Dhamek Stupa at the Deer Park (Rishipattana or Isipatana) in Sarnath

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”  :-Gautam Buddha

The emblem of India was derived from an Ashoka Pillar discovered in Sarnath. The Lion Capital of Ashoka is a statue featuring four lions seated back to back, as well as the ‘Dharm Chakra’ (Wheel of Dharma/ Ashoka Chakra, with 24 spokes) positioned on top and mounted on a pillar (Stupa, Stambh).

Remains of Buddhist colony in Sarnath . Known in many names Mrigadava, Migadāya, Rishipattana, Isipatana

A sketch showing the construction of original Ashoka Pillar

Emperor Ashoka erected the renowned Ashoka Pillar at this site, which was destroyed by Turk and Islamic invaders. The remnants of the pillar can still be seen at its original location, bearing inscriptions in Brahmi script. The Lion Capital and Ashoka Chakra are preserved in the adjacent Archaeology museum. The four lions symbolize power, courage, confidence, and pride, as well as Ashoka’s rule extending in all four directions. In addition to the lions, the pillar also features a horse, a bull, an elephant, and a lion, representing the various stages of Buddha’s life. The monolithic polished Chunar sandstone pillar stands at a height of 15.25 meters, with a diameter of 0.71 meters at the base and 0.56 meters at the top.

Sarnath, situated 10 kilometers away from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India, is home to the Dhamek Stupa. This stupa, standing at 44 meters in height and 28 meters in diameter, was constructed by Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty in 249 BC. It was built to commemorate the deer park, also known as Rishipattana or Isipatna, where Buddha delivered his first sermon to his five disciples after achieving enlightenment. These disciples then traveled the world to propagate Buddhism. Sarnath is recognized as one of the four sacred pilgrimage sites for Buddhists globally, with the other three being Lumbini (birthplace), Bodh Gaya (site of enlightenment), and Kushinagar (place of passing away). The Dhamek Stupa was reconstructed in 500 AD and remains well-preserved to this day.

Ashoka, the son of Bindusara and grandson of Chandragupta Maurya (read about him here), was the ruler of India from 269 BC until his death in 232 BC. Following the Kalinga war, he renounced violence and adopted Buddhism. His rock and pillar inscriptions, which can still be found throughout India, are well-known. Xuanzang, a renowned Chinese traveler, visited Sarnath in 640 AD and documented that the monastery housed more than 1,500 monks at that time.

The inscription on the surviving base of the Ashoka Pillar

Original Ashoka Stambh in the Museum . Photo courtesy : Internet

Pieces of the Original Ashoka Chakra in the Museum . Photo courtesy : Internet

Numerous nations with a Buddhist majority have constructed their shrines in this location, all of which are meticulously maintained. Legend has it that in 528 BC, approximately 2,500 years ago, Gautama Buddha achieved ‘enlightenment’ after meditating under a peepal tree for 49 days in Bodh Gaya. This tree eventually became known as the ‘Bodhi tree’.

Legend has it that Sanghamittra, the daughter of Emperor Ashoka, took a cutting from the original ‘Bodhi tree’ and brought it to Sri Lanka, where she planted it. In 1931, Anagarika Dharmapala, the founder of the Maha Bodhi Society of India, brought a cutting of the ‘Bodhi tree’ from Sri Lanka and planted it in Sarnath, where it is now revered.

Peepal tree at Sarnath which has got its origins from Bodhi Tree in Gaya

Peepal tree (Bodhivriksha) at Sarnath which got its roots from Bodhi Tree in Gaya

Inside the Mulagandhakuti Vihara temple

Buddhist Prayer wheels in the temple

A giant bell in the temple

Dhamek Stupa at the deer park (Rishipattana or Isipatana)

Wall decorations on the Dhamek Stupa at the deer park (Rishipattana or Isipatana)

Peepal tree in the Japanese Temple complex