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Sarnath
 Sarnath (also Mrigadava, Migadaya, Rishipattana, and Isipatana) is the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Lord Buddha had visited Sarnath looking for his five companions who abandoned him in Rajgir while they deviated from the viewpoint of Lord Buddha on self-mortification. Sarnath is, perhaps, the naturally most beautiful Buddhist pilgrimage, with a calm and cool atmosphere that silently preaches tranquillity and peace.
A famous archaeological site in Uttar Pradesh, Sarnath is an important Buddhist site. Lying at a distance of about 10 kms from the holy city of Varanasi, Sarnath is one of the four important geographical landmarks in the life of Buddha. After attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya, Buddha left for Sarnath where he first preached. Followers of Buddhism from all over the world look upon India as the land of their sacred lord and home to some of the blessed Buddhist destinations
In the Deer Park in Sarnath after attaining enlightenment, Lord Buddha came and delivered his first sermon, or in religious language, set in motion the Wheel of Law, Maha Dharmachakra Pravartan. The virtuous emperor Ashoka who later in his life became a strong follower of Buddhism, spreading the message of love and compassion everywhere, visited Sarnath around 234 BC, and erected a Stupa here. After this, several Buddhist structures were raised from the period 3rd century BC to 11th century AD. Sarnath today stands witness to some of the great Buddhist monuments, an important landmark in the history of Buddhist religion.
The column 15.24 m in height pillar erected by King Ashoka has great symbolism even in today's world. The four lion capital pillar was adopted as the National Emblem of the modern Indian Republic. The Dhameka Stupa, a beautifully carved monument in Sarnath, is considered to be most sacred as this was the place where the voice of Buddha was first heard and is a much-visited sight by Buddhists all over the world. You can also come and witness this great structure on Tour Packages for Sarnath, India.
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