sites within Sarnath, including Dhamek stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Dharmarajika Stupa, Dharmarajika Stupa and Ashoka Pillar.

9. Sarnath is also a center of Buddhist learning. Two famous universities are located here – Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies and Vajra Vidya Institute.

10. The Sarnath Stupa is a symbol of peace and harmony and is seen as a great place for spiritual solace.

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History & Information About Sarnath Stupa

The Sarnath Stupa, located in the city of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh, India, is one of the oldest Buddhist sites in the world. It is believed to be the place where the Buddha preached his first sermon, as described in Buddhist scriptures, to the five ascetics who had become his first followers.

The stupa is said to have been built by Emperor Ashoka, under the umbrella of his Pillar Edicts, and is held by some scholars to be the oldest surviving monument in India. The Sarnath Stupa is believed to be the one described by Chinese monk Fa Hien in the 5th century, who wrote of a great thupo (stupa) containing Buddha relics.

The stupa is made of red sandstone and is said to have been built during the Gupta dynasty (320-550 AD). Its current featuring—including a curved umbrella-shape top, variously carved ornamentation and an ashoka chakra at its center—are believed to have been added during this time.

The stupa is now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, India’s governmental organization that preserves monuments and archaeological sites in India. It is a significant tourist destination, and a number of Buddhist monasteries have been built near it over the years. A number of important archaeological finds have been found at the nearby Sarnath Archaeological Museum, and the area is also a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Sarnath Stupa

Sarnath Stupa is a popular destination located in Uttar Pradesh, India, located near the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh. It is a place of religious significance for many Hindus, Buddhists and Jains as it marks the birthplace of Buddhisim, where Lord Buddha got enlightenment.

The Stupa is well-maintained and is situated across 200 acres of land. It enshrines ancient motifs, architectures, sculptures, paintings and much more, and is sprawled with plenty of religious structures, such as temples, stupas, shrines, viharas and holy traces of Buddhism. Visitors come here from all over the country and abroad to take a walk in the land of spirituality and pay their reverence.

Here’s a guide to help you far better with your travel to this holy centerville:

Getting There:

The nearest airport to Sarnath Stupa is Lal Bahadur Shastri airport in Varanasi which is just 12 km away from the Stupa. You can hire a taxi, rickshaw or take a bus to reach the destination.

Best Time To Visit:

As the temperature remains pleasant throughout the year in Sarnath, all months are favourable for a visit here. However, the best time to visit is in winter when the climate is cooler and visitors can explore the whole Stupa without any hot and humid weather conditions.

What To Do:

On the premises, there are various things to do. Visitors should visit the Dhamekh Stupa, the Chaukhandi Stupa, the Ashoka Pillar, the Deer Park, the Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, and the Chinese Temple. All these structures have unique significance and are worth exploring.

Also visitors can visit nearby attractions such as the Sarnath Museum, Bharat Kala Bhawan, Sarnath Maheshwari Temple and Janki Kumble.

Shopping:

If you are looking forward to a shopping spree then you should visit the Green Plaza Market in Sarnath. Here you can buy a variety of Buddhist souvenirs such as incense sticks, Buddha & Ganesha idols, Ganesha worship kits, Buddhist prayer flags, Feng Shui products, and many more.

Accommodation:

The nearest hotel to the Sarnath Stupa is The Grand Sarnath located in Sigra, Varanasi. You can book it in advance from online portals such as www.makemytrip.com or www.hotels.com. Alternatively, there are numerous budget friendly hotels nearby the Stupa.

So, now you have all the details required for your travel to Sarnath Stupa. It is worth visiting this holy land for its spiritual aura and ancient architecture.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sarnath Stupa

Q1. What is the Sarnath Stupa?

A1. The Sarnath Stupa is an ancient Buddhist architectural structure located in the town of Sarnath in the Uttar Pradesh state of India. It is believed to have been built in the 5th century BCE and is a popular pilgrimage destination for Buddhists.

Q2. What is the importance of the Sarnath Stupa?

A2. The Sarnath Stupa is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. It was the site of the Buddha’s first sermon, the Four Noble Truths, and thus marks the beginning of Buddhism.

Q3. Is the Sarnath Stupa open to the public?

A3.Yes, the Sarnath Stupa is open to the public for visits. It is a popular tourist destination and can be visited during the day and at night.

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