Sarnath (Kanoen), located 10 km from the sacred place Varanasi, is the first sacred place where Buddha, who reached the state of liberation more than 2500 years ago, preached.
The five disciples, who had previously studied under Buddha, were amazed at the charming and brilliant expression of Buddha, who persuaded them to give their first preaching called the Dharama Chakra Pravartan. It is said that Buddha and his five disciples, along with Yasa of Varanasi and his 54 friends, formed the first Sanga. This was the beginning of the great Buddhist tradition of "Sanga," which spreads self-restraint training around the world.
The phrase "Buddha Sharnam Gatchami", written by the famous mantra (mantra), begins with Sarnath.
The three treasures, which are written as "Dedicated to the Buddha, to the law (the teaching of the Buddha), to the monk (Sanga)," have remained unchanged since they were first erected in Sarnath. Therefore, every Buddhist pilgrim who visits Bodh Gaya visits Sarnath once in a lifetime and strives to enjoy its benefits.
Dhamekh Stupa is of particular importance in Sarnath as the place where Buddha sat and preached the truth.The height of the pagoda is 34 meters, and if the foundation is included, it can reach 42 meters.
In Sarnath, in addition to Dhamekh Stupa, there are the remains of Dhamekh Stupa and the remains of Murganda Kuti Temple, which is said to have been 61 meters high according to Xuanzang's words.It is said that this is also the place where Buddha took a rest and meditated when he was in Sarnath.
Famous Places King Ashoka (273-232 BC) converted to Buddhism after the Kalinga War and visited Sarnath.To commemorate the king's visit, a stone pillar with a smooth-polished surface called the Ashoka pillar was created, laying the foundation for the Buddhist cult of Sarnath.
The lion's stigma, which stands on the top of the stone pillar, is now the national emblem of India.
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Tour exampleIndian Buddhist sanctuary pilgrimage tour around the ruins of the eight great Buddhas
