INDIA 2015 - SARNATH

Sarnath is located just 12 km from the Hindu holy city of Varanasi and is the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha himself for pilgrimage. The other three sites are: Lumbini (birth); Bodh Gaya (enlightenment); and Kushinagar (death).

 
Mulagandhakuti Vihara

 
Samples of the paintings which tell the life story of Buddha

Prayer wheels

 
Dhamekh Stupa in the background, said to hold relics of Buddha

 
Dhamekh Stupa

 
Chaukhandi Stupa marks the spot where Buddha met his first disciples

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