Sarnath Buddhist Architecture in India – History & Significance
Sarnath holds a profound place in the history of Buddhism in india. It is located near “the City of lights” in Uttar Pradesh. It is the sacred site where Gautama Buddha delivered his first homily after attaining enlightenment.
This special site is know as “Dharmachakra Pravartana” or Turning of the Wheel of Dharma,
The spiritual significance of this place has been captured beautifully in the Buddhist architecture of Sarnath.
Historical Background of Sarnath
Sarnath can be considered as an ancient city as its glory dates back to the 3rd century BCE, it was the time when Great Emperor Ashoka ruled over the land vast than India today. As the emperor was a devout follower of Buddhism, during his reign several monuments and stupas were erected honouring the teachings of Buddha.
Sarnath also owes contributions by different dynasties over centuries like the Kushans, the Guptas, and the Palas.
Major Architectural spots in Sarnath
1. Dhamek Stupa
Sarnath is known for the first place where Budhha gave his sermon, and this stupa commemorates the same spot. Dhamek Stupa is one of the most iconic structures of Sarnath. This was initially built by Ashoka the Great and then later on expanded by the Gupta rulers around 500 CE.
This Stupa is 43.6 meters high and 28 meters in diameter. The beautiful carvings of the lower potions are intricately carved in floral design and some geometric patterns, that showcases the early Buddhistic artistic excellence.
2. Chaukhandi Stupa
When Gautama attained enlightenment, he met his first five disciples at the place which is now adorned with Chaukhandi Stupa. Originally there was a place for a terraced temple during the Gupta period but after the invasion Akbar created an octagonal tower to commemorate the visit of Humayun.
3. Pillar of Ashoka the Great
As the name suggests this great Pillar was erected by the Great emperor Ashoka. This pillar was raised as a symbol of royal patronage and devotion. The famous lion capital of India where four lions stand guarding four directions found on the National symbols of India has been adopted from this pillar. This is the National emblem of India.
More to this the pillar also bears inscriptions in the Brahmi script detailing Ashoka’s principles of Dhamma.
4. Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
This is an early addition to the complex in Sarnath by the Maha Bodhi Society in the 20th century. The purpose for installation of this temple is to revive the ancient glory of Sarnath.
This temple is decorated with beautiful frescoes done by Japanese artist Kosetsu Nosu, depicting scenes from Buddha’s life.
Deliberately this temple has been built at the place where once Buddha’s Monastery stood.
In addition to the above special sites Sarnath also houses a treasure trove of Buddhist sculptures. When you visit the Archaeological Museum at Sarnath, you can find some remarkable preserved pieces, including the most celebrated Dharmachakra Pravartana sculpture from the Gupta period.
This is considered to be a masterpiece that portrays Buddha preaching to his first disciples, flanked by a wheel and two deer, a symbol for “Mrig Vana” where the sermon was first delivered.
A Legacy of Spiritual Wealth
Many sculptures fell prey to the invasions and wear of time, the ruins protected remind us of the spiritual wealth we have inherited and the area reverberates with powerful aura to this day. The site is an important destination for Buddhists not only from India but the whole. It is a centre for not only spiritual but archaeological and scholarly interest as well.
What specific restoration efforts are currently happening at Sarnath?
UNESCO and the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) are also showing active interests in preserving and restoring the site. Currently it is going under a significant restoration and development process in order to preserve its rich heritage and enhance the visitor experience.
These initiatives are spearheaded by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
In 2022, the ASI, with the National Culture Fund and Sony India, completed enhancements to the Sarnath Museum, which is India’s oldest site museum. The improvements included:
- Installation of advanced CCTV systems for enhanced security.
- Deployment of additional security and housekeeping personnel.
- Development of a visitor sitting plaza under trees.
- Upgradation of the Interpretation Centre.
- Construction of a fabricated shed at the museum entrance.
- Overall strengthening of the museum campus security.
Also a recent tourism project funded by the World Bank and managed by the Varanasi Development Authority is being carried out aiming for the Sarnath Buddhist Circuit. This project has a budget of ₹72.63 crore, taking the following major steps:
- Beautify road crossings and restoration of 29 monuments.
- Illuminate roads and heritage sites.
- Develop advanced parking facilities and pedestrian paths.
- Create public seating areas for tourists.
- Rehabilitate local hawkers and vendors with customized mobile vehicles and heritage-look kiosks.
- Establish shops for souvenirs and products under Geographical Indication (GI) and One District One Product (ODOP) schemes.
Archaeological Excavations
The ASI’s Sarnath Circle has been conducting excavations since 2014 to uncover and preserve historical structures. Notable excavation sites include
- Mulgandha Kuti Temple area and
- The Dharmarajika Stupa
These excavations are an attempt to reveal more about the site’s ancient past.
How are the restoration efforts impacting local communities around Sarnath?
The restoration and development efforts for Sarnath have impacted the locals around as it brings new opportunities but people are also challenged with growth difficulties.
The Pro-Poor Tourism Development Project promises the rehabilitation of local hawkers and vendors by providing them with customized mobile vehicles and heritage-themed kiosks.
Various steps have been taken to increase domestic tourism, with more visitors exploring Sarnath which will eventually help the local businesses.
Although some challenges remain unsolved, despite the developments. There is only a certain number of accommodation places and dining options, which is a hurdle for the robust growth of tourism and economy. Varanasi, being a close by and more favourable location for visitors, challenges Sarnath for retaining the visitors for more than a few hours.
Such situations limit the potential of this heritage site in developing economically.
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