Sarnath holds importance in the
Buddhist train pilgrimage as the site of Lord Buddha’s first sermon. It is the
second of the four pilgrimage sites that come during this special train tour.
Located 10 km away from Varanasi, Sarnath is always subdued with rich Buddhist
essence. The deer here still roam and the pious location where Buddha met his
ascetic companions and gave his first sermon is marked by the stupas. The
evocative ruins at Sarnath are popular not just among Buddhists but also catch
attention of tourists who wish to know and understand Indian culture.
After walking for over 250 kms,
Lord Buddha took a ferry on River Ganges to reach the Ghats of Kashi or
Varanasi in search of his five meditation companions. Prior to enlightenment,
these five sages abandoned Buddha at Rajgir when Gautama left
the path of self mortification. The Buddha found the five ascetics at
deer park or Issipattna who came to meditate here under its shady trees.
The enlightened one, after
meeting the old companions told them about his enlightenment, the four noble
truths, Eightfold Path and the Middle Way. All this comprised Buddha’s first
sermon or Dharmachakrapravartana. Here, Buddha turned the wheel of law
and initiated Buddhism. Later, the Buddha with his followers sought respite
during rainy retreats in Sarnath.
Dhamekh Stupa, the most important
site in Sarnath is the place where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. It is
a solid cylindrical stupa based on brickwork technique. There are many
delicately carved geometrical and floral patterns that are carved on the
borders that lend it a distinct identify than other stupas.
In later years of history,
Sarnath saw patronship of Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. The famous king installed
Ashoka Pillar and its famous Lion Capital what later became famous as the
national emblem in Indian history. The original specimen with four adjoining
lions standing and looking in four different directions is still kept preserved
within the Archaeological Museum of India in Sarnath.
Sarnath has kept the vestiges of
Buddhist heritage with itself and is a prominent Buddhist pilgrimage site. The
site is accredited for the initiation of Buddhism and presents an opportunity
to experience the spiritual essence of Buddha.
