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Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi

Home / Explore / Varanasi - Sarnath

Varanasi-Sarnath
Bemisal Benaras Video
A visit to
"Varanasi is among the oldest living cities this
legendary
in the world and its antiquity nds place in city will be

ancient scriptures.
among the
most

Located along the Ganga it is a sacred place moving

trips you'll
for all Hindus, Jains and Buddhists." ever make.

Varanasi is
believed to
be the
greatest
tirth
(pilgrimage)
between
earth and
heaven. For
a Hindu, to
visit
Varanasi
and bathe in
the water of
Ganga, is to
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be cleansed 1/5
8/21/2018 of the- Sarnath
Welcome to UP Tourism-Official Website of Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh, India | explore | Varanasi sins
of
thousands
of past
rebirths.

The
combination
of Kashi-
the holy
city, Ganga
the holy
river and
Lord Shiva-
the
Supreme
God, makes
Varanasi an
immortal
destination.

It is a
crucible of
religious,
spiritual and
academic
thought and
beliefs of
Hindus,
Buddhists
and Jains. It
has always
been a great
cultural
centre
notably in
the field of
learning,
religion,
philosophy,
Yoga,
Ayurveda,
astrology,
music,
literature
and
spirituality.

Life on the
ghats of the
Ganga and
the evening
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8/21/2018 Ganga
Welcome to UP Tourism-Official Website of Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh, India | explore | Varanasi arti
- Sarnath
change the
way you see
the holy
river.

The fabled
Banarsi silk
saree and
carpets have
made the
city a big
name in
global
markets.

A morning
spent at the
ghats and
temples is a
spiritually
cleansing
experience.

Sarnath
Sarnath, 10km from Varanasi, is one of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage centers. It is believed that after
attaining the Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, it was here that Lord Buddha preached his first sermon, sanctified as
Maha Dharm Chakra Parivartan.

The great Dhamekh Stupa and several other structures stand testimony to the importance the place enjoyed at that
time.

The Chaukhandi Stupa is the place where, during his first visit to Sarnath, Lord Buddha met his first five disciples.

The area is a treasure trove of archaeological findings such as Dharmrajika Stupa and Mulgandhkuti Vihar.

The smooth glistening pillar established by Emperor Ashoka in 273-232 B.C. marks the foundation of the Buddhist
Sangha, and the Lion Capital atop this pillar is now India's National Emblem.

Vindhyachal
Situated on the bank of the Ganga near Mirzapur amid the Vindhya hills it is a sacred pilgrimage site.

The Shaktipeeth of goddess Vindhyavasini is supposed to be the abode of divine power and blessings.

There are several highly revered temples in the vicinity such as Ashtabhuja Maa Temple and Goddess Kalikhoh
Temple, that attract a stream of visitors throughout the year.

Grand celebrations are held here during the Navratri in April and October.

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 Sonbhadra
8/21/2018 Welcome to UP Tourism-Official Website of Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh, India | explore | Varanasi - Sarnath

This is the ancient land where icons of Mahabharat era are found besides the famous Shiv Dwar and Renukeshwar
temple.

The Vijaygarh fort is a symbol of the might of the ancient rulers of this region.

It has several places of archaeological, religious and natural interest, and the cave paintings in the region are of great
antiquity.

For the nature-lovers, a trip to Lakhaniya and Mukkha falls besides the amazing Fossil Park are a rare treat.

A little away is the Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to a large number of wild animals and birds.

Chunar
About 40 km from Varanasi, Chunar is the place where religion, history and nature intermingle with each other.

The forests in the Vindhya ranges along the Ganga are ideal for a day’s trek.

The imposing Chunar Fort along the Ganga is a marvellous sight and it houses nearly 1000-year old monolithic stone
temples.

The famous temple of Durga Khoh on the Jhirna Nala is a natural rock shelter having rare figures and inscriptions on
its walls.

Visitors to Varanasi find it Young people from all over the

difficult which is sweeter - world visit Varanasi to seek
mithai or the Banarsi Paan spiritual solace

Places of Interest

How to reach

General Info.
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