Why Sarnath near Varanasi Could Soon Join the UNESCO World Heritage List
Recently, senior officials from both bodies had a meeting in Lucknow for the final preparations ahead of UNESCO's review in September.
Why Sarnath is important
Sarnath is a beautiful town situated some 10 km from Varanasi. This place is highly significant for the followers of Buddhism as it was here where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon to five disciples after attaining enlightenment, setting in motion the Dharmachakra or the Wheel of Dharma.
Sarnath has been attracting people for centuries now. It draws pilgrims, scholars, photographers, and travellers from all over the world. Today, years later, this sacred site is on the brink of receiving global recognition. The Uttar Pradesh tourism department has intensified its campaign to have Sarnath inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sarnath's importance is more than its archaeological ruins. The Dhamek Stupa is a huge structure marking the spot where Buddha is believed to have given his first sermon.
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The Archaeological Museum here is a treasure house where one can learn about centuries past, including the original Lion Capital of Ashoka which is now India's national emblem.
The Mulagandha Kuti Vihar is a modern Buddhist temple built by the Mahabodhi Society. The journey towards UNESCO recognition is a process. For locals, the campaign is a source of pride. Many see it as a long-overdue acknowledgement of Sarnath's role in shaping the spiritual and philosophical traditions that continue to influence millions worldwide.
Here are five interesting facts about Sarnath:
First Sermon
– It was here in Sarnath's Deer Park that Buddha first shared his teachings with five disciples.
Ashokan Legacy
– The noted Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka is now India's national emblem. It stood atop a pillar here as a symbol of moral authority.
Ancient Monastic Centre
– Archaeological remains reveal that Sarnath was once a thriving centre of Buddhist learning, attracting monks from as far as Central Asia.
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
– This modern monastery, with its beautiful murals by Japanese artist Kosetsu Nosu, keeps alive the tradition of Buddhist art and storytelling.
International Pilgrimage Destination
– Sarnath continues to draw devotees from across the world, including countries like Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, making it a living example of Buddhism's global reach.
Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope Sarnath gets the UNESCO recognition.
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