Dhamek Stupa (Sarnath)

Highlights

Overview

The Dhamek Stupa is the most imposing structure in Sarnath, marking the precise location where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as Dharmachakra Pravartana, to his five disciples. Originally commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE and later rebuilt during the Gupta period (500 CE), this massive cylindrical monument stands 43.6 metres tall and 28 metres in diameter. Its lower half is adorned with exquisite floral and geometric stone carvings and Brahmi script, showcasing the peak of Gupta craftsmanship. As one of the eight holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites, it attracts visitors worldwide who come to circumambulate the stupa and find peace in its surrounding deer park. The site serves as a profound testament to the origins of the "Eightfold Path" and the foundation of the Buddhist sangha.