Sarnath

Having achieved Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, it was to Issipatna, or Sarnath, that the Buddha first came to preach his message of the Middle Way, the golden path between the extremes of asceticism and self-indulgence. Here he delivered his first sermon known as the Dhammacakkappavattana, to a group of five Brahimins (Panchavaggiya), who, along with the Buddha, became the First Buddhist Order. Issipatna, or Sarnath, was then known as Mrigacava (Deer Forest ). It later came to be called Sarnath because of its association with the Bodhisattva Saranganatha (Lord of the Deer). The Buddha spent his first rainy season (Versa vasa) here.  In Mahaparinibbana Suttanta, Issipatna is mentioned by the Buddha as one of the four places of pilgrimage which his devout followers should visit. When the Chinese traveler, Hieun Tsang, visited the town, 1500 priests were in attendance daily round the Banyan tree close to the Vihara temple. This Banyan tree is believed to be the same tree under which the Buddha spent a number of years in quiet meditation. During this golden period, Sarnath boasted of a stupa nearly 100 meters high, an Asoka’s pillar and several other wonders.

The Dharmarajika, Chaukhandi and Dharnek stupas are outstanding. There are also the remains of a monastery, and the beautifully polished Lion Capital of Ashoka.
Sarnath contains a rich library at the Mula Gandha Kutir Vihara. The Sarnath Museum located near the site contains some of the finest specimens of Buddhist sculpture.

At all Buddhist centers, the Vaisakha (April-May) full moon is observed as the anniversary of three important events - the Buddha's birth, Enlightenment and death, while the Asadh (July - August) full moon is observed as the anniversary of his first sermon.