Visit Sarnath Buddhist Pilgrimage to Know why it is Essential to Buddhism

India is the land of Lord Buddha as it is here where he was born and spent the majority of his life. As such, there are numerous places associated with Lord Buddha in India, and each holds a special significance as they tell us a story of the past, of ancient India, and of Buddhism in its early stages.

Sarnath Buddhist Pilgrimage is visited by thousands of devotees every year, as they come to pay respects to Lord Buddha and his teachings.

Sarnath is one such place. It is located about 10 kms north-east from the holy city of Varanasi or Kashi, near the meeting point of the rivers Ganges and Yamuna. Places where two rivers meet hold significance in Hinduism and Buddhism because they are recognized as sacred and spiritual spots.

Sarnath is historically known as the city of Lord Buddha’s first sermon, where He preached after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya under the Bodhi tree.

We shall arrive at Varanasi in the morning after having departed from Nalanda the day before. From Varanasi we shall proceed to Sarnath which is close-by. As part of the Sarnath Buddhist Tour, you will be able to visit many Buddhist spots and relics.

Dhamekh Stupa

Emperor Ashoka the Great built Dhamekh Stupa in 249 BCE. It is a majestic and massive structure with a diameter of 28 m and height of 43.6 m. Buddhist pilgrims circumambulate the cylindrical red stone stupa while worshipping, as it is believed to bring good fortune.

Sarnath Museum

Sarnath Museum contains vast relics and curios of Lord Buddha’s journey to enlightenment. It also houses artefacts, coins and sculptures from the Mauryan Dynasty including the famed Lion Capital sculpture as the centerpiece. Here you would be able to have a glimpse of daily life during Lord Buddha’s era and understand more aspects of his lifetime.

Mulagandha Kuti Vihar

Mulagandha Kuti Vihar is a temple with a big bell at the entrance and prayer wheels which pilgrims can turn clockwise to offer obeisance. It is surrounded by trees and was used as a monastery initially. Inside the temple are beautifully done frescoes on the wall and ceiling which often take one’s breath away.

Your Sarnath Buddhist Tour will conclude with a dip in the holy river Ganges. It is said that dipping oneself in the river cleanses one of impurities, and helps onwards to the path of attaining wisdom.

"Sarnath Buddhist Pilgrimage" is best done with Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train, as we ensure you get the complete experience of Buddhism as it was, and understand Buddhism better by embracing its true essence.