As I have mentioned previously, Sarnath is one of the four most important sites for Buddhist devotees. It is at this location (more than 2000 years ago) where Buddha gave his first discourse on Buddhism to 5 of his disciples. The remaining three sites are Bodhgaya (birthplace of Prince Siddharth; the handsome Indian prince who finally gain enlightenment despite all odds), Kushinagar (location where Buddha meditate and gain enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree) and Lumbini (site where Buddha got into Parinirvana, this town is now in Nepal). I would not go into details here but if anyone is interested in finding out more on Buddhism, an informative website can be found here.
After around 30mins of observation on how the auto can wiggle its way through the busy streets of Varanasi and its suburb, we pulled over to the side of the road in a town that was so unlike the buzzing city of Varanasi. Apart from a couple of those gigantic Volvo buses with eager Japanese tourists, there were not a lot of tourists as I had initially expected. Perhaps it was during a summer midday. *One do not get to experience the same level of activity as compared to Varanasi but the heat had certainly not left.
Followed LP India and checked out some of the main sites. There was probably nothing much to see in the Buddhist Ruins (apart from the magnificent Dhamekh Stupa. Made a mistake of not visiting the Archaeological Muesum (Rs2 or S$0.08 per entry); heard from a friend that it provided alot of valuable information on Buddhism. Well, perhaps it was just not fated to be.
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Inside the Chaukhandi stupa; I was really tempted to take a nap at a place where Lord Buddha probably met his first 5 disciples. *The secondary motivation was to hide from the afternoon heat - it was so hot outside!* |
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This lady (probably the caretaker) brought me into the stupa for Rs20 (S$0.74). I initally bargained to Rs10 (ok, I am really a cheapskate), but she asked for another Rs10 when I take her photos. *Wanted to take a picture of her closing the gate but she posed for me instead.*
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Apparently no one followed rules. At least I didn't.
- impressions of Chaukhandi Stupa, Sarnath
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Just a picture of Lord Buddha taken from an uncommon angle at Mahabodhi Society's Mulgandha Kuti Vihar in Sarnath.
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Lord Buddha and his first 5 disciples - under the Bodhi Tree at Mulgandha Kuti Vihar in Sarnath. It was pretty peaceful but walking barefooted is not recommended (the ground is literally baked under the hot sun). |
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A security guard "guarding" the blessings of the triple jems with his rifle.
Life is such an irony sometimes, isn't it? |
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A dog was taking an undisturbed nap under the Bodhi Tree at the Japanese Temple, Sarnath.
I wish I can do the same as well.
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The cycle rickshaw and his heavy (?) passenger; stuck at a busy junction. I was on my way back to Varanasi.
- Impressions of Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh India |
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It is mango season and I had a large glass of mango juice (or blend) for only Rs15 (S$0.56)!
*The juice is prepared by putting
sliced mango into a blender. No sugar is added. This is 100% pure mango goodness!*
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The busy streets of Godaulia and the Old City. Autos were not allowed in the center after 5pm so I had to walk 500meters back to Manmandir Ghat. |
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