Came to Sarnath to pay homage to Siddhartha Buddha at the place of the birth of Buddhism.
In 528 BC, Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at nearby Bodhgaya, and became Siddhartha Buddha. Upon enlightenment he was allowed to perceive the interconnection between human desire and suffering.
Five weeks later, here in Sarnath he spoke of his knowledge for the first time, and revealed the eight fold “middle path” leading to the attainment of enlightenment and the escape from suffering and sorrow.
There is not much here now, but the place is still more significant than merely historical.
This was a mecca for Buddhists until maybe the 4th century and occupied still into the 9th century. Then a long decline started after the Muslim invasions.
This Stupa has been excavated and two earlier constructions are underneath. A pillar found nearby indicates that this is the place where Siddhartha Budda delivered his first sermon.
