The ancient city of Sarnath, located in Varanasi, is renowned for being the site where Buddha delivered his first sermon and the location of the famed Ashoka Pillar. Historically known by several names – Rishipatana, Mrigadava and Mrigadaya – the name ‘Sarnath’ is believed to derive from Saranganatha (lord of deer). This article explores the significant Buddhist monuments situated within this historical city, along with their associated histories and legends.
Sarnath and its association with Buddha
Sarnath holds tremendous significance in the life of Buddha, with it being one of the four sites where the ashes of Buddha were enshrined in stupas. These sites, including Lumbini (his birthplace), Bodh Gaya (where he achieved Enlightenment), Deer Park at Sarnath (where he delivered his first sermon), and Kushinagara (where he passed away), are linked to both factual and legendary events from Buddha’s life.
Establishment of Stupas and Monasteries by Ashoka
Approximately two centuries after Buddha, the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, deeply affected by the bloodshed in the battle of Kalinga, converted to Buddhism. He subsequently built numerous stupas and monasteries throughout Sarnath. Early excavations conducted between 1834 and 1836 by Sir Alexander Cunningham revealed the Dhamekh, Dharmarajika, and Chaukhandi stupas, along with a monastery and a temple.
| Stupa/Monument | Year of Excavation | Excavator |
|---|---|---|
| Dhamekh Stupa | 1834-36 | Sir Alexander Cunningham |
| Dharmarajika Stupa | 1834-36 | Sir Alexander Cunningham |
| Chaukhandi Stupa | 1834-36 | Sir Alexander Cunningham |
| Ashoka Pillar | 1904-05 | Friedrich Oscar Oertel |
Invasions and Restorations
Following Ashoka, various rulers continued to contribute to Sarnath’s development, including the Kushans, Guptas, and Harshavardhana. Despite the city suffering from invasions, strenuous efforts were made to restore its monuments, significantly by the Gupta rulers, who encased the Dhamekh stupa (synonymous with Sarnath) in beautiful stone-carved floral designs.
The State Emblem of India and Its Origins
India’s state emblem is derived from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. Consisting originally of four lions standing back to back, mounted on an abacus with high-relief sculptures of an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull, and a lion separated by wheels over a bell-shaped lotus, the state emblem now portrays only three visible lions. The Wheel of the Law (Dharma Chakra) crowns the emblem, with ‘Truth Alone Triumphs’, inscribed below in Devanagari script.
