{"id":16471,"date":"2022-01-03T22:15:10","date_gmt":"2022-01-03T22:15:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/?p=16471"},"modified":"2023-01-01T20:48:32","modified_gmt":"2023-01-01T20:48:32","slug":"sarnath","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/","title":{"rendered":"Sarnath of Varanasi: Buddhist past of India few know about!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-663cf8f183302\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-663cf8f183302\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#About_Sarnath\" title=\"About Sarnath\">About Sarnath<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Why_is_Sarnath_Famous\" title=\"Why is Sarnath Famous?\">Why is Sarnath Famous?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#First_Sermon_by_Gautam_Buddha\" title=\"First Sermon by Gautam Buddha\">First Sermon by Gautam Buddha<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Sarnath_by_night\" title=\"Sarnath by night\">Sarnath by night<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Sarnath_nomenclature\" title=\"Sarnath nomenclature\">Sarnath nomenclature<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Who_destroyed_Sarnath\" title=\"Who destroyed Sarnath?\">Who destroyed Sarnath?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#My_Sarnath_Connection\" title=\"My Sarnath Connection\">My Sarnath Connection<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Sarangnath_Temple_Sarnath\" title=\"Sarangnath Temple, Sarnath\">Sarangnath Temple, Sarnath<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Sarnath-_International_Destination\" title=\"Sarnath- International Destination\">Sarnath- International Destination<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#The_International_Buddha_Circuit\" title=\"The International Buddha Circuit\">The International Buddha Circuit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#History_of_Buddhist_Stupas\" title=\"History of Buddhist Stupas\">History of Buddhist Stupas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Buddhist_relics_and_Stupas_in_other_nations\" title=\"Buddhist relics and Stupas in other nations\">Buddhist relics and Stupas in other nations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Places_to_see_in_Sarnath\" title=\"Places to see in Sarnath\">Places to see in Sarnath<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Dhamek_Stupa_of_Sarnath\" title=\"Dhamek Stupa of Sarnath\">Dhamek Stupa of Sarnath<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#History_of_Dhamek_Stupa_Sarnath\" title=\"History of Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath\">History of Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Dharmarajika_Stupa_Sarnath\" title=\"Dharmarajika Stupa Sarnath&nbsp;\">Dharmarajika Stupa Sarnath&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Chaukhandi_Stupa_Sarnath\" title=\"Chaukhandi Stupa Sarnath\">Chaukhandi Stupa Sarnath<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Significance\" title=\"Significance\">Significance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Islamic_Invasion_on_Chaukhandi_Stupa_Sarnath\" title=\"Islamic Invasion on Chaukhandi Stupa, Sarnath\">Islamic Invasion on Chaukhandi Stupa, Sarnath<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Garden_of_Spiritual_Wisdom\" title=\"Garden of Spiritual Wisdom\">Garden of Spiritual Wisdom<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Shreyanshnath_Jain_Mandir\" title=\"Shreyanshnath Jain Mandir\">Shreyanshnath Jain Mandir<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Sri_Digamber_Jain_Temple\" title=\"Sri Digamber Jain Temple\">Sri Digamber Jain Temple<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Deer_Park_of_Sarnath\" title=\"Deer Park of Sarnath\">Deer Park of Sarnath<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Excavated_Archaeological_Site\" title=\"Excavated Archaeological Site\">Excavated Archaeological Site<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Ashoka_Pillar_at_Sarnath\" title=\"Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath\">Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Emblem\" title=\"Emblem\">Emblem<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Animals_on_Ashokan_Pillar\" title=\"Animals on Ashokan Pillar\">Animals on Ashokan Pillar<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Ashok_Chakra\" title=\"Ashok Chakra\">Ashok Chakra<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Ashoka_Pillar_at_Sanchi_Stupa_and_Vaishali\" title=\"Ashoka Pillar at Sanchi Stupa and Vaishali\">Ashoka Pillar at Sanchi Stupa and Vaishali<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Ashoka_Pillar_in_Chiang_Mai_Thailand\" title=\"Ashoka Pillar in Chiang Mai, Thailand\">Ashoka Pillar in Chiang Mai, Thailand<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Sarnath_Archaeological_Museum\" title=\"Sarnath Archaeological Museum\">Sarnath Archaeological Museum<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Mulagandha_Kuti_Vihar\" title=\"Mulagandha Kuti Vihar\">Mulagandha Kuti Vihar<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Bodhi_Tree_of_Sarnath\" title=\"Bodhi Tree of Sarnath\">Bodhi Tree of Sarnath<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Tibetan_Temple_of_Sarnath\" title=\"Tibetan Temple of Sarnath\">Tibetan Temple of Sarnath<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Thai_Temple_of_Sarnath\" title=\"Thai Temple of Sarnath\">Thai Temple of Sarnath<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Jambu_Dwip_Sri_Lankan_Buddhist_Temple_Sarnath\" title=\"Jambu Dwip Sri Lankan Buddhist Temple Sarnath\">Jambu Dwip Sri Lankan Buddhist Temple Sarnath<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Japanese_Temple_Sarnath\" title=\"Japanese Temple Sarnath\">Japanese Temple Sarnath<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Indonesian_Temple\" title=\"Indonesian Temple\">Indonesian Temple<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Burma_Temple\" title=\"Burma Temple\">Burma Temple<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Korean_Temple_Nokyawon\" title=\"Korean Temple Nokyawon\">Korean Temple Nokyawon<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Chinese_Buddhist_Temple\" title=\"Chinese Buddhist Temple\">Chinese Buddhist Temple<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Is_Sarnath_safe_to_visit\" title=\"Is Sarnath safe to visit?\">Is Sarnath safe to visit?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#How_to_reach_Sarnath_in_Varanasi\" title=\"How to reach Sarnath in Varanasi\">How to reach Sarnath in Varanasi<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Timings_of_Sarnath\" title=\"Timings of Sarnath\">Timings of Sarnath<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-45\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Conclusion_Why_visit_Sarnath\" title=\"Conclusion: Why visit Sarnath? \">Conclusion: Why visit Sarnath? <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-46\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Related_Blogs\" title=\"Related Blogs\">Related Blogs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-47\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Blogs_on_Varanasi\" title=\"Blogs on Varanasi\">Blogs on Varanasi<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-48\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Blogs_on_Buddhist_Destinations\" title=\"Blogs on Buddhist Destinations\">Blogs on Buddhist Destinations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-49\" href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sarnath\/#Blogs_on_Uttar_Pradesh\" title=\"Blogs on Uttar Pradesh\">Blogs on Uttar Pradesh<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_Sarnath\"><\/span><strong>About Sarnath<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sarnath is a world-famous Buddhist destination in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Sarnath is an international destination where several ancient monuments are venerated even today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the major attractions and places of interest near Sarnath temple or Sarnath Mandir include monuments such as Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi stupa, Sarnath deer park, seated Buddha statue, Ashokan pillar, Sarnath Museum, Mulagandhakuti Vihara, Dharmarajika Stupa and the sacred Bodhi tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_Sarnath_Famous\"><\/span><strong>Why is Sarnath Famous?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sarnath is world-famous because this is where <strong>Gautama Buddha<\/strong> delivered the first major sermon to his first five disciples after gaining enlightenment. Sarnath was also where the original <strong>Sangha<\/strong> or the community of monks was formed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The deer park of Sarnath is as famous as its ancient Stupas and Jain temples. While locals come here for picnic in winters, the Buddhists visit Sarnath for pilgrimage. Not to forget the history buffs who are attracted by the ancient ruins of Sarnath! The peaceful and green environs of Sarnath are a departure from the lively Ghats of Varanasi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sarnath is also popular because of so many places you can see here such as the archaeological museum, various Buddha temples, deer parks, Buddhist monasteries, ancient stupas, old ruins, and remnants of grand Jain temples. You will also see a rare <em>sangam<\/em> or confluence of various faiths such as <strong>Hinduism, Jainism<\/strong> and <strong>Buddhism<\/strong> in Sarnath.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sarnath is one of the 4 most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. The others are <strong>Lumbini<\/strong> in <strong>Nepal<\/strong> where Gautam Buddha was born, <strong>Bodh Gaya<\/strong> in <strong>Bihar<\/strong>, <strong>India<\/strong> where he attained enlightenment and <strong>Kushinagar<\/strong> in <strong>Uttar Pradesh<\/strong> in <strong>North<\/strong> <strong>India<\/strong> which marked his death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Buddhist-Site-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Dhamek Stupa, Jain Temple and other monastic ruins of Sarnath. Varanasi\" class=\"wp-image-17788 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Buddhist-Site-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Buddhist-Site-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Buddhist-Site-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Buddhist-Site.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Buddhist-Site-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Dhamek Stupa, Jain Temple and other monastic ruins of Sarnath. Varanasi\" class=\"wp-image-17788\" srcset=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Buddhist-Site-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Buddhist-Site-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Buddhist-Site-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Buddhist-Site.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Dhamek Stupa, Jain Temple and other monastic ruins of Sarnath. Varanasi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"First_Sermon_by_Gautam_Buddha\"><\/span><strong>First Sermon by Gautam Buddha<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bhagwan Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon in Varanasi is a known fact. It was in Sarnath where he famously turned the wheel of the world, better known as the <strong>Maha Dharma Chakra Parivartan<\/strong>. The ruins of monuments I saw in Sarnath were constructed to commemorate the event eons ago by Mauryan Emperor- Ashoka the great!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sarnath_by_night\"><\/span><strong>Sarnath by night<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You must visit Sarnath during night to see it bathed in various beautiful lights!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sarnath_nomenclature\"><\/span><strong>Sarnath nomenclature<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The word Sarnath is a derivative of <strong>Saranganath<\/strong>. The literal meaning of Saranganath is the \u2018Lord of deer\u2019. The ancient name of Sarnath was <strong>Rishipattana<\/strong>. The word Rishipattana means \u2018Where the Rishi arrived\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In old times, Sarnath was also known as <strong>Mrigadava<\/strong> or the deer park and Isipatana which means the place where holy men fell to <strong>Earth<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_destroyed_Sarnath\"><\/span><strong>Who destroyed Sarnath?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Much of Sarnath was destroyed by the Islamic invaders from <strong>Turkey<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Ruins of the monastic complex of Sarnath, Varanasi\" class=\"wp-image-17731 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Ruins of the monastic complex of Sarnath, Varanasi\" class=\"wp-image-17731\" srcset=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Ruins of the monastic complex of Sarnath, Varanasi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_Sarnath_Connection\"><\/span><strong>My Sarnath Connection<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I feel lucky that I was born in the holy city of Varanasi, also known by its ancient name Kashi or Benaras aka Banaras. It is indeed a blessing to take birth in the city which is also the abode of the supreme Hindu God <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/mystery-of-mount-kailash-and-secrets\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17127\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shiv Bhagwan<\/a><\/strong>. My parents had left Varanasi soon after I was born to other cities of <strong>Uttar Pradesh<\/strong> such as <strong>Kanpur, Prayagraj<\/strong>, <strong>Lucknow <\/strong>and<strong> Ghaziabad<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have a strong connection with Varanasi, which is why ever since childhood I keep returning to this <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/is-petra-by-night-worth-it-one-of-the-7-wonders-of-the-world\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5289\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ancient city<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have childhood memories of lingering around the pious ghats of Banaras and going agape mouthed at the ruins of Sarnath. I remember, during childhood, while strolling around the ruin complex of Sarnath, I came across an underground structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fearing it will swallow me, I stayed away. That was when I was not much of a traveler and used to wear my pants till my navel! Not to forget the awkward moustache and a mop of hair that almost hid my eyes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This comprehensive guide on Sarnath is written based upon my many visits to Sarnath and Varanasi. Being a local native person of the amazing Indian state <strong>Uttar Pradesh<\/strong>, I have a unique perspective which many other writers do not!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sarangnath_Temple_Sarnath\"><\/span><strong>Sarangnath Temple, Sarnath<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You will be surprised to learn that the Buddhist destination Sarnath is christened after the Hindu word Sarangnath which means Lord of the deer. I had no idea about it myself until I paid a visit to Sarnath!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you are in Sarnath, then you must visit the holy Sarangnath Temple, devoted to Shiv Bhagwan. In fact, this is the only <strong>Hindu temple<\/strong> in <strong>North India<\/strong>, where you will see <strong>two<\/strong> <strong>Shivlings<\/strong> within the same <em>Garbhagriha<\/em> of the temple. &nbsp;There is an interesting legend behind this in my detailed blog on the <strong>temples of Varanasi<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hindu devotees visit Sarangnath temple in the months of Savan in large numbers in the hope of getting rid of their skin diseases. It is located just 1 kilometer away from the ruins of Sarnath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Gautama-Buddha-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Ruins of Sarnath Monastery Complex. Varanasi\" class=\"wp-image-17730 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Gautama-Buddha-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Gautama-Buddha-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Gautama-Buddha-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Gautama-Buddha.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Gautama-Buddha-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Ruins of Sarnath Monastery Complex. Varanasi\" class=\"wp-image-17730\" srcset=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Gautama-Buddha-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Gautama-Buddha-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Gautama-Buddha-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Gautama-Buddha.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Ruins of Sarnath Monastery Complex. Varanasi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sarnath-_International_Destination\"><\/span><strong>Sarnath- International Destination<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the <strong>best places to see in India<\/strong> are located in Uttar Pradesh. Sarnath is a truly Indian destination that attracts Buddhist pilgrims from not just India but all over the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the <strong>greatest religions of the world<\/strong> such as <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/sanatana-dharma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sanatan Dharm<\/a><\/strong> aka Hinduism, <strong>Jainism<\/strong>, <strong>Sikhism<\/strong> and Buddhism are born in India. India, one of the most powerful nations of the world, is a cradle of civilizations since times immemorial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since centuries the spiritual and material wealth of India has attracted seekers, travelers, explorers, merchants, spiritual gurus and even Islamic invaders and European invaders. People visit you only when you have something to give. Sarnath is no exception!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I saw many Buddhist monks beautifying the green gardens of Sarnath with their robes, some in orange, some red and some even yellow and maroon. Buddhist Pilgrims pay a visit to Sarnath from different countries from <strong>South Asia<\/strong> and <strong>South East Asia<\/strong> such as <strong>Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Korea, Taiwan, Japan <\/strong>and even the predominantly<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/top-places-to-see-in-malaysia\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"11502\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Malaysia<\/a> <\/strong>and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/ten-places-to-visit-in-indonesia\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4173\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Indonesia<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>I saw Buddhist monks<\/strong> silently praying, chanting, meditating or just spending some quiet time on the premises of Sarnath ruin complex. Some even circumambulate around the sacred Dhamek Stupa in the clock wise direction and touch the Stupa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I joined them, engulfed in a space brimming with positive energy and piety. The positive spiritual energy is to be seen to be believed. Some even offer rectangular gold foils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the lawns, I saw a group of Buddhist monks meditating together while sitting on the grass. I observed some monks reading the first sermon of Buddha Bhagwan as their handheld incense sticks perfumed the Sarnath complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is very common to see busloads of international Buddhist tourists accompanied with a guide explaining about the history of Sarnath on a mike in English and other international languages. For many devout <strong>Buddhists<\/strong>, visiting Sarnath is a spiritual milestone, waiting to be accomplished. Much like what <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/kailash-mansarovar-complete-checklist-things-to-pack-and-carry-via-the-china-route\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"12235\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kailash Mansaorovar Yatra<\/a><\/strong> is for <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/zuthulphuk-kailash-mansarovar-yatra\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17051\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hindus<\/a><\/strong> and <strong>Bon people<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Swastika-Patterns-on-Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17789 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Swastika-Patterns-on-Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Swastika-Patterns-on-Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Swastika-Patterns-on-Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Swastika-Patterns-on-Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Swastika-Patterns-on-Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17789\" srcset=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Swastika-Patterns-on-Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Swastika-Patterns-on-Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Swastika-Patterns-on-Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Swastika-Patterns-on-Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_International_Buddha_Circuit\"><\/span><strong>The International Buddha Circuit<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The region of <strong>North India<\/strong> is famous for its <strong>International Buddha Circuit<\/strong> as it is where major events from the life and times of Gautam Buddha Bhagwan unfolded. Most of these places are located near to each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No wonder, the famous <strong>Buddha Circuit train<\/strong> run by <strong>IRCTC<\/strong> includes Sarnath and Varanasi as a major stop along with other <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/dirang-dzong-tourist-places-in-arunachal-pradesh\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"15747\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Buddhist destinations<\/a><\/strong> such as <strong>Bodhgaya<\/strong>, <strong>Nalanda<\/strong> and <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/rajgir-tourist-places-bihar\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16514\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Rajgir<\/strong> <\/a>in <strong>Bihar<\/strong>, <strong>Kushinagar <\/strong>and<strong> Shravasti<\/strong> in <strong>Uttar Pradesh<\/strong> and <strong>Lumbini<\/strong> in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/offbeat-bandipur-nepal-budget-treks-heritage-european-feel-food\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"11963\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nepal<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This affordable train ride helps international tourists to see the best of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/bomdila-sightseeing-top-tourist-places-of-arunachal-pradesh\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"15412\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Buddhist destinations in India<\/a><\/strong> within a week without worrying about hotels, local transport and food. The Buddhist train starts from New Delhi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 7 nights 8 days long <strong>Buddha luxury train<\/strong> run by <strong>Indian Railways<\/strong> is loved by international tourists. Much like the luxury train of South India known as the Golden Chariot. I have a separate<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/golden-chariot-the-only-luxury-train-of-south-india-find-out-what-its-like\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"6472\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">blog on Golden Chario<\/a>t. <\/strong>Do read it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-background\"><strong>Soul Window Observations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\"><em>My home state <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/prem-sarovar-barsana\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16847\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Uttar Pradesh<\/a><\/strong> is a <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/barsana-uttar-pradesh-india\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16857\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">tourist magnet<\/a><\/strong>. Most of the tourists that come to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/nandgaon-uttar-pradesh\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16862\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">India<\/a><\/strong>, do visit Uttar Pradesh. I am proud to belong to Uttar Pradesh as this <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/restaurant-in-mathura-famous-food-and-mathura-peda\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16345\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Indian state<\/a><\/strong> has the most <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/guruvayur-temple\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16718\">famous destinations of India<\/a><\/strong>. Not only is it home to India\u2019s only 7 wonders of the world, Taj mahal but is also the venue of the Hindu festival <strong>Mahakumbh Mela<\/strong>, largest congregation of humans on Earth.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\"><strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/radha-rani-mandir-barsana\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16851\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Uttar Pradesh<\/a><\/em><\/strong><em> is also where holy Indian rivers such as <strong>Ganga Maiyya<\/strong>, Yamuna ji and the mythical Saraswati River flow. At their confluence in Prayagraj, they become one. I did see their colors change during the boat ride I took on one of the days of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/hindu-festivals-what-holy-dip-in-mahakumbh-and-ardhkumbh-in-prayagraj-means\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"13116\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mahakumbh<\/a><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\"><em>Some of the top places to see in Uttar Pradesh are <strong>Varanasi<\/strong>, <strong>Kumbh Mela<\/strong> and Sangam in <strong>Prayagraj<\/strong>, <strong>Taj Mahal<\/strong> and <strong>Fatehpur Sikri<\/strong> in <strong>Agra<\/strong>, Deogarh, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/kushinagar\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16935\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kushinagar<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/shravasti-sahet-mahet-uttar-pradesh\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16939\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shravasti<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/shri-krishna-janmbhoomi-birthplace-mathura\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16331\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mathura <\/a><\/strong>and<strong> Vrindavan<\/strong> near <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/rediscovering-chandni-chowk-beyond-the-obvious\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"161\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New Delhi<\/a>. <\/strong>These mostly spiritual tourist places are so famous that every year lakhs and crores of people pay a visit here, adding to the local tourism economy.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\"><strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/raman-reti-brahmand-ghat-chintaharan-ghat\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16881\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Uttar Pradesh<\/a><\/em><\/strong><em> indeed needs no promotion. It is unnecessarily defamed by media houses, perhaps jealous of its prosperity and high spiritual ground!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"History_of_Buddhist_Stupas\"><\/span><strong>History of Buddhist Stupas<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In pre-Buddhist times, stupas were <strong>tumuli<\/strong> where ascetics and saints were buried in a seated posture. This is what Buddhist Stupas evolved from. It was a common Indian feature. The later hemispherical Buddhist Stupas were fashioned after the pre-Buddhist <strong>burial mounds<\/strong> of <strong>India<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Buddhist commemorative monument were being built to house the sacred relics of Buddha and others such as his disciples. These ancient Stupas were circular mounds encircled by huge stone pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the <em>Parinirvana<\/em> of Bhagwan Gautam Buddha, his mortal remains were cremated. The holy ashes of Buddha were divided and buried in 8 mounds. The contents of other two mounds included the embers and urn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Historians have not been able to trace these early 10 stupas and therefore not much can be said about them. It is believed that the Dhamek Stupa of Sarnath and Sanchi Stupa of Madhya Pradesh were built on the sites of earlier mounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The great emperor Ashoka dug up relics of Buddha, divided them into 84,000 portions and built Stupas over them throughout the land he ruled from. The Stupas were very sacred and destruction of the stupas was seen as a serious crime, much like the murder of someone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ashoka was one of the greatest emperors of India from the Mauryan Empire. The fierce warrior had a change of heart once he understood the futility of war after winning one. This is why he is one of my most favorite characters from <strong>ancient Indian history<\/strong>. He became a passionate convert to <strong>Buddhism<\/strong> and played an active role in promoting it throughout <strong>Asia<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Buddhist_relics_and_Stupas_in_other_nations\"><\/span><strong>Buddhist relics and Stupas in other nations<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The relics of Gautama Buddha were further distributed in various parts of the world such as <strong>Sri Lanka<\/strong>, Bangladesh, <strong>Bhutan<\/strong>, China, Afghanistan, <strong>Indonesia, Japan,<\/strong> Russia, Korea, <strong>Malaysia<\/strong>, Singapore, Mongolia, <strong>Myanmar<\/strong>, <strong>Nepal<\/strong>, Pakistan, Persia, <strong>Tibet<\/strong>, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and <strong>Thailand<\/strong>. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\"><strong><em>Soul Window Facts<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\"><em>Did you know that one of tallest Buddhist stupas was built in <strong>Pakistan<\/strong> near the present Peshawar during the Kushan era? It is known as <strong>Kanishka Stupa<\/strong>. The precious Buddhist relics found here were shifted to the <strong>U Khanti Dazaung<\/strong> or hall at Mandalay Hill, in Mandalay, Burma in <strong>South Asia<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\"><em>The shapes of Stupas differ in other nations such as the multi storied <strong>Japanese<\/strong>, <strong>Korean<\/strong> and <strong>Chinese<\/strong> Pagodas, \u201cheart of garbha\u201d or the bell-shaped dagaba of ancient Ceylon aka Sri Lanka, the multi terraced Buddhist temple of <strong>Borobudur<\/strong> in <strong>Java<\/strong> in <strong>Indonesia<\/strong> and another version in <strong>Tibet<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\"><em>The Buddhist devotees circumambulate around these sacred Stupas in a clockwise manner. It is known as <strong>kora<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-id=\"16469\" data-src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Sarnath-Stupa-Varanasi-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Dhamek Stupa Sarnath Varanasi\" class=\"wp-image-16469 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Sarnath-Stupa-Varanasi-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Sarnath-Stupa-Varanasi-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Sarnath-Stupa-Varanasi-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Sarnath-Stupa-Varanasi.jpg 1280w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/576;\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-id=\"16469\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Sarnath-Stupa-Varanasi-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Dhamek Stupa Sarnath Varanasi\" class=\"wp-image-16469\" srcset=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Sarnath-Stupa-Varanasi-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Sarnath-Stupa-Varanasi-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Sarnath-Stupa-Varanasi-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Sarnath-Stupa-Varanasi.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Sarnath Dhamek Stupa. Pic by Pixabay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Places_to_see_in_Sarnath\"><\/span><strong>Places to see in Sarnath<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Below are the major attractions of Sarnath<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dhamek_Stupa_of_Sarnath\"><\/span><strong>Dhamek Stupa of Sarnath<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This lofty stupa known as the Dhamek Stupa is the top place to visit in Varanasi. Some of the best-preserved ancient <strong>Buddhist Stupas<\/strong> I saw was in Sanchi in <strong>Madhya Pradesh<\/strong> in <strong>central India<\/strong>. Dhamek Stupa was initially known as the Dharma Chakra Stupa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"History_of_Dhamek_Stupa_Sarnath\"><\/span><strong>History of Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dhamek Stupa was commissioned by the great Mauryan emperor Ashoka in 3<sup>rd<\/sup> century B.C.E. in the year 249 B.C.E. to mark his visit to the deer park. Later additions were done in the year 500 C.E. which replaced the structure built by Ashoka the great. Emperor Ashoka used to build Stupas to enshrine precious relics of Bhagwan Buddha and his disciples such as calcinated bones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The archeologists had discovered an ancient inscription from the site which states that the world famous Dhamek Stupa was originally names as <strong>Dharma Chakra Stupa<\/strong>. This inscription can be traced back to 1026 C.E.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dhamek Stupa is also spelt as Dhamekha or Dhamekh. The literal meaning of Dhamek Stupa is the Stupa of the reign of Dharma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As per <strong>Xuanzang<\/strong>, the Chinese Buddhist monk there were around 1,500 priests who stayed here and the main stupa measured a whooping 300 feet or 91 meters in height. Xuanzang visited Sarnath in the year 640 C.E.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I was impressed to see the towering stupa which measures <strong>93.5 feet<\/strong> or 28.5 meters diameter at base and 140 feet or 42.60 meter in height, including the foundation. Without foundation, the height of Dhamek Stupa is 110 feet or 33.36 meters. The circular stone drum measures 37 feet or 11.20 meters in height from the ground level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are total of 8 niches in Dhamek Stupa which are located in 8 different directions. It is concluded by the historians that these niches must have contained the sacred images of Bhagwan Buddha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Running right below them are various carvings on stone which include the sacred symbol Swastika, floral designs, leaves, human figures, birds, geometric patterns and even ancient inscriptions in the Br\u0101hm\u012b script. The delicate floral carvings are from the <strong>Gupta era<\/strong>. It is possible that statues of Lord Buddha were present in the arched niches halfway on the stupa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Constructed entirely out of bricks and stone, the ancient Dhamek Stupa still stands tall as a testimony to the rich cultural landscape of <strong>ancient India<\/strong>. The last royal endowment at the site can be traced back to 12<sup>th<\/sup> century C.E. Despite enlarging the Dhamek Stupa, 6 times over, the upper part of it remains unfinished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What makes Dhamek Stupa significant is the fact that this is where Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon to his 5 disciples led by <strong>Kaundinya<\/strong> after he attained enlightenment in what is now a Buddhist pilgrimage town called <strong>Bodhgaya<\/strong> in present <strong>Bihar<\/strong> in <strong>North India<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is also where Buddha Bhagwan revealed the famous <strong>eightfold path<\/strong> to Nirvana and enlightenment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dhamek Stupa, the cylindrical tower, thus can be known as the foundation of <strong>modern Buddhism<\/strong>. The <strong>Four Noble truths<\/strong> which Buddha taught here are still revered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What also makes Dhamek Stupa significant is the fact that this is where Gautam Buddha brought forth the <strong>Dhammachakkapavattana Sutta<\/strong> as well as the <strong>Anattalakkhana Sutta<\/strong>. The colossal structure of Dhamek Stupa stands out and is the tallest edifice in Sarnath. Needless to say, it can be seen from a distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is said that Alexander Cunningham, the <strong>European<\/strong> founder of <strong>Archaeological Survey of India<\/strong> aka ASI in his search for the relic casket in Dhamek Stupa, bored a vertical shaft which went all the way from its center to the foundation of the ancient Stupa at a depth of 91.4 centimeters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He found a slab with an inscription in the ancient Brahmi language prevalent during old days. The inscription which can be traced back to 6<sup>th<\/sup>-7<sup>th<\/sup> century said, <strong><em>\u201cYe Dharma Hetu Prabhavna Hetu\u201d<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Similar inscriptions have been found in other <strong>Buddhist sites<\/strong> such as <strong>Sherghatti<\/strong> near Bodhgaya and <strong>Tirhut<\/strong>, both in <strong>Bihar<\/strong>, <strong>Prayagraj<\/strong> in <strong>Uttar Pradesh<\/strong> and <strong>Sanchi Stupa<\/strong> in <strong>Madhya Pradesh<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alexander also discovered a stupa which was built with Mauryan bricks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dharmarajika_Stupa_Sarnath\"><\/span><strong>Dharmarajika Stupa Sarnath&nbsp;<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dharmarajika Stupa has been identified as the stupa which was commissioned by Ashoka the great in 3<sup>rd<\/sup> century B.C.E. to enshrine the relics of Buddha Bhagwan. As it happened under his reign, King Ashoka had opened seven original stupas which housed the relics of Buddha except the <strong>Ramgram Stupa<\/strong> in <strong>Nepal<\/strong>, which was guarded by Serpent King Nagas who did not allow him to open it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He removed the relics of Buddha and after redistributing them, enshrined them in Sarnath as well as many other <strong>places in<\/strong> <strong>India<\/strong> and other <strong>Asian nations<\/strong>. Dharmarajika Stupa happens to be one of those Stupas. His goal was to create thousands of such Stupas around <strong>Asia<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Emperor Ashoka had played a major role in spreading <strong>Buddhism<\/strong> in not only across <strong>India<\/strong> but also many <strong>international destinations<\/strong> such as <strong>Sri Lanka<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dharmarajika Stupa was a small Stupa, which originally measured only 44 feet or 13.49 meters in diameter. Later additions were made to it between 3rd century BCE to 9th or 10th century C.E. (the (early medieval era) before it was finally destroyed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over six different phases, the Dharmarajika Stupa was enlarged by adding structures which increased its height. Many other monasteries were renovated and built in the vicinity in this period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This helped build a circumambulatory path, designed like a <strong><em>medhi<\/em><\/strong> (as seen in Sanchi Stupa). There were monolithic staircases located at 4 different cardinal directions which helped Buddhist pilgrims to climb on the stupa in old days. The remains of the <em>pradakshina patha<\/em> or the ambulatory floor made of bricks prove the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This walking path was a first of its kind anywhere in India. Instead of being supported by a railing, a solid brick wall had surrounded the walking passage. That makes Dharmarajika Stupa an aberration. I myself have visited many Buddhist stupas, new and old and all of them have a railing around the circumambulatory path and not an enclosed wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, thanks to the ravages of times, not much remains to be seen at the Dharmarajika Stupa barring a 3-foot circular platform. The <em>\u2018anda\u2019<\/em> or the dome and the path surrounding it is nowhere to be seen. I leave it to my imagination on what this ancient Stupa must have looked like!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is said that <strong>Jagat Singh<\/strong>, the Diwan of King of Banaras, Chet Singh, destroyed the Dharmarajika Stupa in the year 1794 C.E. with the aim of exploiting the material of the edifice. He had discovered a circular stone box which housed a <strong>relic casket of green marble<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is claimed that the stone box belonged to the times of Ashoka and was located in the center of the dome. Unfortunately, the casket was immersed unceremoniously in the Ganga River. However, you can still see the box in the Indian Museum in <strong>Kolkata<\/strong> in <strong>West Bengal<\/strong> near <strong>North East India<\/strong>. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Valuable ancient idols such as that of <strong>seated Buddha<\/strong> in Dharma Chakra Pravartana Mudra from the glorious <strong>Gupta era<\/strong> as well as huge <strong>Bodhisattva<\/strong> built in red sand stone from the <strong>Kushan era<\/strong> have been unearthed from the periphery of the Dharmarajika Stupa, located near Dhamek Stupa. Railings from the <strong>Sunga era<\/strong> have also been excavated in Sarnath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This clearly indicates that the first addition to the Stupa built by Ashoka was done during the Kushan era or early Gupta era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Interestingly Dharmarajika Stupa is located towards north of entrance of Sarnath complex, very close to where Gautam Buddha gave his 1<sup>st<\/sup> sermon!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chaukhandi_Stupa_Sarnath\"><\/span><strong>Chaukhandi Stupa Sarnath<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I had my first view of Chaukhandi Stupa from the Garden of Spiritual Wisdom. As soon as I entered the quaint premises of Sarnath, the first structure I noticed was the Chaukhandi Stupa which was built in the 5<sup>th<\/sup> century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Significance\"><\/span><strong>Significance<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>What makes the site of Chaukhandi Stupa significant is the fact that this is where Bhagwan Gautam Buddha was reunited with his 5 disciples aka <strong><em>Panchavargiya Bhikshus<\/em><\/strong>, after being separated from them in <strong>Rajgir<\/strong> in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/a-weekend-trip-to-darbhanga-with-savaari\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"13329\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bihar<\/a><\/strong>. \u00a0I had visited <strong>Rajgir<\/strong>, <strong>Nalanda<\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/kolhua-vaishali-bihar-ashoka-pillar\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17452\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vaishali<\/a><\/strong> on a single trip to <strong>Bihar<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is believed that to commemorate the same, Chaukhandi Stupa was constructed as a terraced temple between 4<sup>th<\/sup> and 6<sup>th<\/sup> century C.E. during the Gupta period. I felt sad to see that not much remains except for a maze of bricks on a high earthen mound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Buddhist Pilgrims perform <em>kora<\/em> or <em>parikrama<\/em> around the Chaukhandi Stupa as they consider it as a blessing. I saw many Buddhist monks clad in colourful robes and chanting <strong><em>Buddham Sharnam Gacchami<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Islamic_Invasion_on_Chaukhandi_Stupa_Sarnath\"><\/span><strong>Islamic Invasion on Chaukhandi Stupa, Sarnath<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I lingered around the ancient Chaukhandi Stupa for a while, closely studying its rectangular plinth, before I noticed the difference in architecture within the same edifice. An ugly looking octagonal medieval structure built above the stupa didn\u2019t actually blend with the architecture of the original stupa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Turned out, it was a later addition to the original structure. That makes in an unusual Buddhist Stupa of all the stupas I have been to till date!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s more? This odd-looking octagonal <strong>Mughal tower<\/strong> was constructed by <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/govardhan-parikrama-govardhan-parbat\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17243\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Govardhan<\/a><\/strong>, son of Akbar\u2019s finance minister <strong>Raja Todar Mal<\/strong>, in the year 1589 C.E. in memory of his father\u2019s visit to Sarnath. Humayun was the father of Akbar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Islamic invaders<\/strong> were habitual offenders who looted and mindlessly robbed Indian and Buddhist temples of yore. Whether it is <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/who-destroyed-sri-ranganathaswami-temple-srirangam\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17314\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Srirangam temple<\/a><\/strong> in <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/who-destroyed-sri-ranganathaswami-temple-srirangam\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17314\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Tamilnadu<\/strong> <\/a>or <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/martand-sun-temple-guide-the-lost-hindu-temple-of-kashmir\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"13777\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Martand Temple<\/a> <\/strong>in<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/gulmarg-jammu-kashmir\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16494\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kashmir<\/a><\/strong>, <strong>Dwarka<\/strong> in <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/offbeat-gujarat-solo-travel-to-nal-sarovar-bird-sanctuary\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4881\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Gujarat<\/strong> <\/a>or <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/mysteries-and-miracles-of-sri-jagannath-temple-puri-odisha\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16200\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sri Jagannath Mandir<\/a><\/strong> of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/mahaprasad-in-jagannath-puri-odisha\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16194\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Puri<\/a><\/strong> in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/jagannath-rath-yatra-puri-odisha-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16178\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Odisha<\/a><\/strong>, these <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/gauri-kund-kailash-mansarovar-yatra-tibet\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17028\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">holy places<\/a><\/strong> have repeatedly attacked by marauding fanatic Islamists of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/durga-temple-aihole\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17281\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">medieval India<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/tawang-monastery-sela-pass-bumla-other-things-to-do\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"15473\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Devout Buddhists<\/a><\/strong> perform a <em>kora<\/em> or <em>parikrama<\/em> around Chaukhandi Stupa as well. Many images and statues from the Gupta era have been excavated at the Chaukhandi Stupa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Garden_of_Spiritual_Wisdom\"><\/span><strong>Garden of Spiritual Wisdom<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is a must-see place in Sarnath Varanasi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Shreyanshnath_Jain_Mandir\"><\/span><strong>Shreyanshnath Jain Mandir<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The 19<sup>th<\/sup> century Shreyanshnath Jain Mandir is a must visit place when in Sarnath. Constructed in the year 1824 C.E., this Jain Temple is a fine specimen of ancient art and architecture dominant in this region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Devoted to <strong>Lord Shreyanshnath<\/strong>, the 11<sup>th<\/sup> tirthankara, it reminded me of <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/pavagadh\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16693\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Jain temples of<\/strong> <strong>Pavagarh<\/strong><\/a> is faraway <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/garba-gyrations-galore-in-united-way-vadodara-biggest-dance-show-in-india\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"12210\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Gujarat<\/strong> <\/a>in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/a-locals-guide-to-best-vegan-food-in-vadodara-in-budget-gujarat-incredible-india\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"9725\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">West India<\/a><\/strong>. The Jain community believes that the site of Shreyanshnath Jain Mandir is where Lord Shreyanshnath was born!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I feel that the most noticeable features of this ancient Jain temple are the frescos that depict the life and times of <strong>Bhagwan Mahavir<\/strong> in beautiful details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sri_Digamber_Jain_Temple\"><\/span><strong>Sri Digamber Jain Temple<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Located near the Dhamek Stupa, the Sri Digamber Jain Temple is revered by the Jain community. You can get acquainted with <strong>Digambara monasticism<\/strong> which is a branch of Jain Dharma.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Deer_Park_of_Sarnath\"><\/span><strong>Deer Park of Sarnath<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most famous places to see in Sarnath in Varanasi is the deer park. It is believed by the Buddhists that this is where Lord Gautam Buddha taught the sacred <strong>Dhammachakkapavattana Sutta<\/strong> as well as the <strong>Anattalakkhana Sutta <\/strong>to his 5 disciples following which they propagated his teachings in other parts of India and elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We know from the numerous ancient sources that Buddha\u2019s 1<sup>st<\/sup> sermon happened in <strong><em>Mriga-dayaa-vanam<\/em><\/strong>, the literal meaning of which is a \u2018forest of deer\u2019 or the \u2018sanctuary of deer\u2019. <em>Mriga<\/em> means deer and <em>vanam<\/em> means forest in Sanskrit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is said that in those times, a huge population of spotted deer inhabited this area. The deer would give the enlightened Lord Buddha company as he taught the laws of Dharma for the posterity. The land here was gifted by the King of Varanasi as a goodwill gesture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even to this date, we can see many spotted deer in the deer park of Sarnath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Excavated_Archaeological_Site\"><\/span><strong>Excavated Archaeological Site<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can visit the ancient ruins in the Excavated Archaeological Site to get a hang of the history of Sarnath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Precious relics from the past such as Ashokan pillars dot the land scape of this <em>al fresco<\/em> heritage exhibition. Unfortunately, only the base of Ashokan pillars remain now. Giving them company are the remains of 4 ancient monasteries, decaying monuments and other such old structures which belong to the great <strong>Mauryan Empire<\/strong>. The monasteries were built between 3<sup>rd<\/sup> century C.E. to 12<sup>th<\/sup> century C.E.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Entry Fee to Dhamek Stupa is INR 20 for Indians and INR 200 for foreigners. This combined entry fee includes visit to the Dhamek Stupa, the ruin complex of Sarnath as well as the Sarnath Archeological Museum. These are maintained by the <strong>ASI<\/strong> aka <strong>Archeological Survey of India<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-pale-pink-background-color has-background\"><strong><em>Soul Window Thoughts<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\"><em>I often hear foreigners complaining of the difference in price tickets for Indians and foreigners. I think the extra ticket price for entry in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/famous-monuments-of-india\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"15887\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Indian monuments<\/a><\/strong> for foreigners visiting India is justified because everyone pays huge amounts of money for just using toilets in <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/things-to-do-in-marseille-france\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"15307\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Europe<\/strong> <\/a>and forced to take flights and private cabs in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/cape-may-winter-getaway\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"15766\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">U.S.A.<\/a><\/strong> known for its poor infrastructure of <strong>public transport<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ashoka_Pillar_at_Sarnath\"><\/span><strong>Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The good news is that the Ashoka Pillar in Sarnath aka A\u015boka Column is still located in its place and not looted and caged in a clinical <strong>British Museum<\/strong>, which is nothing but a collection of stolen historical objects from <strong>around the world<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Ashokan-Pillar-Sarnath-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath campus. Varanasi\" class=\"wp-image-17726 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Ashokan-Pillar-Sarnath-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Ashokan-Pillar-Sarnath-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Ashokan-Pillar-Sarnath-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Ashokan-Pillar-Sarnath-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Ashokan-Pillar-Sarnath-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath campus. Varanasi\" class=\"wp-image-17726\" srcset=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Ashokan-Pillar-Sarnath-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Ashokan-Pillar-Sarnath-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Ashokan-Pillar-Sarnath-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Ashokan-Pillar-Sarnath-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Remains of the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath campus. Varanasi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The famed Ashokan Pillar was carved out of a block of polished sandstone. It is the only surviving Ashokan pillar in the world, bearing the famous edicts of Ashoka, which is in such good condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Emblem\"><\/span><strong>Emblem<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The world-famous Lion Capital of Ashoka which rested atop the Ashokan Pillar depicts four <strong>Asiatic Lions, <\/strong>facing 4 directions. It is the <strong>national emblem of India<\/strong>. It was commissioned by Ashoka the great in 250 B.C.E when the Mauryan Empire was at its peak! The capital rests atop a bell-shaped lotus flower. Lotus is also the national flower of India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The National emblem is also used by Indian Government officials along with the tagline \u2018Satyameva Jayate\u2019 which means \u2018Truth Alone Wins\u2019. You can see it on Indian stamps and Indian passports as well. As an Indian, I have grown up seeing the capital from Ashokan Pillar around me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Animals_on_Ashokan_Pillar\"><\/span><strong>Animals on Ashokan Pillar<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Apart from the large structure of 4 Asian lions, other animals found on the Ashokan Pillar are an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull and a lion again. A spoked chariot wheel sits between each animal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ashok_Chakra\"><\/span><strong>Ashok Chakra<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The wheel located below the 4 lions can be seen in the national flag of India. Now you can understand why Sarnath is one of the most important <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/places-to-visit-in-igatpuri\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17162\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">destinations in India<\/a><\/strong>. The Ashoka wheel is also known as Ashok Chakra, Dharmachakra or the Wheel of Dharma. The wheel has 24 spokes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ashoka_Pillar_at_Sanchi_Stupa_and_Vaishali\"><\/span><strong>Ashoka Pillar at Sanchi Stupa and Vaishali<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I saw a similar damaged Ashokan Pillar lying carelessly in the lawns of <strong>Sanchi Stupa<\/strong> in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/why-you-should-stay-at-kohka-wilderness-camp-near-pench-national-park-madhya-pradesh\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"11292\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Madhya Pradesh<\/a><\/strong>. I could easily touch it as there was no barricading around the precious pillar. I was impressed to see that even after so many centuries, the Ashokan Pillar was shiny and smooth as glass. You can read my <strong>full travel guide on Sanchi Stupa<\/strong> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can see the capital of Ashoka pillar of Sanchi at the Sanchi Archaeological Museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can obviously not touch the Ashokan Pillar at Sarnath in Varanasi. Ashoka Pillar of Sarnath with engraved edict is located near the Dhamek Stupa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I saw a similar Ashokan Pillar in Vaishali in Bihar as well. You can read <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/kolhua-vaishali-bihar-ashoka-pillar\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17452\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">my comprehensive travel blog on Vaishali<\/a><\/strong> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ashoka_Pillar_in_Chiang_Mai_Thailand\"><\/span><strong>Ashoka Pillar in Chiang Mai, Thailand<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Did you know that King Mangrai from Lanna Dynasty of <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/rainy-season-in-thailand-monsoon-wet-season\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17408\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Thailand<\/strong> <\/a>had built a replica of the Ashokan Pillar at Sarnath in the 13<sup>th<\/sup> century C.E. The <strong>Thai Ashokan Pillar<\/strong> is located in <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wat_Umong\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Wat Umong<\/strong><\/a> in the hilly <strong>Chiang Mai<\/strong> in <strong>North Thailand<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wat Umong was built in the year 1297 C.E.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Thai Ashokan pillar features 4 lions and a wheel at the base, much like its counterpart at Vaishali and Sarnath. A wheel also accompanies the lions at the top. It is surrounded by dense canopy of trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sarnath_Archaeological_Museum\"><\/span><strong>Sarnath Archaeological Museum<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Step into this time warp as you transport yourself to a bygone era. If you want to understand how advanced and great the <strong>Indian civilization<\/strong> was then a visit to the <strong>Archaeological Museum <\/strong>is a must!Rare artifacts from 3<sup>rd<\/sup> century B.C.E. to 12 centuries C.E. are displayed in pretty good condition here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite its small size, this museum if one of the most important museums of India as it houses some very precious artifacts excavated from the region in and around Sarnath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The iconic <strong>Ashokan Lion <\/strong>in polished sandstone, which is often also seen on Indian currency notes and coins can also be seen here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Ashokan Lion is the national emblem of India. The other notable sculptures and displays of Archaeological Museum of Sarnath include statues of <strong>Bodhisattva<\/strong>, the <strong>Goddess Tara <\/strong>and other carved Buddhist artifacts. I had bought the mask of Green Tara Goddess from <strong>Thamel<\/strong>, in <strong>Kathmandu<\/strong> in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/in-search-of-one-horned-rhinoceros-other-wildlife-in-chitwan-national-park-naturally-nepal\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"10737\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nepal<\/a><\/strong>. You can buy from Sarnath as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\"><strong><em>Soul Window Travel Tips<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\">The Archaeological Museum of Sarnath is airconditioned and remains closed on Friday. There are many galleries located in the museum, all of which you must visit. You need to submit the cellphone, DSLR camera, point and shoot cameras as photography and videography is strictly prohibited inside the Sarnath Archaeological Museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Gautam-Buddhaa-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Buddhist Monastery complex of Sarnath. Varanasi\" class=\"wp-image-17729 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Gautam-Buddhaa-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Gautam-Buddhaa-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Gautam-Buddhaa-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Gautam-Buddhaa.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Gautam-Buddhaa-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Buddhist Monastery complex of Sarnath. Varanasi\" class=\"wp-image-17729\" srcset=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Gautam-Buddhaa-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Gautam-Buddhaa-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Gautam-Buddhaa-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-Gautam-Buddhaa.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Buddhist Monastery complex of Sarnath. Varanasi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mulagandha_Kuti_Vihar\"><\/span><strong>Mulagandha Kuti Vihar<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is a beautiful temple which has immense importance to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/how-to-reach-lamayuru-monastery-ladakh\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16685\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Buddhists<\/a><\/strong>. It is said that Lord Buddha used to meditate at this spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;A massive bell vies for my attention as I enter the premises of the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar. I leaned it was gifted by the Japanese. Mulagandha Kuti Vihar was constructed in the year 1931 by the founder of Mahabodhi society, <strong>Angarika Dharmapala<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Historians claim that the new temple was built on a site of an earlier Sarnath temple from the great Gupta period. I could not help but think that the modern replica of the old temple, must not be a patch on the original.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can see the famous golden statue of Gautam Buddha in the <strong>Mulagandha Kuti Vihar. <\/strong>The posture of statueshows Lord Buddhadelivering his first sermon to the 5 ascetics.Buddha is also said to have spent his first rainy season here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The platform on whichthe statue is placed hidesancient relics of Gautam Buddha.Once in a year on the auspicious occasion of <strong>Buddha Poornima<\/strong>, the prized relics are taken out of the sacred chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It reminded me of my visit to the <strong>Sri Dalada Maligawa<\/strong> or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, located in <strong>Kandy<\/strong> in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/pol-sambol-katta-sambol-seeni-sambol-lunu-miris-recipe-of-vegan-sri-lankan-food\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"11444\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sri Lanka<\/a><\/strong>. It is a <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/lamayuru-monastery-moonland-ladakh\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16675\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">major Buddhist Temple<\/a><\/strong> in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/udawalawe-national-park-safari-in-sri-lanka\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"13524\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">South Asia<\/a><\/strong> which houses the precious tooth relic of Gautam Buddha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The work of <strong>Japanese<\/strong> artist <strong>Kosetsu Nosu<\/strong> include the well-made frescos on the inner walls of the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar. You can see the entire life of <strong>Gautam Buddha<\/strong> depicted on these frescos, right from his birth to the attainment of <strong>Mahaparinirvana<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the notable paintings located here depict scenes such as the legend of Angulimala, the distractions of Mara, mourning the Death of Gautam Buddha, Gautam Buddha leaving home as his wife sleeps etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana is what is now an important <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/dolma-la-pass-tibet\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17018\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Buddhist pilgrimage site<\/a><\/strong> known as <strong>Kushinagar<\/strong>. It is located in my home state <strong>Uttar Pradesh<\/strong> near <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/dilkusha-kothi-ruined-in-mutiny-of-1857-offbeat-lucknow-uttar-pradesh-india\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"12043\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lucknow <\/a><\/strong>in<strong> North India<\/strong>. Another Buddhist site <strong>Shravasti<\/strong> is also located in the same region near the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/dhangadhi-india-nepal-border-town\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"15968\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Indo Nepal border<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It may be closed during lunch hours. In that case you can visit the nearby Digambar Jain Temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bodhi_Tree_of_Sarnath\"><\/span><strong>Bodhi Tree of Sarnath<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I have visited the predominantly <strong>Buddhist<\/strong> <strong>Sri Lanka<\/strong> many times so I was curious when I noticed a connection in Sarnath. Apparently, a branch of the original Bodhi tree of <strong>Anuradhapura<\/strong> in <strong>Sri Lanka<\/strong> has been planted in the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar inSarnath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Bodhi tree of Anuradhapura is also known as<strong> Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi <\/strong>or simply as thesacred Bo tree.Did you know that the Bodhi tree of Anuradhapura is a southern branch from the original <strong>Sri Mahabodhi Temple<\/strong> in <strong>Bodh Gaya<\/strong> aka Buddha Gaya in <strong>Bihar<\/strong> in <strong>North India<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Needless to say, the Bodhi Tree of Sarnath is one of the oldest surviving religious trees of the world. A massive bell with inscriptions is another attraction here. It is one of the best places to visit in Sarnath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I noticed a <strong>Buddhist pilgrim<\/strong> picking up a fallen leaf from the Bodhi tree and quietly kept it in her bag. No one found it odd or batted an eyelid. Pilgrims do it as a blessing. I myself picked a fallen leaf and inserted it in my fat <strong>Lonely Planet India Guide Book<\/strong> as I sat next to the original Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tibetan_Temple_of_Sarnath\"><\/span><strong>Tibetan Temple of Sarnath<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Two colorful statue of lion guards, common in Tibetan places, welcomed me as I entered the premises of the Tibetan Temple of Sarnath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The alluring idol of Shakyamuni Buddha is the main highlight of the Tibetan Temple of Sarnath. The huge Thangka paintings depicting Buddhist themes are also a must see when visiting the Tibetan Temple of Sarnath. And before you leave, do not forget to move the <strong>Wheel of Dhamma<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During my <strong>visit to Tibet<\/strong>, I understood about their culture closely. A poignant chorten located within the Tibetan monastery compound was built in order to commemorate the supreme sacrifice which the <strong>people of Tibet<\/strong> did by losing their lives during the long struggle for the freedom of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/mansarovar-lake-tibet\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17235\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tibet<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I saw similar glimpse of Tibetan life near <strong>Gunehar<\/strong> in <strong>Bir Billing<\/strong> and <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/mcleodganj-the-little-lhasa-2-days-itinerary\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"13714\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Mcleodganj<\/strong> <\/a>in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/a-drive-with-many-distractions-chandigarh-to-manali\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"12655\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Himachal Pradesh<\/a><\/strong>, near <strong>Ravang La<\/strong> in <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/uttarey-sikkim-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16526\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Sikkim<\/strong> <\/a>and even <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/top-touristy-offbeat-places-to-see-in-coorg-madikeri-in-2-days\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"14314\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Coorg<\/strong> <\/a>in <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/places-to-get-in-touch-with-your-spiritual-side-at-coorg\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"12027\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Karnataka<\/strong> <\/a>in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/explore-the-wildlife-sanctuaries-in-coorg\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"11734\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">South India<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-pale-pink-background-color has-background\"><strong><em>Soul Window observations<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\"><em>I have visited <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/monastery-in-tibet-chiu-gompa\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16352\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Tibet<\/strong> <\/a>during the once in a lifetime <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/mount-kailash-and-lake-manasarovar-tour-in-tibet\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"11922\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kailash Mansarovar Yatra<\/a><\/strong> and can vouch that the architecture of <strong>Tibetan Temple<\/strong> of Sarnath matches with the architecture of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/weather-in-leh-in-september-temperature-autumn-season\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17396\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Buddhist monasteries<\/a><\/strong> I saw in <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/rakshas-tal-lake-kailash-mansarovar-yatra\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17060\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Tibet<\/strong> <\/a>or closer home in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/adventure-at-mechuka-and-other-top-things-to-do-arunachal-pradesh-on-a-budget\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"12983\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mechuka<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/dirang-boutique-cottages-finest-of-dirang-hotels\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"14872\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dirang<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/tawang-monastery-sela-pass-bumla-other-things-to-do\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"15473\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tawang <\/a>and <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/bomdila-sightseeing-top-tourist-places-of-arunachal-pradesh\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"15412\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Bomdila<\/strong> <\/a>in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/capital-of-arunachal-pradesh-itanagar-places-to-visit\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"15495\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Arunachal Pradesh<\/a><\/strong>. The Buddhist monasteries I saw in <strong>Namchi, <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/pelling-sikkim-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16534\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pelling<\/a>, <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/incredible-india-10-budget-friendly-free-things-to-do-in-gangtok-sikkim-with-family\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"6919\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Gangtok<\/strong> <\/a>etc in <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/yuksom-sikkim-guide-places-to-see\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"15939\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Sikkim<\/strong> <\/a>were also similar. Not to forget <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/tso-moriri-weather-temperature-season-best-time-to-visit\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17432\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ladakh <\/a><\/strong>in<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/nandhaur-wildlife-sanctuary-uttarakhand\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17604\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">North India<\/a> <\/strong>and<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/quick-guide-must-do-things-in-thimphu-bhutan-with-30-exclusive-pictures\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2626\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bhutan<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Thai_Temple_of_Sarnath\"><\/span><strong>Thai Temple of Sarnath<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>How can a temple from <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/top-places-in-chanthaburi-koh-mak-island-trat-guide-11-days-itinerary-offbeat-thailand\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"13498\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Thailand <\/a><\/strong>be left behind in an <strong>Indian Buddhist pilgrimage site<\/strong>? The famous Hinayana Buddha Temple is located within the well-manicured sprawling lawns. The Thai dignitaries who visited Sarnath in the year 1933 are credited with building the Thai Temple of Sarnath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Built in typical <strong>Thai architecture<\/strong>, this temple is surrounded by lush green gardens. The statue of Lord Gautam Buddha rests here in his <strong>Bhumisparshmudra<\/strong>. This <em>mudra<\/em> aka posture shows him touching the ground in order to summon the mortal spirits from the netherworld.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Jambu_Dwip_Sri_Lankan_Buddhist_Temple_Sarnath\"><\/span><strong>Jambu Dwip Sri Lankan Buddhist Temple Sarnath<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Theravada Buddhism<\/strong>, a different branch of Buddhism is practiced in <strong>Sri Lanka<\/strong>, a tiny <strong>island nation<\/strong> in <strong>South Asia<\/strong> located near <strong>South<\/strong> <strong>India<\/strong>. The architecture of Jambu Dwip Sri Lankan Buddhist Temple is, needless to say, typical Sri Lankan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is located near the Radio Station. You need to come to Ashoka Road from Rishipattan road to arrive here. Take a right turn from the Ashok Road to reach the <strong>Sri Lankan<\/strong> Temple in Sarnath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Japanese_Temple_Sarnath\"><\/span><strong>Japanese Temple Sarnath<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The highlight of the Japanese Temple of Sarnath is the massive wooden statue of reclining Gautam Buddha. Since the sacred idol is made of sandalwood, it emanates a pleasing aroma. You can join the other Buddhist pilgrims in a healing meditation session here. The sloping roofs of the temple represent typical Japanese architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-light-green-cyan-background-color has-background\"><strong><em>Soul Window Observations<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\"><em>Apart from the Japanese Temple of Sarnath, the other such rare temples I have visited in <strong>India<\/strong> include the <strong>Japanese temple in Darjeeling<\/strong> in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/durga-puja-kolkata\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16273\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">West Bengal<\/a><\/strong>. The Japanese Temple at Worli Naka in <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/have-you-ever-experienced-the-4-a-m-mumbai-it-is-my-favourite-mumbai\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"669\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Mumbai<\/strong> <\/a>also known as the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple is located in <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/randha-waterfall-bhandardara-maharashtra\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17177\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Maharashtra<\/strong> <\/a>in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/sopara-stupa-nalasopara-mumbai\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17300\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">West India<\/a><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\"><em>The offbeat 100 years old Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Templewas a part of my assignment when I shot pictures for the<strong> Outlook Traveler\u2019s Guide on Mumbai.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\"><em>Do let me know if you know of any other Japanese temples in India in comments section.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Indonesian_Temple\"><\/span><strong>Indonesian Temple<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Another must visit Buddhist temple of Sarnath. You can see typical Indonesian architecture and culture here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Burma_Temple\"><\/span><strong>Burma Temple<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You must visit Burma Temple when travelling in Sarnath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Korean_Temple_Nokyawon\"><\/span><strong>Korean Temple Nokyawon<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A colorful signboard saying \u2018Welcome to Korean Temple Nokyawon\u2019 welcomed me as I was 1 kilometer away from it. The signboard also has Korean flag and Korean language embellished on it, enhancing the international aura of Sarnath and Varanasi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chinese_Buddhist_Temple\"><\/span><strong>Chinese Buddhist Temple<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The yellow building of the Chinese Buddhist Temple is located close to all the main points of attraction in Sarnath. You will see many Chinese elements such as Chinese lanterns etc in the vicinity. It also has a garden where you can take a break. Not many visit this offbeat destination of Sarnath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I cannot think of any other Chinese temples in India except those of <strong>Kolkata<\/strong> in <strong>West Bengal<\/strong> near <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/tezpur-tourist-places\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16613\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">North East India<\/a><\/strong> and the lesser-known <strong>Kwan Kung Temple<\/strong>, the only Chinese temple in <strong>Mumbai<\/strong> in <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wai-in-maharashtra\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16902\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Maharashtra<\/strong> <\/a>in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/flower-power-the-complete-guide-to-kaas-plateau-maharashtra\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2474\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">West India<\/a><\/strong>. It is located in <strong>Mazagaon<\/strong>. The offbeat <strong>Kwan Kung Temple <\/strong>was a part of my assignment when I shot pictures for the<strong> Outlook Traveler\u2019s Guide on Mumbai.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-light-green-cyan-background-color has-background\"><strong><em>Soul Window Travel Tips<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\"><li>Sarnath is a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage. You must dress conservatively and appropriately.<\/li><li>The Buddhist monks Circumambulate the ancient Dhamek Stupa and other religious structures in a clock wise direction. You must adhere to it as well.<\/li><li>Refrain from shouting and screaming as many Buddhist monks meditate and do studies here.<\/li><li>The holy statues and sacred structures scattered around the Sarnath complex are meant to be appreciated and not climbed upon.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Sarnath_safe_to_visit\"><\/span><strong>Is Sarnath safe to visit?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sarnath is 100% safe! In fact, Sarnath is one of the safest places to visit in India!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Floral-pattern-on-Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath Monastery complex. Varanasi \" class=\"wp-image-17790 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Floral-pattern-on-Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Floral-pattern-on-Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Floral-pattern-on-Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Floral-pattern-on-Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Floral-pattern-on-Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath Monastery complex. Varanasi \" class=\"wp-image-17790\" srcset=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Floral-pattern-on-Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Floral-pattern-on-Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Floral-pattern-on-Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Floral-pattern-on-Dhamek-Stupa-Sarnath-Monastery-complex-Gautam-Buddha-Varanasi-Banaras-Kashi-Ghats.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Floral patterns on Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath Monastery complex. Varanasi <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_reach_Sarnath_in_Varanasi\"><\/span><strong>How to reach Sarnath in Varanasi<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sarnath, being located in a bustling city of <strong>North India<\/strong> is very easy to reach! Sarnath is located 23 min and 10.6 kilometers away from the main Varanasi city in the <strong>North East<\/strong> direction and can be accessed via NH 31.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>By cab:<\/strong> You can book a cab from Varanasi main city or even other nearby cities such as <strong>Lucknow<\/strong>, <strong>Kanpur, Ayodhya,<\/strong> Jaunpur and Buddhist sites such as <strong>Kushinagar<\/strong> and <strong>Shravasti<\/strong>. They are the most expensive mode to reach Sarnath but also the most quick and convenient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>By air:<\/strong> Since Sarnath is an <strong>international destination<\/strong>, frequented by devout Buddhists of <strong>South East Asian <\/strong>nations such as<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/art-in-paradise-3d-museum-is-offbeat-and-kid-friendly-thing-to-do-in-bangkok-thailand\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"11407\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Thailand<\/a>, Myanmar, <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/the-business-class-of-sri-lankan-airlines-and-why-is-awarded-best-airlines-in-south-asia\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"11481\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sri Lanka<\/a>, <\/strong>and <strong>South Asian countries<\/strong> like <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/rural-eco-tourism-at-offbeat-hiriwadunna-lake-dambulla-sri-lanka-boat-ride-village-walk\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"11980\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sri Lanka<\/a><\/strong>, it has great air connectivity. Varanasi airport (Code: VNS), located in Babatpur, is the nearest airport from Sarnath. It is situated 30 kms away from Varanasi airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>By train:<\/strong> Sarnath is easy to arrive at by <strong>Indian Railways<\/strong>. Varanasi Cantt is the closest railway junction from Sarnath and is located just 6 kilometers away. Sarnath has a tiny railway station of its own as well. However, not many trains make a halt here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>By bus:<\/strong> Buses from various parts of Varanasi as well as other nearby cities also ply to Sarnath. Apart from trains, it is the most cost-effective way of traveling to Sarnath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Timings_of_Sarnath\"><\/span><strong>Timings of Sarnath<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sarnath is open from sunrise to sunset during both winter and summer. Just before the sunset is the best time to be in Sarnath. During this golden hour, sun rays cast magic on the ruins of Sarnath, thereby enhancing its beauty manifolds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion_Why_visit_Sarnath\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion: Why visit Sarnath? <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sarnath is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites of <strong>India<\/strong> along with <strong>Shravasti<\/strong> and <strong>Kushinagar<\/strong>, all of which are located in Uttar Pradesh in <strong>North India<\/strong>. Buddhists from as far as <strong>Thailand, Cambodia, Laos<\/strong> and <strong>Sri Lanka<\/strong> visit this ancient land. Peppered with significant Buddhist sites such as the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi stupa, Mulagandhakuti vihara, Ashokan Pillar and Deer Park, Sarnath is a must visit international destination of Varanasi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will get a good idea of the impressive <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maurya_Empire\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mauryan Empire<\/a><\/strong>, the life of Ashoka-the great and Bhagwan Gautam Buddha by paying a visit to Sarnath. This comprehensive guide answers all your queries on Sarnath. You will also see how <a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/awantiswamin-temple-avantishwar-temple-awantipur-lost-hindu-temples-of-kashmir\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"14197\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Hindu<\/strong> <\/a>and <strong>Buddhist<\/strong> culture that originated in <strong>India<\/strong> has influenced much of <strong>South East Asia<\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/luxury-resort-amaya-lake-dambulla-nice-place-to-stay-in-sri-lanka-near-sigiriya\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"11531\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">South Asia<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"16450\" data-src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Top-Travel-Blog-India-A-Soul-Window-boat-ride-Ganga-Varanasi-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16450 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Top-Travel-Blog-India-A-Soul-Window-boat-ride-Ganga-Varanasi-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Top-Travel-Blog-India-A-Soul-Window-boat-ride-Ganga-Varanasi-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Top-Travel-Blog-India-A-Soul-Window-boat-ride-Ganga-Varanasi-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Top-Travel-Blog-India-A-Soul-Window-boat-ride-Ganga-Varanasi.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"16450\" src=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Top-Travel-Blog-India-A-Soul-Window-boat-ride-Ganga-Varanasi-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Top-Travel-Blog-India-A-Soul-Window-boat-ride-Ganga-Varanasi-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Top-Travel-Blog-India-A-Soul-Window-boat-ride-Ganga-Varanasi-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Top-Travel-Blog-India-A-Soul-Window-boat-ride-Ganga-Varanasi-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Top-Travel-Blog-India-A-Soul-Window-boat-ride-Ganga-Varanasi.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\"><strong>The view from my Soul Window takes me back thousands of years ago!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\">Pin this blog to save the blog and plan a trip later!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Blogs\"><\/span><strong>Related Blogs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to read detailed travel guides on related topics, do check out below-mentioned comprehensive blogs. These places of Uttar Pradesh are related to each other in some way and you can use this information to plan a memorable trip in the ancient Varanasi and vibrant Uttar Pradesh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Blogs_on_Varanasi\"><\/span><strong>Blogs on Varanasi<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You must not miss the following informative travel guides on Varanasi or Banaras or Kashi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/ganga-aarti-varanasi\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16464\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ganga Aarti Varanasi&nbsp;<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/dev-deepawali-festival-in-varanasi\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16456\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">About Dev Deepawali in Varanasi<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/alaknanda-cruise-ganga-varanasi\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16451\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">About Alaknanda Cruise<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/rajdari-devdari-waterfalls-aurwatand-near-varanasi\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17738\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">About Varanasi Waterfalls<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Blogs_on_Buddhist_Destinations\"><\/span><strong>Blogs on Buddhist Destinations<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Below are some of the best Buddhist places I have visited and documented on my travel blog <strong>A Soul Window <\/strong>&#8211; the No. 1 travel blog of India. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/kapilvastu-piprahwa-stupa-ganwaria-india\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16929\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Piparahwa Stupa<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/kushinagar\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16935\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kushinagar<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/shravasti-sahet-mahet-uttar-pradesh\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16939\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shravasti<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lumbini<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bodhgaya<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/tawang-monastery-sela-pass-bumla-other-things-to-do\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"15473\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tawang<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/bomdila-sightseeing-top-tourist-places-of-arunachal-pradesh\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"15412\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bomdila<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/dirang-dzong-tourist-places-in-arunachal-pradesh\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"15747\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dirang<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/leh-to-nubra-valley-via-khardung-la-with-scout-my-trip-oyo-rooms-incredible-india\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"8876\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nubra valley<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/lamayuru-monastery-moonland-ladakh\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16675\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lamayuru Monastery<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/mulbekh-monastery-chamba-statue-ladakh\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16505\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mulbekh Monastery<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/kolhua-vaishali-bihar-ashoka-pillar\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17452\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vaishali<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/rajgir-tourist-places-bihar\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16514\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rajgir<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nalanda<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/explore-the-tea-gardens-of-dharamshala-during-a-family-vacation-in-himachal-pradesh\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"13031\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dharamshala<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sanchi Stupa<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/incredible-india-10-budget-friendly-free-things-to-do-in-gangtok-sikkim-with-family\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"6919\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gangtok<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/pelling-sikkim-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16534\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pelling<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/uttarey-sikkim-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16526\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Uttarey Village<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/yumthang-valley-north-sikkim\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17480\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lachung<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/yuksom-sikkim-guide-places-to-see\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"15939\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Yuksom<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dambulla Caves<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/adventure-at-mechuka-and-other-top-things-to-do-arunachal-pradesh-on-a-budget\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"12983\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mechuka<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/11-days-winter-itinerary-guide-for-an-epic-road-trip-in-sikkim\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"13307\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Namchi<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/quick-guide-must-do-things-in-thimphu-bhutan-with-30-exclusive-pictures\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2626\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Thimphu<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/guide-to-paro-valley-why-you-should-go-to-this-dreamland-in-bhutan\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4473\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Paro<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/top-places-to-see-near-punakha-dzong-aka-pungtang-dewa-chhenbi-phodrang-dochula-pass-offbeat-bhutan\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"13063\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Punakha<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/why-is-everyone-so-chilled-out-at-penis-art-on-bhutan-walls-chimi-lhakhang\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5128\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chimi Lhakhang<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/haa-valley-exclusive-pictures-and-story-on-the-hidden-paradise-of-bhutan-no-one-talks-about\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3688\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Haa Valley<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/monastery-in-tibet-chiu-gompa\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16352\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chiu Gompa of Tibet<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Blogs_on_Uttar_Pradesh\"><\/span><strong>Blogs on Uttar Pradesh<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Below are the mammoth travel blogs on other places to visit in Uttar Pradesh. Most of these places to see are major pilgrimages of Hindus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/barsana-uttar-pradesh-india\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16857\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Barsana Travelogue<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/gokul-uttar-pradesh-places-to-see\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16872\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gokul Travelogue<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/govardhan-parikrama-govardhan-parbat\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17243\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Govardhan Parikrama Travelogue<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/shri-krishna-janmbhoomi-birthplace-mathura\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16331\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mathura Travelogue<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/nandgaon-uttar-pradesh\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16862\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nandgaon Travelogue<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/prem-sarovar-barsana\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16847\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Prem Sarovar of Barsana Travelogue<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/restaurant-in-mathura-famous-food-and-mathura-peda\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16345\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best restaurants in Mathura<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/shri-krishna-janmbhoomi-birthplace-mathura\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16331\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shri Krishna Janmbhoomi Travelogue<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/radha-rani-mandir-barsana\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16851\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shri Radha Rani Mandir Travelogue<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Vrindavan Travelogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/shri-ram-janmabhoomi-mandir-top-places-to-visit-in-ayodhya-uttar-pradesh\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"13258\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir Travelogue<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/bhavya-deepawali-mahotsav-ayodhya-deepotsav-celebrations-on-banks-of-sarayu-river-uttar-pradesh\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"14137\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Travelogue on Bhavya Deepawali of Ayodhya<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/birdwatching-in-dudhwa-national-park\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16094\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bird photography in Dudhwa National Park<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/dhangadhi-india-nepal-border-town\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"15968\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dhangadhi near Nepal India border<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/dilkusha-kothi-ruined-in-mutiny-of-1857-offbeat-lucknow-uttar-pradesh-india\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"12043\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dilkusha Kothi during Mutiny<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/dudhwa-national-park-tiger-reserve\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16058\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dudhwa National Park Travelogue<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/first-dussehri-tree-of-the-world-offbeat-budget-family-road-trip-from-lucknow-to-mango-capital-of-india-malihabad\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"11778\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">First Dussehri Tree of world<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/hindu-festivals-what-holy-dip-in-mahakumbh-and-ardhkumbh-in-prayagraj-means\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"13116\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kumbh Festival Travelogue<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/lakh-bahosi-bird-sanctuary-kannauj-complete-bird-checklist-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"15250\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lakh Bahosi Sanctuary Travelogue<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/weekend-trip-from-delhi-tracing-begum-samrus-footprints-in-sardhana-near-meerut\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"8054\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sardhana Travelogue<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/pink-teasamovar-and-other-secrets-in-search-of-vegetarian-food-in-lucknow-during-ramadan\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3048\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Secret Kashmiri Pink tea of Lucknow<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/taj-balloon-festival-have-you-seen-taj-mahal-from-top\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4244\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Taj Balloon Festival<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/revealing-the-truth-behind-the-real-birth-place-and-date-of-azad\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5967\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Where was Azad ji born?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>About Sarnath Sarnath is a world-famous Buddhist destination in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Sarnath is an international destination where several ancient monuments are venerated even today. Some of the major attractions and places of interest near Sarnath temple or Sarnath Mandir include monuments such as Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi stupa, Sarnath deer park, seated Buddha statue, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16470,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[75],"tags":[],"modified_by":"asoulwindow","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Sarnath-Varanasi.jpg",1280,853,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Sarnath-Varanasi-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Sarnath-Varanasi-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Sarnath-Varanasi-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Sarnath-Varanasi-1024x682.jpg",1024,682,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Sarnath-Varanasi.jpg",1280,853,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Sarnath-Varanasi.jpg",1280,853,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"asoulwindow","author_link":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/author\/abhinav2111\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"About Sarnath Sarnath is a world-famous Buddhist destination in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Sarnath is an international destination where several ancient monuments are venerated even today. Some of the major attractions and places of interest near Sarnath temple or Sarnath Mandir include monuments such as Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi stupa, Sarnath deer park, seated Buddha statue,&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16471"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16471"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16471\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17791,"href":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16471\/revisions\/17791"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16470"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16471"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16471"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16471"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}