Kasi Yaathirai - 9

Saranath, a famous place associated with history of India, where the great emperor Ashoka after adopting to Buddhism had built Stupas between 3 B.C and 11 A.D during his pilgrimage.

Saranath is also a place where Lord Buddha chose to deliver his first discourse after his enlightening at Bodhgaya under the famous Bodhi tree. The renowned Mantra, 'Buddham Sharanam Gachhami', traces its origin to Sarnath. It is believed on the day before his death; Buddha included Sarnath along with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar as the four places he thought to be revered to his supporters. It makes Sarnath one of the most acclaimed Buddhist places.

Saranath is about 10 – 12 km from Kasi and almost in an opposite direction to Ramnagar palace and fort. It is a place one should not miss whether one is a history buff or not. Lots of Buddha Vihar (Temple), Stupas, monuments is there to see. There is also a vast expanse of ancient ruins at Saranath. The archeological department is still excavating the whole place to unearth many historic things.

There is a museum in Saranath, which is the main attraction apart from Buddha Vihars. This Museum is a huge area landscaped with beautifully maintained grass carpets. The main attraction of the museum is at the entrance itself. One can see a gigantic Ashok Pillar with majestic four lions on top and Horse, bull, elephant and tiger along with Ashok Chakra on its base. This Ashoka Pillar at Saranath is our National emblem of our country. The archeologists available there say, as far as they know, that the polish done on the original emblem is of Zinc powder, molasses and limestone powder. The quality which has been achieved at that time on that stone carving, could not be achieved even with today’s high technology, is their version!!!

There are 5 galleries and 2 halls. Touch screen monitors are available everywhere to know the information pertaining to excavation and other historical facts. In all these halls and galleries display of huge & miniature idols of Buddha in various postures, Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu, Ganesh is kept. The excavations range between 1 BC and 11 AD origin. We could also see huge stone inscriptions.

The Indian Buddhist society called Mahabodhi Society maintains a park around the famous Buddha Vihar. Ashoka has brought a branch of original “Bodhi” tree from Budhgaya and planted it in Saranath and a huge Bodi tree is there now.

Inside this monastery, on the walls one can see impressive paintings depicting the life of Lord Buddha. In the ground, on one side of monastery one can see striking representation of Buddha preaching his “first Five Disciples”. Just beyond this spot a one can see a bell installed in the year 2004. The bell is wonderful and huge.

We spent around 4 hours and we could associate us with the traditions of History. It was a real treat to be in this part of the world where we could also associate with our National emblem.

Thus, we visited all these places in Kasi and in subsequent blogs; I will cover the trip to Allahabad which we undertook during this same period on a day in between…..