| Amidst the calm tranquility of the beautiful deer park of | | | | circumference than the upper half is marked by |
| Sarnath, the Gautama Buddha preached his first | | | | exquisite floral carvings. The Ashoka Pillar though |
| sermon Dharmachakra Pravartan Sutta, the wheel of | | | | partially destroyed retains stone inscriptions ordered by |
| the Dharma. It was also here that the Buddhist | | | | the emperor. The impressive lion capital that original |
| priesthood (sanga) was born. Despite the passage | | | | capped the pillar and is today the nation’s national |
| of over 2 ½ millennia, Sarnath has preserved its | | | | emblem, is conserved at the Sarnath archeological |
| serenity which continues to attract many visitors from | | | | museum. The museum is a treasure trove of artifacts |
| around the world. Situated approximately 10 kilometers | | | | showcasing the glory of Buddhist art in India. |
| from Varanasi, it is a place of great spiritual and | | | | Sarnath also houses the modern Mulagandakuti Vihara. |
| historical significance. Stated by The Lord Buddha as | | | | Adorned with rich frescos by premier Japanese artist, |
| one of the four sacred places of pilgrimage, Sarnath | | | | Kosetsu Nosu the temple contains a wide collection of |
| became a major center for Buddhism. The complex | | | | Buddhist literature. In addition Sarnath is home to |
| was Renowned for its aesthetic adornments which | | | | several temples of various Asian nations, reflecting its |
| reached their apex during the reign of Emperor | | | | continuing importance as a spiritual center. |
| Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. Although ravaged by | | | | A visitor to Sarnath can easily find convenient |
| invading Turks towards the end of the 12th century, a | | | | accommodation in Varanasi. Located on the left bank |
| visit to the ruined city is a gateway to India’s rich | | | | of the Ganges the city has been a cultural and spiritual |
| Buddhist culture. | | | | center for almost 3 millennia. A stay at a reputed |
| At the entrance one sees the Chaukhandi Stupa. This | | | | Varanasi hotel will undoubtedly add to the convenience |
| square structure of brick encased in an octagonal | | | | of the traveler. The Gateway Hotel Ganges provides |
| tower was built by Emperor Ashoka. Another extent | | | | warm native hospitality meeting international standards |
| stupa of importance is the cylindrical Dhamek Stupa. | | | | and will ensure optimum comfort and enjoyment in |
| Made of brick and stone it reaches a height of 43.6 m. | | | | discovering the region. |
| The lower half of the stupa which is larger in | | | | |