Sarnath is situated in the sacred landscape of Uttar Pradesh, where Lord Buddha delivered his inaugural sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. This momentous teaching, known as the Dharmachakra Pravartana Sutra, revealed the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, marking the birth of Buddhism and the foundation of the Sangha. It was here that the Dharma wheel first began to turn, setting in motion the global spread of Buddhist philosophy. As one of Buddhism’s four most sacred pilgrimage sites, Sarnath stands distinguished not only for its profound religious significance but also as a premier destination for cultural heritage and international Buddhist tourism.
After the Buddha became enlightened under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, he came to Isipatana (now called Sarnath), near Varanasi. One day, Ashwajit was meditating in the austere way at Migadaya. After finishing, he saw a monk walking from far away. As the monk came closer, he realized it was Siddhartha and quickly told the others. The Buddha’s former companions were unhappy because Siddhartha had left their austere way of life. So, he ate Kher, drank milk, and played with the village children, acting like he didn’t care. The others agreed not to greet Siddhartha.
But when Siddhartha reached Migadaya’s forest (today’s Chaukhandi Stupa), where he met his old five companions after becoming enlightened, everything changed. When they saw his radiant presence and calm aura, their hearts melted. One by one, they began to serve him: Kondaniya brought his bowl, Mahanama brought water, Bhaddiya offered a seat, and Vappa fanned him. Ashwajit, at first unsure, finally offered cool water.
Siddhartha sat with them and said gently, “My brothers, I have found the way, and I will share it with you.” He then explained the truth he discovered under the Bodhi tree. This was his first teaching at Isipatana, known as the Dharmachakra Pravartana (Turning of the Wheel of Dharma). Here, he introduced the Four Noble Truths (the truth of Suffering, the origin of Suffering, the cessation of Suffering, and the Path to the cessation of suffering) and the Eightfold Path (Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration), which show how to move from suffering toward liberation and enlightenment. According to Vinaya Pitaka (Mahāvagga I.6.17–18), the five monks were staying in the Deer Park at Isipatana when the Buddha came to them and gave his first teaching.
Important monuments like the Dhamekh Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Dharmarajika Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and the Ashokan Lion Pillar (India’s national emblem today) remind us of this event.
This event marked the beginning of Buddhism and the foundation of the Buddhist Sangha, as the Buddha’s message of compassion and awareness began to spread. The five monks were deeply moved and became the first members of the Sangha. As the Buddhist Sangha gradually grew and spread across regions, the Sangha was open to all without distinction. No matter their caste, background, whether someone was a Brahmin or a Chandala, a sinner or a virtuous soul, a householder or a monk, it didn’t matter. The gates of the Sangha remained open to every human being with a sincere desire to seek truth and liberation. At that time, society was full of divisions, but the Buddha’s community was built on equality, compassion, and fairness. Nobody was judged by birth or status. The Sangha became a place where all could learn and practice the Dhamma without discrimination.
The monks traveled to spread the Buddha’s teachings, but during the rainy season, traveling was difficult and unsafe. This not only protected them from illness caused by harsh weather but also avoided harming the countless small worms and insects that surfaced with the rains. So, instead of traveling, the monks stayed together in one place to engage in meditation and intellectual discourse. These periods of retreats, known as Vassa, helped them stay healthy and deepen their practice. The Buddha along with his Sangha spent their first monsoon retreats at Sarnath. From here the message of peace and compassion spread across the world.
Key Attractions of Sarnath
- Dhamek Stupa: Represents the exact place of the first sermon.
- Chaukhandi Stupa: Symbolizes the site where Buddha met his first disciples.
- Dharmarajika Stupa: Built by Emperor Ashoka to house Buddha’s relics.
- Sarnath Archaeological Museum: The oldest site museum of the Archaeological Survey of India, houses the famous Lion Capital of Ashoka, India’s national emblem, and excavations from Sarnath.
- Mulagandha Kuti Vihar: A modern temple with frescoes depicting Buddha’s life journey, built by Sri Lankan Buddhist monk Anagarika Dharmapala to preserve the Buddha’s relics.