My Sojourn to Sarnath - a Buddhist Pilgrimage Center

Huan Yue (Thailand)
Visited: February 18th, 04

As a part of my Buddhist pilgrimage tours to India my next destination was Sarnath. Morning after my visit to Nalanda, I came to Patna to take a rail journey to Varanasi. Withstanding the flock of people at the Varanasi railway station I took a halt at the Tourist Dak Bungalow there.

Early morning after a typical vegetarian breakfast of the city I started for my journey. I hired a taxi for my destination, Sarnath is just at a distance of 10 km from Varanasi by road. I had a fervent zeal to pay my homage to this Buddhist monastic center where Lord Buddha perched his first sermon to his first 5 disciples after attaining enlightenment, and prefixed the coin rolling for Dharmachakra or the wheel of law.

After reaching Sarnath, I took a guide, who are easily available at the site, the first site I visited was the Dhamekh Stupa, that is renowned as a spot, where the Buddha acknowledged his faith. My guide 'Shiva' who was an educated and well-informed guide with a precise knowledge on Buddhism, up dated me about the stupa. I learnt that this stupa dated back to the year 500 AD, had a special significance at Sarnath, it manifests the "seat of the holy Buddha" as he established his faith. It was quite amazing to see that Dhamekh Stupa is erected up to a height of about 34m from its plains.

Then I was taken to the Dharmarajika Stupa, the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon, the entire site was baptized in the peaceful environment, echoing with the preaching of Lord Buddha. Another attraction of the place was the Ashoka Pillar that reflects the visit of Emperor Asoka to Sarnath in the 3rd century BC. My guide told me that Emperor Ahoka had a strong impact of Kalinga war over him and was absolutely moved by the slaughter therefore, took over Buddhism. Ashoka Pillar an unruffled beaming stone pillar was erected as a foundation of the Buddhist Sangha here. It was quite thrilling to see in real the Lion Capital on top of this pillar that is now the National Emblem of India.

Thereafter, I visited the decayed brick remains of the Choukhandi Stupa. The legend has it that it was here, the Buddha joined his 5 disciples. Totally engulfed in the beauty of monument, I also enjoyed the sporadic sites of deer's wandering amidst the ruins in the premises.

Later I sojourn towards the Mulagandhakuti Vihara, the beautiful life-size golden image of the Buddha left me mesmerized- it seems as if just now only, Lord will open his eyes to perch his sermons. I was also wonder struck at the sight of colorful artistic scenes and frescoes miniature painted by an artist from Japan. There was a huge bell, gifted from Japan, at the entrance of the vihara, which was the center of attraction for every one.

I was then directed towards the Sarnath Museum-it was the most captivated sight, I was absolutely stun by the marvelous diversity of Buddhist sculptures, writings and clay work there. I also had an opportunity to see the Lion Capital, the national emblem of India, housed guarded in the museum.

Sarnath filled in me the spirit of faith, my restless soul achieved the height of peace. I definitely could not do without leaving a message of gratitude for the British, who discovered this divine site in 1836, as well as the Indian Government, who has preserved it to its inceptive eminence.