Around Varanasi Important information

Tourist Acctration in Around Varanasi

• Sarnath
• Dhamek Stupa
• Chaukhandi Stupa
• Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
• Archaeological or Sarnath Museum
• Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies
• Digamber Jain temple
• Ramnagar Fort
• Chunar

Sarnath (10 kms.) It is considered to be the most important Buddhist pilgrim centre after Bodh Gaya. Lord Buddha preached his first sermon at the fabled Deer Park over here after attaining enlightenment. Later on, emperor Ashoka built magnificent stupas and other structures. The golden period of Sarnath was around 640 A.D. There were over 1500 priest, an imposing Stupa and a mighty Ashokan pillar. Sarnath is a treasure house of Buddhist antiquities ranging from the times of Ashoka to the 12th century A.D.

Dhamek Stupa: The 110 ft. high Stupa marks the site where Buddha delivered his first sermon. It was built around 500 A.D. and was rebuilt a number of times. The geometrical and floral patterns on the stupa are typical of Gupta period. Originally, there was a second stupa known as Dharmarajika Stupa. It was dismantled in the 18th century by jagat Singh of Benares. Near the ruins of the stupa stands the majestic Ashoka Pillar Surmounted by the superb capital with Ashokan symbol of four back to back lions. The capital is now exhibited at Sarnath museum and is the national emblem of modern India.

Chaukhandi Stupa : This imposing mound of brick-work is said to be originally built °y emperor Ashoka.

Mulagandha Kuti Vihar : The elegant shrine was built in 1930s, by the Mahabodhi Society- It houses excellent murals and frescoes done by Japanese artists and ancient

Archaeological or Sarnath Museum : It has a rich collection of Buddhist sculptures recovered from the ruins at Sarnath. The main attraction is the superb capital from the Ashokan pillar depicting four back-to-back lions.

Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies : It was set up by Dalai Lama in 1971 and is only one of its kind in the entire world.

Digamber Jain temple : The sacred shrine was built in 1824 and is said to be the birth place of Shreyanashnath, the 11th Jain tirthankara.

Ramnagar Fort (14 kms.)

The 17th century fort overlooking the river Ganga is not far away from Assi ghat. It was the residential palace of the former Maharaja of Varanasi and the personal collection of the erstwhile royalty can be seen here. Ramnagar is also known for the Ramlila, based on Ramcharitmanas of Tulsidas and Dussehra celebrations.

Chunar (40kms.)

The historical town is famous for its impregnable fort, which is said to be originally built by the legendary king Vikramaditya of Ujjain, in memory of his brother Raja Bhartihari, who had taken live samadhi here. The Fort witnessed several battles and was associated Sher Shah Suri, who defeated Mughal emperor Humayun. In 1575, Akbar recaptured the fort and was presided over by the Nawabs of Avadh. It passed into the hands of British in 1764. The fort has a sun - dial and a huge well. It affords a fine view of the Ganga. Chunar is also known for its sandstone, which has been used most famously in Ashokan pillars.