Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath

Overview

The Dhamek Stupa stands at Sarnath, a short drive from Varanasi, where the Buddha is said to have preached his first sermon to five ascetics after his enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. The present stupa, a massive cylinder of brick and stone about 43 metres high and 28 metres across, dates from the Gupta period, around the fifth to sixth century CE.

It rises over the remains of earlier stupas and may be linked to the emperor Ashoka's patronage. The stone facing carries bands of floral and geometric carving.

What to look for

• The carved floral and geometric bands on the lower walls
• The Ashokan pillar and the ruins of monasteries nearby
• The Sarnath Archaeological Museum, home of the Lion Capital of Ashoka, India's national emblem
• Pilgrims circling the stupa and chanting

Visiting tips

• Combine Sarnath with the Varanasi sunrise boat ride in one morning.
• Allow time for the museum, which holds the Lion Capital; it is usually closed on Fridays, so check.
• Dress modestly and walk clockwise around the stupa, as pilgrims do.

Why visit with a private guide

A private guide shows you where to stand, when to arrive and what most visitors miss at Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath, and fits the visit around the rest of your day.

More photographs

Nearby

Dashashwamedh Ghat Ganga Aarti Manikarnika Ghat Sunrise Boat Kashi Vishwanath