Walk Buddha’s Path by Signing Up for a Pilgrimage Tour to Sarnath with IRCTCBuddhistTrain.com
The Buddha once told his followers that the quickest way to Enlightenment was going on a pilgrimage to his places of heritage. The Buddhist Heritage trails tour from IRCTC introduces new and staunch devotees of Buddhism to the many aspects of Buddha’s life and philosophy.
Buddhism was founded on Gautama Buddha’s teachings, who once left all his worldly possessions in pursuit of uncovering the mystery of one’s existence. The “Buddhist Heritage Trails” walks followers through a pilgrimage tour in Sarnath and various ancient Buddhist scriptures and monuments.
After Buddha attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, he traveled to the land of Sarnath to meet his five disciples. It is believed that Sarnath is the birthplace of Buddhism since this is where Buddha delivered his first sermon. A small town located just 13 km away from Varanasi, Sarnath is a Buddhist pilgrimage site that is also popular for housing the world’s tallest Buddhist statue, crafted carefully with exquisite detailing using sandstone. The famous Chaukandi Stupa is found here and the site is home to many of Buddha’s first teachings.
Explore the Sacred Ruins and the Sarnath Museum
The ruins of many ancient Buddhist monasteries right from the Gupta period are found in Sarnath. Many Buddhist monks and worshippers walk in circles along the muddy pathways changing the Buddhist mantras with metallic ornaments in their hands. This symbolizes that they have acknowledged Buddha to be the center of the universe and notes that they take his teachings to heart.
If you would like to wind down and relax, you can join like-minded followers for a session of meditation amidst the backdrop of greenery around these ruins. Entry to the museum and the archaeological remains of Sarnath is Rs 30 while a parking ticket costs Rs 20. Local guides are also available for those who wish to hire and get a comprehensive tour of these historical ruins.
A visit to the Sarnath museum is a must for any devout follower of the Buddha. Ancient relics of the past along with many unique archaeological exhibits are housed within the museum. The museum looks very modest and ordinary from the outside but the minute guests walk into the gallery, they discover many genuine artifacts and delve deep into the history of the Gupta dynasty.
The insides of the museum are very neat, clean, and gorgeous paintings decorating the walls and depicting various phases of Buddha’s life are a must-see attraction. The Dharmarajika Stupa is where Buddha first taught about the Four Noble Truths and beautiful designs with geometric patterning and Swastikas are found to adorn its walls. It is believed that the five ascetics who met Buddha lived in huts at this site before the Stupa was constructed.
The Dhamek Stupa was first built by Ashoka and the word ‘Dhamekha’ which was inscribed on a stone tablet translated to a distorted form of the word ‘Dharma Chakra’, which means ‘turning the wheel of the Dharma.’
Many Tibetan and Buddhist monks circle the Stupa chanting ‘Om mani Padme hum’ and beautifully carved stones line up the lower portion of this monument.
Travel with IRCTC and Learn About Buddha’s Past
At IRCTCBuddhistTrain, we don’t merely take you for a pilgrimage tour in Sarnath but to Buddhism’s heart. From learning about the life of Buddha to his first sermon and his road to enlightenment, you will go on a journey to spiritual enlightenment when you sign up for a pilgrimage tour with us.
Our well-trained and professional staff will accompany you throughout the journey and accommodate to your different requirements, thus making the travel itinerary very pleasant. From exploring the different temples, monuments, and religious excavation sites, we give you a comprehensive tour of Buddha’s remains and legacy.
If you would like to go on a journey to Buddha’s various other sites or try out our special all-inclusive Buddhist Circuit tours, feel free to pay a visit to our website www.IRCTCBuddhistTrain.com
