Sarnath's Sacred Sites and Archaeological Treasures
Visit the following highlights of Sarnath with your tour guide:
Chaukhandi Stupa, the actual spot where Buddha, returning after his enlightenment, met the five ascetics who had left him earlier in disgust. These five, known as the Panchavaggiya, went on to become his first five disciples.
Dhamek Stupa complex. This stupa marks the site of the deer park, Migadaya, where the first sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, was delivered.
Jain temple, dedicated to Shreyansanath, the eleventh Jain Tirthankara.
Pre-Ashokan Dharmarajika Stupa.
Mulgandha Kuti Vihara. These ruins mark the place where Lord Buddha spent his first rainy season in meditation.
Modern Mulgandha Kuti Vihar temple, built by the Sri Lankan Mahabodhi Society, which houses excellent frescoes by the Japanese artist Kosetsu Nosu.
Sacred Bodhi Tree, where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment to his first five disciples.
Deer Park, an open animal park where you can see a variety of deer.
Archaeological Museum, a must-visit museum displaying important findings from excavations at the site. Highlights include the Lion Capital of Ashoka, the Ashoka Chakra, colossal standing images of Bodhisattva, Tara statues, and more. Statues of several Hindu deities found at the same site are also displayed here.
End of the tour.
