Dhamek Stupa Sarnath - Famous Buddhist Stupa

 

Dhamek Stupa which is also spelled as Dhamekh and Dhamekha is one of the most famous Buddhist stupas located in Sarnath near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. This solid cylindrical shaped Stupa made of red bricks and stone in its present position stands at a height of 43.6 m with a diameter of 28 m. The significance of this sacred place is that it marks the spot where Lord Buddha preached the first sermon to His five disciples after attaining enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. Buddhist pilgrims from around the world visit Sarnath to circumambulate the holy Stupa and worship Lord Buddha. National and international tourists also flock at Sarnath to get a glimpse of Buddhist architecture and culture at this significant centre of Buddhism.

 

 

The Dhamek Stupa originally built in 249 BCE along with several other monuments during the reign of king Ashoka of the Maurya Dynasty to commemorate the Buddha's activities and spread Buddhism in this location. This massive and prominent structure later reconstructed in 500 CE.

 

 

 

History says after Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, He gave His first sermon to five disciples at this spot which throughout its long history has been variously known as Rishipattana, Isipatana, Mrigadava and Migadaya apart from the most popular name, Sarnath. This famous event in the life of Lord Buddha is called the "Dharma Chakra Pravartana" or setting the "Wheel of Law" in motion. According to sources, Lord Buddha visited Sarnath and while staying here he performed meditation. Thus for Buddhists, this place marks as one of the four most sacred places associated with Lord Buddha. And the other three is Lumbini - the site of birth, Bodhgaya - the site of enlightenment and Kushinagar - the site of nirvana of Lord Buddha. This place also marks the foundation of the first ‘Sangh’ that included Lord Buddha and around 60 monks among others.

 

 

This massive Stupa is cylindrical in shape and built with red bricks and stone with the lower part being entirely covered with aesthetically pleasing carved stones. Presumably the base of the Stupa dates back to the Ashokan period. Veneering sandstone encase the structure till the height of 11.2 m and niches facing 8 directions that possibly held images earlier are present. The stone facing under the niches are ornamented with fine floral carvings that manifest high level of craftsmanship on stone during the period of Maurya Dynasty. Brahmi script is etched on the wall of the Stupa along with magnificently sculpted floral and geometrical designs and figurines of birds and humans.

 

 

This amazing and aesthetically designed world famous Stupa and other structures in Sarnath depicting great craftsmanship of Buddhist art and sculpture draw attention of thousands of visitors round the year including national and international pilgrims, tourists, dignitaries, archaeologists and historians. Buddhist pilgrims from around the world visit the Stupa to circumambulate it and offer prayer to Lord Buddha.

 

 

The site remains open from sunrise to sunset and can be visited anytime of the year. Entry fees per person for Indian citizens and visitors of SAARC and BIMSTEC nations is Rs. 5/- and for others is Rs. 100/-. Entry is free for children up to 15 years of age.

 

Dhamek Stupa located 13 km away at Sarnath, from Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Varanasi is well-connected with other parts of India by air, rail and roads. One can hire a cab or auto to reach the Dhamek Stupa from Varanasi.