Buddhist Temples of Sarnath, located near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most sacred places for Buddhists worldwide. It is the site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya in 528 BCE. This makes Sarnath an important pilgrimage center, often referred to as the birthplace of the Buddhist Sangha (monastic community).

1. Early Buddhist Period (6th Century BCE – 3rd Century BCE)

• Buddha’s First Sermon: In 528 BCE, Gautama Buddha gave his first teaching, known as the Dhammachakkappavattana Sutta (Turning the Wheel of Dharma), to his five disciples at the Deer Park (Mriga Dava) in Sarnath.
• This sermon explained the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which became the foundation of Buddhism.
• Sarnath thus became one of the four holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites along with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, and Kushinagar.

2. Mauryan Patronage – Emperor Ashoka (3rd Century BCE)

• Emperor Ashoka the Great, after embracing Buddhism, visited Sarnath around 249 BCE.
• He built the famous Dhamek Stupa, which still stands as a major attraction.
• Ashoka erected several pillars with inscriptions to spread Buddhist teachings. The most famous among them is the Ashokan Pillar with the Lion Capital, which later became the National Emblem of India.
• Under Ashoka, Sarnath flourished as a center of Buddhist learning and pilgrimage.

3. Gupta Period – The Golden Age of Sarnath (4th–6th Century CE)

• During the Gupta dynasty, Sarnath reached its artistic peak.
• The Dhamek Stupa and Chaukhandi Stupa were expanded and decorated.
• Exquisite Buddha statues in Dharmachakra Pravartan Mudra (Teaching Gesture) were created, showcasing the classical Gupta art style.
• Numerous monasteries, shrines, and educational centers made Sarnath a hub of Buddhist philosophy and art.

4. Decline and Destruction (12th Century CE)

• In the 12th century, Sarnath suffered massive destruction during invasions by Turkic rulers.
• Monasteries were burnt, stupas were damaged, and Buddhist monks fled from the region.
• This marked the decline of Buddhism in northern India, including Sarnath.

5. Rediscovery and Archaeological Excavations (19th Century CE)

• Sarnath was rediscovered during the 19th century by British archaeologists such as Alexander Cunningham.
• Excavations revealed the remains of stupas, monasteries, sculptures, and inscriptions.
• Many important artifacts, including the Lion Capital, were found and are now preserved in the Sarnath Archaeological Museum.

6. Modern Buddhist Temples at Sarnath (20th Century – Present)

• Today, Sarnath is home to numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries built by different countries, showcasing global Buddhist traditions:
  • Mulagandha Kuti Vihar – built by the Maha Bodhi Society in the 20th century, houses frescoes by Japanese artist Kosetsu Nosu.
  • Thai, Burmese, Tibetan, Japanese, and Korean temples reflect international Buddhist devotion.
• The site continues to attract monks, scholars, and pilgrims from across the world.
• Annual celebrations of Buddha Purnima are held here with great reverence.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Sarnath

The Buddhist temples of Sarnath, Varanasi, represent more than just monuments – they are the living heritage of Lord Buddha’s teachings. From the first sermon at the Deer Park to the Mauryan and Gupta patronage, and from medieval decline to modern revival, Sarnath remains one of the most important symbols of Buddhist philosophy. Today, with its stupas, Ashokan pillar, international temples, and archaeological remains, Sarnath stands as a spiritual beacon for peace, wisdom, and enlightenment.