Sarnath: The Place of First Sermon of Lord Buddha

Just a few kilometres away from the holy city of Varanasi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh lies Sarnath, a place of profound spiritual and historical significance. One of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage places together with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, and Kushinagar. It was here, at the Deer Park, that Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment and turned the great wheel of Dharma (Dharmachakra) to establish the Buddhist faith.

Its beauty and sanctity attract not only Buddhist believers but also a large number of people from all over the world who are interested in the life and teachings of Buddha. The site is decorated with stupas and monasteries and houses a magnificent collection of ancient artefacts, which makes it a very interesting place for those who love history and seekers of spiritual enlightenment.

History of Sarnath

It is worthy of note that Sarnath shares at least a little history with the life of Siddhartha Gautama, who was to become the Buddha, after attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya.

About 528 BCE, the Buddha arrived at Sarnath to preach the that five ascetics, once his companions, had kept under his guidance. In the Deer Park (known as Isipatana in ancient texts), he preached the first sermon called the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (Setting the Wheel of Dharma in Motion), which dealt with the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. This incident is universally recognized as a watershed moment when the Buddhist Sangha, i.e., the system of monks, was formed.

During Ashoka’s reign, in the 3rd century BCE, Sarnath developed into a key Buddhist educational and worship centre. Ashoka, being one of the most devoted followers of Buddhism, left several stupas and erected pillars to immortalize the sanctity of the site. The Ashokan Pillar crowned with the lion capital at Sarnath became today, a lasting symbol of that national emblem. Under the protection of Ashoka, the area developed into a potent religious and educational centre of Buddhist culture and attracted scholars and pilgrims from diverse corners of Asia.

Sarnath again prospered under the Gupta dynasty (CE 4-6 centuries), where again were built more monasteries and stupas. Nevertheless, the collapse of Buddhism in India, coupled with the 12th-century invasions of foreign rulers, inevitably led to the eventual decline of Sarnath into oblivion as a centre for active Buddhism. Rediscovery through excavation by British archaeologists in the 19th century allowed the site indeed now to be conserved as a monument of overriding historical and esoteric significance.

Archaeological Significance of Sarnath

The Buddhist derivations at Sarnath allow us a glimpse into the cultural and philosophical history of ancient India. Through excavations, various stupas, monasteries, and temples were unearthed, stretching from various eras throughout India’s recorded history. Some of the more noteworthy structures are:

• Dhamek Stupa: A noteworthy monument, the stupa rises to 43.6 meters in height and has a diameter of 28 meters. Initially built during the reign of Ashoka and reconstructed during the Gupta period, the stupa marks the site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. The richly carved stone base of the stupa is adorned with floral patterns, and the inscriptions reflect the artistic brilliance of ancient India.
• Chaukhandi Stupa: Believed to be the site where the Lord Buddha met with his five disciples. Built originally during the Gupta period as a terraced temple, it later underwent modification into its present condition with the addition of an octagonal tower during the Mughal era.
• Ashokan Pillar: The famous Ashokan Pillar of polished sandstone in Sarnath stood at one time to a height of more than 12 meters. Although the pillar is now broken, the lion capital, four back-to-back lions, of this pillar is among the best-known national symbols of India, displayed in the Sarnath Archaeological Museum for its remarkable craftsmanship.
• Sarnath Archaeological Museum: In this museum are stored important artefacts discovered during the excavation of Sarnath. Among them are statues of the Buddha, intricately carved stupas, and the lion capital of Ashoka Pillar. The museum gives an insight into the ancient art and culture of India and is a must if you are a history lover.

Practises Found at Sarnath

Not just an archaeological and historical site, Sarnath is regarded as an active place of worship for Buddhists and others from all over the globe. Monks and devotees visit here in homage to Lord Buddha and perform various rituals of veneration and worship. 

The Deer Park at Sarnath provides a tranquil mood for meditation. Devotees and visitors often meditate at this holy site to merge with the spirit of the place and contemplate the teachings of the Buddha. The slow serene environment is a perfect setting for mindfulness and inner peace.

Monks and devotees gather at various stupas and temples in Sarnath to chant Buddhist scriptures and prayers. The recitation of the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta is especially significant, being the first sermon delivered by the Buddha. As the rhythmic voice of chanting permeates, one can feel the room fill with the warmth of the spiritual ambience associated with the teachings of the Great Enlightenment.

This act of circumambulating the stupas, especially the Dhamek Stupa, constitutes a sort of ritual performed by most pilgrims. This is done with a complete sense of devotion, reverence and mindfulness, to the Buddha and his teachings; it symbolizes the accomplishment of the light along the Path of Enlightenment.

Devotees make offerings of flowers, incense, and candles sacred at the shrines in Sarnath. Such offerings are expressions of gratitude and devotion to the Buddha and his teachings. Rituals may even include lighting lamps and holding special services performed by a Buddhist monk.

Cultural and Spiritual Impact of Sarnath

Sarnath is historically significant beyond the religious sphere; it is a cultural and spiritual centre for Buddhists and scholars alike. The Buddha announced at Sarnath the teachings that today guide millions of people in their quest for enlightenment inner peace and a more complete understanding of their human experience. It was here that the principles of the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path were first enunciated, on which Buddhist philosophy and practice revolve to this day.

Sarnath has influenced the architecture and artworks of diverse Buddhist communities all over Asia. Countless artistic creations in countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, and Japan have been inspired by the stupas, sculptures, and inscriptions found at Sarnath. Specially, this site remains a testimony to the spread of Buddhism and its impacts on global culture and spirituality.

Modern-Day Relevance and International Recognition

Today, Sarnath continues to be a sanctuary of spiritualism and science. It draws religious pilgrims and those interested in India’s ancient past: historians, archaeologists, and tourists. Many temples and monasteries, each built in the distinct architectural style of the culture it represents, have been set up in Sarnath by virtually all the major Buddhist countries. The Tibetan, Thai, and Japanese temples are popular attractions representing the universal reach of Buddhism.

Sarnath is an inter-religious dialogue and cultural centre, where interfaith understanding and cooperation are being nurtured. Any faith or philosophy that embodies the idea of compassion, respect, and non-violence finds corresponding echoes in the Buddha’s teachings; therefore, Sarnath has come to symbolise the essence of peace and harmony.

Conclusion

Sarnath is a place of great spiritual light, where history, religion, and culture interweave. The exact spot where the Buddha first banded together his disciples now looms huge and still evokes awe and devotion, where from each and every corner of the world pilgrims and visitors come to pay their homage. From ancient stupas to the Sacred Ashokan Pillar, Deer Park, where the Buddha set the Wheel of Dharma into motion, stands testimony to the undying legacy of the Blessed One.

Sarnath provides wake-up calls into greater relevance of the Buddha’s teachings into current-day rituals and worship practices. The impact of the site on art, culture, and spiritual thought still influences the beliefs and practices of Buddhists around the globe and has entitled Sarnath to be a treasure of human civilization.

On this sacred ground, where every stone seems to whisper of history and every particle of air is charged with spiritual energy, one feels the presence of the Buddha’s wisdom-a message of timeless peace and compassion as well as a path to enlightenment.