|
SARNATH
Sarnath
is 8 kms. north from Varanasi. In the Deer Park of Sarnath,
Gautama Buddha delivered the first sermon after he gained enlightenment,
the sermon known as dhammacakkappavattana delivered to a group
of parivrajikas or panchavaggiya or brahmins. Sarnath derives
its name from Saranganatha (Lord of the Deer). The notable monuments
are: Dhamek stupa (c. 500 A.D.), Dhararajika stupa (c. 3rd cent.
B.C.) and the main shrine, the chief fane. Mulagandhakuti Vihara
is a modern vihara designed by a Japanese architect and built
by the Mahabodhi Society of India.
Sarnath
is famed for the Ashoka Pillar made of sandstone. It has the
lion-capital (with the heads of four lions) which is the State
Emblem of the Republic of India. The chakra or the wheel of
law adorns the Indian tri-color flag. The lion-capital commemorates
the first Sangha with panchavaggiya bhikkhus. The inscribed
decree read: "No one shall cause division in the order of monks."
The pillar enshrines a dharmachakra, a lion, an elephant, a
horse and a bull.
A
museum houses exquisite species of Buddhist art, including the
Ashoka's lion-capital, Bodhisattva (red stone), Buddha's life
panels. Mahabodhi Library possesses several rare manuscripts
and excellent Buddhist literature. Buddha Purnima is a big fair
on the day of the new moon (September-October), a day of offering
to the manes, both in Sarnath and nearby Varanasi.
What
to see:
DHAMEKH
STUPA: Believed to date from 500 AD, the biggest stupa marks
the spot where the Buddha proclaimed his faith.
ASHOKA PILLAR: It records the visit of Emperor Ashoka to Sarnath
in the 3rd century BC.
CHOUKHANDI
STUPA: Raised by Emperor Akbar in 1555 AD at the spot where
the Buddha met his five disciples.
MULAGANDHA KUTI VIHAR: Built by the Mahabodhi society. It contains
a life-size golden image of the Buddha and colorful murals and
frescoes painted by a Japanese artist.
Top
|
