Sarnath: Where History and Peace Collide
Visiting Banaras wasn’t on my bucket list, but, as always, my “never say no to a plan” attitude landed me there anyway. And honestly? I couldn’t be happier about it. What started as a casual group trip turned into an unforgettable journey when we decided to explore Sarnath, a place that feels like a secret doorway to India’s ancient past.
Imagine squeezing seven people into a rickshaw (yes, seven), bumping along the chaotic streets, and finally arriving at a destination so calm and serene it felt like stepping into another world. Sarnath is one of those places where history doesn’t just sit in books; it lives, breathes, and surrounds you. From the towering Buddha statues to the blooming lotus ponds and the whispers of centuries-old stories, every corner of Sarnath felt like an invitation to slow down and soak it all in. If you’re even remotely curious about ancient history or looking for a break from the chaos of Banaras, trust me, this is the place to be. Let me take you along on my journey, one chai cup and bumpy rickshaw ride at a time.
Our First spot to visit was Sarnath where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment, called the Dharmachakra Pravartan (turning the wheel of Dharma). This spot is the cradle of Buddhism. Now, Sarnath is really far from Maldahiya. We braced ourselves for the long journey and, after some hassle, found a friendly old rickshaw guy, the only one who agreed to take us there at a fair rate. We clumped ourselves into the tiny rickshaw, which truly felt like an authentic shared ride since everyone around us seemed to travel the same way. Not the most comfortable, but totally worth the experience haha.
After a bumpy, stacked-up ride of about 45 minutes, we finally reached Sarnath. I grabbed a quick snack of bananas and entered the Wat Thai Sarnath Temple. This is where Buddha found salvation and the many postures he meditated in are depicted here. I was particularly mesmerized by the 80-ft tall Buddhist statue. The original was in Afghanistan but was demolished and deteriorated over time. Thanks to funding by the Indian and Thai governments, this marvelous replication was built here in Sarnath. The statue is accompanied by a beautiful lily pond a little distance away, with the prettiest blooming lilies floating on the water. I noticed people tossing coins into the pond, likely due to some superstitious beliefs. The Thai-style temple nearby was stunning, with its intricate architecture and a massive sitting Buddha statue. There were also representations of the Ashokan Pillar, the Dharma Chakra, a Laughing Buddha, and several other statues.
Buddhists and tourists from all over the world visit this place for its religious and cultural significance. The reference to the lotus here is fascinating too; it's said that when Buddha took his first five steps, lotuses bloomed under his feet. The temple grounds also have a beautiful garden filled with vibrant flowers, fruits, and other plants. One tree that really caught my eye was the one bearing fruits used to make sindoor! Such a delightful detail to stumble upon.
Scam Encounters
Right at the entrance a guy supposed to be a guide approached us and offered to guide the tour for just 100. Already suspicious, everyone still decides to hire him and he tags along. He explained the backstory as we explored around the premises, helped take our pictures and all. Once we exited the temple the guide asked us to follow him. We were hoping for some more sightseeing but ended up taken to a wholesale saree store instead and it was then that we figured out that our so-called guide is a salesman from that particular banarasi saree shop and encouraged us to buy saree at a wholesale rate.Now that we were present in the shop I happened to witness the making of real handloom Banarasi saree. The worker explained the whole process from designing and printing the graph paper then creating the punch cards setting up the machine and delicate silk threads and the weaving process of the saree. The Banarasi sarees are pretty but costlier too. I didn't spend on a saree that is equivalent to the budget of my trip but Would you?
Before further exploration, visiting banaras and missing out on an authentic banarasi paan? No way, I had to try one the moment I saw a local paan stall. It was already lunch time and I was craving for something light, a chatpata Bhel never disappoints!
We started walking towards our next stop to see the marvelous Shanti Sarnath Stupa and the iconic Ashoka Stambh. Skipping the long queue, we scanned the QR codes at the booking counter to purchase our entry tickets online. We tried to leave our bags in the cloakroom, but it wasn’t functional, no one was attending it. As I wandered around, I came across the ruins of the Ashoka Stambh. Unfortunately, the museum was closed on Friday, so I couldn’t see the top part of the pillar, the famous Ashoka Chakra, or the four-faced lion. Continuing further, I noticed ruins scattered all over the place. And then there were some literate-but-uneducated types walking over the ruins even after security shooed them away multiple times. To add to the frustration, there were others who couldn’t care less about the history or the information displayed near the monuments. They were just busy clicking pictures.
Moving ahead, I reached the ruins of what was once the meeting hall, a place where discussions and gatherings happened. Right near the exit stood the gigantic, cylindrical, dome-shaped stupa. It had small entrances that monks and spiritual leaders once used to enter and meditate. However, these have now been sealed off for safety reasons. I saw Tibetan monks and Buddhists lighting incense sticks and placing them around the stupa. They were circling the structure and chanting holy mantras, creating a serene atmosphere. I also witnessed a belief or superstition about tossing coins into the small openings at the top of the stupa. The idea was that if your coin made it inside without bending during the throw, your wish would be granted.
After all the walking I had done, I was exhausted. Before leaving, I sat on the grass, soaking in the moment. I looked around at the people, the culture, and the remnants of history, a heritage passed down through generations. The chilled weather and the soft evening breeze added to the calmness. With a deep breath, I enjoyed the peaceful vibe one last time and continued my journey.
Wrapping Up My Sarnath Adventure
And just like that, my day at Sarnath came to an end and we left for the evening Ganga aarti at the Ganga Ghats. From the towering Buddha statue to the ancient vibes of the Ashokan pillar, every corner of this place felt like a chapter from a time long gone. What I loved most, though, was the simplicity of it, all the blooming lotuses, the quiet gardens, and even the quirky superstitions that made me smile.
Sarnath isn’t just a place you visit; it’s a vibe you carry with you long after you’ve left. If you’re in Banaras and looking to escape the chaos for a bit, this gem of a spot is waiting for you. Trust me, you’ll leave with more than just pictures and you’ll leave with stories worth telling.