sarnath Photos

SARNATH is mentioned by Buddha as one of the four places of pilgrimage which his followers should visit.

Situated in India, this is one of the most important places of Buddhist pilgrimage.

Sarnath is the site of the deer park where, according to tradition, Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma after his Enlightenment. This is where Buddha preached his first sermon (called the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta).

Most of the ancient buildings and structures were destroyed or damaged by Turkish Muslims at the end of the 12th century.

The Dhamek Stupa was build in year 500, replacing an earlier monument built by king Ashoka in 249 BC, to commemorate Buddha's activities in this place.

Mulagandha Kuty Vihara is a Buddhist temple built in the 1930's.