Sarnath is one of the four sacred places associated with the life of Lord Buddha. It is the place where Buddha addressed his first sermon to his five erstwhile companions after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya.
This is a major religious pilgrimage of the followers of Buddhism which was extinct but was revived by archaeologists. It is located about 11 km from Banaras.
This event is known in Buddhist literature as Dharma-Chakra Pravarttam or turning the wheel of law. Very first Buddhist Sangha foundation laid by Lord Buddha at this place. In Buddhist texts this place is recorded as Rishipatna or Issipatna and Mrigadava or Mrigadaya, whereas Sarnath is fretum of Saranganath means Lord of Deers. Still born by the Mahadeva, who is enthroned in a temple nearby, The place is considered equally sacred by the Jains, as it is a place of penance and the death of Shreyansanath, the eleventh Tirthankara.
The archaeological importance of the site was first highlighted by Mr. Duncan and Cole Mackenzie during 1798 AD. Later many excavations were carried by numbers of Archaeologists. Several monasteries, stupas have been found in these excavations. Temples, inscriptions sculptures, other archaeological remains from the 3rd century BC to the 12th century AD. Notable among them are Chaukhandi Stupa, Dharmarajika Stupa, Dhamekh, Stupa Mulagandha Kuti, an Ashokan pillar and lion capital, Dharma-chakra, Jin-vihara, other monasteries, group of votive stupas and a large number of sculptures.
Archaeological Survey of India has maintained a museum nearby which houses sculptures, inscriptions and other interesting objects recovered from the excavations.
This archaeological site is a prominent Buddhist pilgrimage and everyday it’s visited by thousands of Buddhist foreigners for offering the prayer in this deer park. When Buddhist devotees execute the rituals with enchanting of the mantra whole environment becomes divine.
