Sarnath: The Sacred Site Where Lord Buddha Delivered His First Sermon

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Sarnath: The Sacred Site Where Lord Buddha Delivered His First Sermon  Updated in 2026:  This article was originally written in 2020 and has now been comprehensively revised with expanded historical analysis, archaeological interpretation, and recent developments in Buddhist heritage preservation . Sarnath holds a foundational position in Buddhist history as the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. It was here that he set in motion the “Dhammachakra” — the Wheel of Dharma — formally establishing the Buddhist Sangha and beginning the global spread of his teachings. Located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, near Varanasi, Sarnath is one of the four principal Buddhist pilgrimage destinations, alongside Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, and Kushinagar. Historical Background of Sarnath In ancient texts, Sarnath was known as Isipatana or Rishipattana, meaning “the place where sages descended.” It was also called Migadaya (Deer Park), referencing the f...

Bhmala Buddhist complex in pakistan

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The bhamala Buddhist archelogy complexsite  close to khanpur dam at the head of haro valley. The stupa and the monastery date back to 2nd century. They are uniquely significant in gandhara civilization. The largest surviving example particular cross like stupa that resembles to the pyramids. The site of the discovery of the world’s oldest ‘Maha Pari Nirvana’ statue which depicts the death of Buddha. 
                                  The statue which was discovered in 2016, is about 1700 years and 48 feet long. Noted for this archeological style the bhamala complex is said to belong to 2nd to 5th century BCE.The main stupa of Bhamala is unique, with a cruciform plan consisting of a tall square base for the dome above which offset projections for the steps can be seen on all four sides. 
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https://ancientbuddha91.blogspot.comBuddhism flourished in what is now Pakistan some 2,300 years ago, after it took route under Mauryan emperor Ashoka in Takashila (now Taxila), Gandhara art is credited with creating the first carved image of Buddha in human form, most of which are still intact at monasteries and stupas such as Bhamala
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A small stupa adorned with small Buddha statue.

According to the current understandings, the shape of main stupa is cruciform and it is the biggest surviving example of this shape in Taxila and Gandhara region. The stupa is cross shaped and looks like an Aztec Pyramid. There are about nineteen but small votive stupas in courtyard surrounding the main stupa.

It nominated as UNESCO world heritage site. This site is under control of Pakistan government.


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