The original Mulagandha Kuti temple is now in ruins but is said to have been a magnificent brick structure built at the spot where, according to Buddhist scriptures, Buddha meditated during the rainy season. Today, in its place stands 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. Buddha’s first sermon is chanted daily. A bodhi tree just outside, was transplanted in 1931 from the tree in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka, which in turn is said to be the offspring of the original tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodhgaya.
This regal museum set in a sprawling compound was completed in 1910. As it houses a wealth of Buddhist artifacts it is built to resemble a Buddhist monastery.
Sarnath also has a host of magnificent temples, these include a Thai temple, a Burmese Temple, a Japanese temple and a Chinese temple.
Built several times over, the stupa is said to mark the spot in the deer park where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon.