Historical monuments

English FA3 - Kimu, Vaibhav C., Sonakshi

Sarnath

India – Historical monumentsWith their elaborate and wonderful architecture, Indian monuments represent one of the most outstanding facets of the multi-faceted Indian culture. An architectural feat in itself, each Indian monument is a remarkably splendid sample of unbelievable artistry, covering a sense of mystery, deception and romance.

Be it the marvel in white marble, the spellbinding Taj Mahal; or the red stone splendor, the magnificent Red Fort; or the magnificence of temple art of Khajuraho, Konark and Hampi , there is evident the master craftsmanship and elegance, that brings to the forefront the splendor of the bygone era.This presentation focuses mainly on Sarnath in Varanasi where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon.

SarnathSarnath is a city located to north-east of Varanasi near the confluence of the Ganges and the Gomati rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India. The deer park in Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. 

Isipatana is mentioned by the Buddha as one of the four places of pilgrimage which his devout followers should visit, if they wanted to visit a place for that reason. It was also the site of the Buddha's Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, which was his first teaching after attaining enlightenment, in which he taught the four noble truths and the teachings associated with it.Sarnath has been variously known as Mrigadava, Migadāya, Rishipattana and Isipatana throughout its long history. Mrigadavameans "deer-park". Isipatana is the name used in the Pali Canon, and means the place where holy men (Pali: isi, Sanskrit: rishi) landed.

Current featuresMost of the ancient buildings and structures at Sarnath were damaged or destroyed by the Turks. However, amongst the ruins the following can be distinguished: Dhamek Stupa

Chaukhandi Stupa

Mulagandhakuti Vihara(Monastery)The Ashoka Pillar

Sarnath archaeological Museum

Dharamarajika stupa

Dharmarajika Stupa from the pre-Ashokan Era

Sarnath ruins

Buddha from Mulgandha Kuti Vihar.

Modern day SarnathSarnath has been developed as a place of pilgrimage, both for Buddhists from India and abroad. A number of countries in which Buddhism is a major (or the dominant) religion.Thailand, Japan, Tibet, Sri Lanka and Myanmar, have established temples and monasteries in Sarnath in the style that is typical for the respective country.

Thus, pilgrims and visitors have the opportunity to experience an overview of Buddhist architecture from various cultures.

Temple of the Tibetan community in Sarnath Sridigamber Jain temple, Singhpuri