Sarnath – Ancient Buddhist Site

News: India has submitted this year a dossier titled ‘Ancient Buddhist Site, Sarnath’ to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre for the 2025-26 nomination cycle.

About Sarnath – Ancient Buddhist Site

• Location: It is a sacred city located in north-east of Varanasi near the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India.
• Historical/Religious significance
  • It is one of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimages in the world for being the site where Gautama Buddha taught Dharma for the first time.
    • The other three most important pilgrimages are Lumbini (the birthplace of Gautama Buddha), Bodh Gaya (the location of Lord Buddha’s enlightenment), and Kushinagar (the location of Buddha’s parinirvana).
  • It is also said that Lord Buddha’s Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta was written in Sarnath.
• Architectural Marvels of Sarnath
  • The Dhamekha Stupa: A conspicuous structure believed to be the dwelling place of Pañcavaggiya monks after leaving Lord Buddha.
    • It was constructed by Emperor Ashoka.
    • It is considered the sacred ground where the voice of Buddhism first resonated.
  • The Chaukhandi Stupa: Presently undergoing reconstruction, this stupa marks the site where Buddha met his first disciples.
  • The Ashoka Pillar (Lion Capital of Ashoka): Despite facing fragmentation during Turk invasions, this pillar is an enduring imperial patronage symbol.
    • Its emblem also graces the Indian flag.
  • Monastery around Dhamekha Stupa: Adding to the spiritual ambiance, the monastery around the Dhamekha Stupa offers a glimpse into the communal life of the monks.
  • Mulagandhakuti Vihara: This modern temple stands where Lord Buddha is believed to have spent his first rainy season in meditation.
  • Sarnath Archaeological Museum: Housing a vast collection of artifacts, it provides a visual narrative of Sarnath’s historical and cultural evolution.