Pilgrimages in India -Sarnath

Sarnath the tranquil deep park at Sarnath is where the Buddha preached hid first sermon. Sarnath became one of the great center of Buddhism and the Emperor Ashoka erected magnificent stupas and structure here. The Chinese scholar Huien Tsang who to write of the splendor of the city. Rediscovered and excavated in 1836, Sarnath is once again a place of pilgrimage where visitors come to pay homage to the great teacher. How to get there:  Air : Varanasi (Babatpur) Airport is the nearest airport. Rail : Varanasi railway station is well connected to important cities. Road : It is located on the National Highway No. 29 that also connects Varanasi and Gorakhpur. Places of Interest : 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.