ABOUT THE
Attraction
This cylindrical structure made of red bricks and stones is the most prominent in Sarnath. Standing 43.6 m tall with a solid diameter of 28 m, it was built in 500 AD to replace an earlier structure commissioned by Mauryan king Ashoka in 249 BC. Built several times over, the stupa is said to mark the spot in the deer park where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Its lower part is covered with exquisitely carved figures of humans and birds, as well as inscriptions in the Brahmi script of Gupta origin (4th to 6th centuries), when Sarnath was at the peak of its golden era.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Ashoka Pillar
Topped by the famous four-lion capital, which is the National Emblem of India it symbolises both Ashoka's imperial rule and the kingship of the Buddha.
Chaukhandi Stupa
Originally been built by emperor Ashoka in the 5th century. It is said to mark the spot where Lord Buddha met his five followers.
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
A beautiful turreted temple built in 1931 by the Mahabodhi Society. It has a rich repository of life-like frescoes by famous Japanese painter Kosetsu Nosu.