Mark Twain once said, “Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” When you walk the streets of this city, you realise that Kashi or Benaras, one of the oldest cities in the world, has seen a lot and has remain unaffected by the worldly. After exploring the city older than time, embark on a journey of self-revelation to the Buddhist pilgrim site of Sarnath, located 10 kilometres from Varanasi.
Follow the footsteps of Buddha to the ruins
Mark Twain once said, “Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” When you walk the streets of this city, you realise that Kashi or Benaras, one of the oldest cities in the world, has seen a lot and has remain unaffected by the worldly. After exploring the city older than time, embark on a journey of self-revelation to the Buddhist pilgrim site of Sarnath, located 10 kilometres from Varanasi.
Follow the footsteps of Buddha to the ruins of Dhamek Stupa – it is believed that he preached his first sermon here after he attained enlightenment. Towering at 43.6 metres, this structure features beautiful carvings and inscriptions that are quite rare. Another monument emblematic of India and its diverse heritage stands here – the Ashoka Pillar crowned with a four-headed Lion Capital that is the national emblem of the country.
The historical significance of this ruined site becomes apparent when you explore the Dharmrajika Stupa, the Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Mulgandhkuti Vihar. Before you leave, stop by the archaeological museum next door that has preserved antiquities from this site and be amazed by what man was capable of even before all tools and technologies were available.
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