Sarnath is a significant historical and religious site located near Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It holds immense importance in Buddhism as it is considered the place where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma after attaining enlightenment. Sarnath is one of the four key pilgrimage sites for Buddhists, known as the Four Holy Places. ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฒ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ข.
Key features of Sarnath include:
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Dhamek Stupa: This large stupa, built in the 5th century, is one of the most important structures in Sarnath. It is believed to mark the spot where Buddha gave his first sermon. ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฒ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ข.
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Chaukhandi Stupa: An ancient stupa originally built to mark the place where Buddha met his first disciples. ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฒ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ข.
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Mulagandha Kuti Vihara: A modern Buddhist temple with beautiful frescoes depicting the life of Buddha. ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฒ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ข.
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Sarnath Archaeological Museum: Houses a rich collection of artifacts and sculptures from the ancient period, showcasing the history and art of the region. ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฒ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ข.
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Ashoka Pillar: The Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath features a lion capital, which is now the national emblem of India. The pillar is one of the edicts of Emperor Ashoka, who played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism. ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฒ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ข.
Sarnath attracts pilgrims, tourists, and scholars from around the world who are interested in Buddhist history and architecture. The serene atmosphere and the historical significance of the site make it a place of cultural and spiritual importance.
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