The Dhamekh Stupa is one of the four most important Buddhist sites, known as "Sangvechaneyasthanas" (places of pilgrimage), which are directly related to the life of the Buddha. This stupa was built to commemorate the exact spot where Lord Buddha delivered his First Sermon, the "Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta," to the Pancavaggiya (group of five ascetics) in the Isipatana Mrigadaya forest, now known as Sarnath. This initial discourse marked the beginning of the propagation of the Buddhist teachings and led to the ordination of the first monk, Venerable Añña Kondañña, thus completing the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha) for the first time.

Sarnath is located approximately 8 kilometers northeast of Varanasi, a significant Hindu religious center. During the time of the Buddha, Sarnath was part of the Magadha Kingdom. The name "Sarnath" is believed to be derived from "Saranga + Natha," meaning "Lord of Deer," aligning with its ancient name "Isipatana Mrigadaya" or "Rishipatana Mrigadaya" (Pali: Isipatana Migadāyavana), which translates to "the Deer Park where ascetics descended." This name reflects the peaceful and natural environment of the area in ancient times.

The Dhamekh Stupa's history dates back to the time of Emperor Ashoka the Great (circa 268-232 BCE), who is believed to have initiated the construction of the first stupa at this site to commemorate the significant event. The current structure of the Dhamekh Stupa largely originates from the Gupta period (circa 5th century CE), which was a golden age for Indian art and architecture. The significance of the Dhamekh Stupa lies not only in its size or antiquity but also as a symbol of "seeing the Dharma" (Dhamekh means 'the one who sees the Dharma') and the inception of the Buddhist teachings that continue to be transmitted to this day.

The Dhamekh Stupa is built from bricks and stone, featuring a large and majestic cylindrical shape approximately 43.6 meters (143 feet) tall with a diameter of about 28 meters (92 feet). The base of the stupa is adorned with beautiful and intricate carvings depicting geometric patterns, floral motifs, and bird figures, interspersed with Brahmi script. These carvings are outstanding examples of Gupta period art, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of that era.

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Sarnath in the Time of the Buddha

In the time of the Buddha, Sarnath, or Isipatana Mrigadaya forest, was a sanctuary for animals and a secluded retreat for hermits and ascetics who practiced austerities and yoga to achieve Brahman, according to Upanishadic beliefs. It was here that the Pancavaggiya, who had separated from Prince Siddhartha after he abandoned extreme asceticism, came to practice.

After the Buddha attained enlightenment and arrived in Sarnath to deliver his First Sermon, converting the Pancavaggiya to Arahants, he spent his first rainy season (Vassa) at Isipatana Mrigadaya. During this period, he gained over 45 more disciples, most notably Yasa and his 44 companions, including Yasa's father, mother, and wife. They listened to the Buddha's teachings and became the first male and female lay followers in the world to take refuge in the Triple Gem. Thus, in the Buddha's first Vassa at Isipatana Mrigadaya, there were a total of 60 Arahants in the world, in addition to the Buddha himself.

Furthermore, Sarnath is also the significant place where the Buddha announced the dispatch of the first group of disciples to propagate Buddhism after his first Vassa (believed to be the same spot as the First Sermon, the Dhamekh Stupa). This is recorded in the Samyutta Nikaya, Sagatha Vagga:

"Go forth, O Bhikkhus, for the good of the many, for the happiness of the many, out of compassion for the world, for the good, benefit, and happiness of devas and humans. Let not two of you go by the same way. O Bhikkhus, teach the Dhamma that is lovely in its beginning, lovely in its middle, and lovely in its end. Declare the holy life, in its entirety and purity, both in the spirit and in the letter." (Samyutta Nikaya, Sagatha Vagga, Dutiyapasa Sutta 5)

Due to all these momentous events, Sarnath became the symbolic first center of Buddhism from that time onwards. It is not recorded in the Tipitaka that any large monasteries or structures were built in Sarnath immediately after the Buddha departed following the dispatch of his disciples. This suggests that the substantial constructions likely began later, once Buddhism had become well-established in the Magadha kingdom.

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Post-Parinirvana Period 

Approximately 300 years after the Buddha's time, during the reign of Emperor Ashoka the Great, the complex of sites where the Buddha delivered his First Discourse and other teachings to the Pancavaggiya, as well as the Buddha's Gandhakuti (fragrant hut) in Isipatana Mrigadaya forest, underwent extensive restoration and the construction of new religious edifices as memorials to the Buddha. These Buddhist sites flourished to their peak during the Gupta dynasty. Chinese traveler Hiuen-Tsang (Xuanzang), who visited around 600 CE, recorded that "there were 1,500 monks residing there, a stupa approximately 100 meters high, stone pillars with lion capitals, and many other marvels."

However, these Buddhist sites were eventually abandoned when the Mughal rulers took control of India. It was not until Anagarika Dharmapala, a Sri Lankan Buddhist revivalist, began their restoration that Sarnath once again gained prominence. Subsequent restoration efforts by the Indian government have continued, making Sarnath a crucial pilgrimage destination for Buddhists worldwide to this day.

Other Important Pilgrimage Sites and Ancient Ruins in Sarnath 

Today, the pilgrimage area in Sarnath has been largely excavated, revealing significant ruins of Buddhist structures that once thrived:

• Yasa Stupa: The place where the Buddha met Yasa, who later became the world's sixth Arahant disciple, along with his father, who became the world's first lay follower (Upasaka).

• Dharmarajika Stupa foundation: The site where the Buddha delivered the Anattalakkhaṇa Sutta (Discourse on the Non-self) and where the Buddha's bodily relics were once enshrined.

• Mulgandhakuti Vihara: This was the Buddha's personal dwelling for retreat and meditation during his first rainy season.

• Remains of Ashoka's Pillar: Currently broken into five pieces, this pillar was originally about 70 feet tall and topped with a famous four-lion capital. The four-lion capital survived the destruction and is now preserved at the Sarnath Museum by the Indian government, serving as the National Emblem of India. Additionally, the inscription by Emperor Ashoka below the lion capital, "Satyameva Jayate" (Truth Alone Triumphs), has been adopted as the national motto of India.

During special festivals or seasons, numerous events and activities attract tourists and Buddhist devotees, such as worship ceremonies and religious celebrations, allowing visitors to experience the sacred atmosphere and profound faith.

This site is also ideal for Buddhist pilgrims seeking spiritual merit, historians and archaeologists interested in early Buddhist history, and general tourists wishing to experience India's rich cultural and artistic heritage.

If you wish to experience and learn about the origins of Buddhism and witness ancient architecture brimming with stories, Dhamekh Stupa in Sarnath is an unmissable destination for your journey.

• By Air: The nearest airport is Varanasi International Airport (VNS), located approximately 25-30 kilometers from Sarnath. From the airport, you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to Sarnath.

• By Train: The most important railway station is Varanasi Junction (BSB), which connects to various major cities across India. From the station, you can continue your journey by taxi or auto-rickshaw to Sarnath.

• By Road: You can travel by private car, rental car, or public bus from nearby major cities in Uttar Pradesh.

• Best Time to Visit: It's best to visit Dhamekh Stupa during the cooler months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing.

• Dress Code: As it is a sacred site, please dress modestly and respectfully (shoulders and knees covered).

• Footwear: You may need to remove your shoes before entering certain sacred areas.

• Safety: Be mindful of your personal belongings and strictly adhere to the site's rules and regulations.

• Tranquility: This is a significant religious site; please maintain a calm demeanor and respect the peaceful atmosphere.