Sarnath

Sarnath is 13 km. away from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. This place is also called Rishipatanam as legends say the remains of so many saints (Rishi) were buried here. The word Sarnath means 'God of Deer'. A beautiful 'Deer Park' is located here to preserve the deer. The 'Damek Stupa' built by Emperor Ashoka is the main attraction of Sarnath. It consists of cylindrical tower 31 metres high on a huge rock of diametre 28 metres, at a height of 12 metres. Sri Buddha's first preaching was conducted there. The Ashoka pillar with the 'Lion Capital' is situated near the Demek Stupa. There is a Buddha temple also beside the stupa. Sarnath is believed to be the first place where Buddha reached from Buddha Gaya. So Sarnath became an important pilgrimage centre for Buddhists.