Difference between revisions of "Sarnath"

Revision as of 12:18, 16 July 2007

Understand

The deer park where the Buddha Shakyamuni first taught the Buddha Dharma is located in this village on the outskirts of Varanasi. Within the park is a large stupa (Dhamekha Stupa)constructed by the Emperor Ashoka (2nd century B.C) and several other Buddhist structures that were added between the 3rd century BC and the 11th century AD. Sarnath remains one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

Get in

Fly to Babatpur airport (24kms) from Delhi, Calcutta, Lucknow or Mumbai

Get a train to Varanasi Cantt. (6kms) stn as all major trains from the country pour in from here. Sarnath has a small train stn but it seems usless..

Buses reach to Bus stand near the railway stn cantt.

If you are in Varanasi city, you can take a taxi, auto rickshaw or bus. (higher cost in decending order) to Sarnath. Don't take a cyclerickshaw, its too long and polluted way.

See

Sleep

Varied accomdation at Sarnath are the various monasteries like the Mahabodi dharmshala, Thai and Burmese for spartan costs and facilities. The Golden Buddha hotel is the closest place to stay that is a fully functional hotel with good ayurvedic massage, a Meditteranean restaurant and a quite lawn and outdoor hottub. they also have several types of rooms of different budgets. They have a website by the same name.

The govt tourist banglow is like all drab tourist banglows with good location. This is listed under the UPSTC website.

Staying in Sarnath and visiting Varanasi ghats in the day is the best idea. Its very peaceful and pollution free than the city.

Eat

Respect

• Wear clothing that expresses respect for the sacred nature of the site.
• Circumambulate the stupa and other sacred objects in a clock-wise direction.
• Preserve the peace and tranquillity.
• Do not climb onto statues or other sacred objects.