Sarnath Joins UNESCO World Heritage List

About Sarnath Joins UNESCO World Heritage List

• Sarnath has become India’s 45th and Uttar Pradesh’s fourth UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Tentative List: It has remained on UNESCO’s Tentative List since 1998.
• 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.
• Discovered By: 
  • Rediscovery: The rediscovery of Sarnath is credited to the workers of Jagat Singh, the diwan of Raja Chait Singh of Benares, in 1799.
  • Identification: Jonathan Duncan reported the findings, which led to later excavations.
    • Alexander Cunningham identified Sarnath as the place of Lord Buddha’s first sermon in 1836.
  • Scientific Excavation: Friedrich Oertel carried out the first systematic and scientific excavation of Sarnath during 1904–05.
• Historical and Religious Significance:
  • Ancient Name: Ancient Buddhist scriptures describe Sarnath Rishipattana, meaning the “place of sages.”
  • First Teaching of Dharma: Sarnath is one of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites because Gautama Buddha taught the Dharma for the first time here.
    • 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).
  • Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta: 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.

Other Important Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites

• Lumbini (Nepal):
  • Birthplace of Buddha: Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and is located in the Rupandehi district of Nepal.
  • Ashokan Legacy: Emperor Ashoka erected a commemorative pillar at the site.
  • Rediscovery: It was rediscovered in 1896.
  • UNESCO Recognition: It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
• Bodh Gaya (Bihar):
  • Place of Enlightenment: It marks the place where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment and became the Buddha.
  • Ashokan Contribution: Emperor Ashoka built a simple shrine at the site in the 3rd century BCE.
  • Present Temple: The present pyramidal temple dates to the 6th century CE during the Gupta period.
  • Temple Complex: The complex includes a descendant of the original Bodhi tree and an intricately carved tower.
  • UNESCO Recognition: The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh):
  • Mahaparinirvana: Kushinagar is the place where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (ultimate salvation).
  • Important Monuments: The Mahaparinirvana Temple houses a reclining statue of Buddha.
    • The Ramabhar Stupa is believed to be Buddha’s cremation site.
  • Historical Importance: Kushinagar was the capital of the ancient Malla republic, one of the 16 Mahajanapadas.
  • Excavation: Alexander Cunningham and A.C.L. Carlleyle excavated the site in 1876 and discovered the main stupa and the 6-metre-long reclining Buddha statue.
  • Unique Feature: Kushinagar is one of the very few places in India where Buddha is depicted in the reclining form.