9/18 ☼ Exploring Temples, Caves, Ghats, and an Imambara: A 3000-Mile Adventure
Sarnath : Turning the Wheel of Law
Sarnath name is derived from the Sarang Nath Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva ('Lord of Deer') and contains two Shiva lingams along with a large connected pond. The place is sacred because Lord Buddha preached here his first sermon. Following his enlightenment in Bodhgaya, Buddha chose to share his teachings with five companions in what is referred to in Buddhist literature as 'turning the wheel of law' or 'dharmachakra-parvarttana'. In this sacred place, Buddha revealed the profound teachings of the four noble truths: the existence of suffering, the origin and root of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path leading to the ultimate liberation and enlightenment known as Nirvana.
Contents
Stupa, Handloom & Tana Bana Weaving - Banarasi Saree
Childhood Stories - Spiritual transformation
The Invasions by Mahmud of Ghazni
Museum
Stupa, Handloom & Tana Bana Weaving
Our tourist guide explained popular stupa (Sanskrit: स्तूप) first before taking us to a handmade saree shop. The architectural marvels of Sarnath include
The Dhamekh Stupa: The resonating voice of Buddhism found its origins in this sacred ground, meticulously built by Emperor Ashoka.
The Chaukhandi Stupa: Marks the site where Buddha met his first disciples.
The Ashoka Pillar (Lion Capital of Ashoka): Through the turmoil of Turk invasions, this pillar has emerged as a resilient symbol of imperial patronage, defying fragmentation and standing tall.
Monastery: The monastery near the Dhamekh Stupa offers the serene atmosphere and traditions of the monks as you wander through the grounds.
Tana Bana is a fascinating technique in handloom weaving where different coloured threads are intricately woven together to create beautiful patterns in the fabric. The term is derived from Sanskrit words meaning warp and weft, which are the two essential components of this process. By carefully weaving the warp and weft threads, a wide range of designs can be achieved, ranging from simple stripes to complex geometrical patterns. The artistry of Banarasi sarees is woven in the historic town of Sarnath. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this fascinating journey through a captivating video.
Childhood Stories - Angulimala & Ashoka (Spiritual Transformation)
Every child in India grows up hearing the stories of Angulimala and Emperor Ashoka. These tales, deeply connected to Buddhism, were recounted by our guide. Here is a brief version of those narratives.
Narrating, the short version here, In the jungle, a young man named Angulimala made a vow to take the lives of a thousand people. To keep count of his gruesome deeds, he collected a finger from each victim and strung them together as a garland, "Finger-Garland." Angulimala needed only one more finger to fulfil his vow and he encountered Lord Budhha in the forest. he shouted, “Stop! Stop!” The Buddha replied, “I have stopped. It is you who have not stopped.” After a few conversations with Lord Buddha, he made a life-changing decision by discarding his weapons and humbly seeking the guidance of the Buddha, signalling a transformative journey towards inner peace and enlightenment.
The second story pertains to the great Mauryan emperor Ashoka, who waged a war against the people of Kalinga (Odisha). It is believed that the battle took place on the Dhauli hills, located on the banks of the Daya River. The river's colour turned red from the blood of thousands of slain soldiers. The immense suffering caused by this war filled Ashoka's heart with remorse, leading him to renounce war forever. This pivotal moment brought about a profound change in his life. Ashoka embraced Buddhism and dedicated his resources and zeal to spreading the teachings of Buddha.
The invasions by Mahmud of Ghazni
Mahmud of Ghazni's invasion of India marked a pivotal moment in the subcontinent's history. Sarnath flourished from the 3rd century BCE to the 11th century CE, witnessing a period of grandeur with impressive structures and sculptures commissioned by different rulers. Despite this, the city also endured invasions and devastation, notably by the Muslim forces of Mahmud of Ghazni, destroying Buddhist sites. The ancient history holds many relics of Buddha that have been scattered across various countries and lost in wars over time. The meditation technique and dhamma introduced by Buddha are still widely practised in numerous countries today, demonstrating its enduring popularity.
Museum
The Archaeological Museum in Sarnath is a treasure for history and art enthusiasts. With its establishment dating back to 1904, it holds the distinction of being one of India's oldest and most remarkable museums. The architectural marvel, designed by James Ransome, serves as the perfect backdrop for the awe-inspiring collection of sculptures, relics, coins, inscriptions, and artifacts that were discovered during excavations at the Sarnath archaeological site. Divided into five galleries, each focusing on a different period and theme, the museum offers a captivating journey through time. Moreover, the museum's library and publication section provide visitors with an opportunity to delve deeper into the rich history of Sarnath and Buddhism.
After visiting Sarnath, I embarked on a solo trip to Gaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment. The journey is full of twists and turns. Stay connected and follow along!