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FACTS
& FIGURES
Built in : 200 B.C
to 300 B.C (Mauryan era)
Built by: Mauryan Emperor Ashoka
Location :Sarnath, Varanasi
Sarnath
Sarnath, where the Buddha preached his first sermon in the Deer Park, contains the most impressive remains, as well as a modem temple.
The Dharmarajika, Chaukhandi and Dharnek stupas are outstanding. There are also the remains of a monastery, and the beautifully polished Lion Capital of Ashoka.
Sarnath contains a rich library and at the Mula gandha Kutir Vihara there are excellent frescoes by Kosetsu Nosu. The Sarnath Museum, not far from the site, contains some of the finest specimens of Buddhist sculpture.
At all centers of Buddhist worship, the Vaisakha (April-May) full moon is observed as the anniversary of three important events - the Buddha's birth, Enlightenment and death, while the Asadh (July - August) full moon is observed as the anniversary of his first sermon.
Monuments in Sarnath
Dhamek Stupa
The imposing stupa 39m high was probably erected in 200 B.C in the Mauryan era. Rebuilt a number of times, the geometric and flora patterns on the stupa belong to the later Gupta period.
Ashoka Pillar
Erected by the Emperor Ashoka, the pillar had his edict engraved on it. At one time it stood over 17m high. Its capital with the four lions back to back-the official symbol of modern India, can be seen in the museum at Sarnath.
Bodhi Tree
Grown from the sapling of the famous tree in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, which is believed to be a progeny of the original tree at Budh Gaya, under which the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
Chaukandi Stupa
This stupa was rebuilt by Mughal Emperor Akbar.
Dhamarajika Stupa
Only the ruins of this stupa built by Emperor Ashoka can be seen today.
Moolgandha Kuti Vihara
Built in more recent times by the Mahabodhi Society, it has a life-size statue of the lord Buddha in the Dharmachakra Pravartan form.
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