Sarnath is an important place for Buddhists, located near Varanasi in northern India. It is famous because here Buddha gave his very first sermon, right after he became enlightened. This sermon is called the “Turning of the Wheel of Dharma,” which expalin the basic teachings of Buddhism. This includes Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which are still Buddhist beliefs today.
It is located 10 kilometres north-east of Varanasi near the junction of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India. The deer park in Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dhamma. Here, the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. There are several old structures and monuments at Sarnath which were built to mark this event, like the Dhamek Stupa (a large stone tower) and the Ashoka Pillar, which was put up by the ancient Indian emperor Ashoka. Explore more about Varanasi.
How to Reach:
- Via Air – Nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (Varanasi Airport), which is about 25 kilometers from Sarnath. From the airport you can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or book a cab. The drive will takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. Other option is you can use local city electric buses or hire an auto-rickshaw.
- Via Train – The nearest railway station is Varanasi Railway station. From there you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw directly to Sarnath, which is about a 20-30 minute drive (around 10 kilometers). Other option is to take a local bus or an auto-rickshaw from the Varanasi station.
- Via Road – Sarnath is 10 kilometers northeast of Varanasi, so the easiest way is to hire a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or private car . It takes around 20-30 minutes to reach Sarnath by road from Varanasi, depending on traffic. If you are traveling from other cities in India, you can take long-distance buses, taxis, or self-drive vehicles to Varanasi first. Once you reach Varanasi, then follow the same route as from Varanasi.
Sarnath Museum
It’s located near Sarnath, the place where Buddha gave his first sermon. In Sarnath Museum you can see lots of ancient artifacts and sculptures related to Buddha and the history of Buddhism.
The museum displays old statues of Buddha in different poses, stone carvings, and other items that archaeologists found during excavations. One of the most famous is the Lion Capital of Ashoka, a beautiful stone sculpture. This was once part of a pillar built by Emperor Ashoka.
The museum helps you understand the history and significance of Sarnath. it is a peaceful place to learn more about Buddhism and the ancient culture of the area. It is a good place for anyone who is interested in history, art, or religion.