Why In News?

The World Heritage Committee officially inscribed the Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath as India's 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site during its 48th Session in Busan, South Korea.

About Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath 

Location

  • Sarnath is 8 kilometres northeast of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

  • It lies near the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers.

Historical Importance

  • Sarnath is the sacred location where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya.

  • Historically, Buddhist texts call this place Rishipatana (the place of sages) or Mrigadava (the deer park).

Why is Sarnath Significant?

Birthplace of the Buddhist Sangha

  • Buddha delivered the Dharmachakra Pravartana (Turning of the Wheel of Law) here to his first five disciples.

  • This event officially established the Buddhist Sangha (monastic order) and the principles of the Noble Eightfold Path.

Centre of Buddhist Learning

  • Over centuries, royal kings and monks built many temples and monasteries here.

  • According to Chinese traveller Xuanzang, about 1,500 priests studied at the Sammatiya school of Buddhism here during the 7th century CE.

Archaeological Importance

  • The site features a stratified settlement spread across 16 centuries, from the pre-Mauryan period (5th-4th centuries BCE) to the 12th century CE (Source: Archaeological Survey of India).

  • It houses the famous Lion Capital of Ashoka, which India uses as its National Emblem, and the Ashoka Chakra on the Indian flag.

Major Monuments

  • Dhamek Stupa: Marks the traditional site of Buddha's First Sermon.

  • Dharmarajika Stupa: Built by Emperor Ashoka to enshrine Buddhist relics.

  • Chaukhandi Stupa: Commemorates the meeting of Buddha with his first five disciples; the octagonal Mughal tower was added in 1588 CE.

  • Ashokan Pillar: Erected by Emperor Ashoka; its Lion Capital was later adopted as the National Emblem of India.

  • Ancient Monasteries (Viharas) and temple remains reflecting continuous Buddhist patronage.

Religious Significance

  • One of the Four Principal Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites identified by the Buddha:

    1. Lumbini – Birth

    2. Bodh Gaya – Enlightenment

    3. Sarnath – First Sermon

    4. Kushinagar – Mahaparinirvana

  • Symbolises the origin of the Buddhist Sangha and the global spread of Buddhism.

UNESCO World Heritage Inscription (2026)

  • Date of Inscription: 25 July 2026

  • Session: 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee, Busan, Republic of Korea.

  • UNESCO Criteria: (iii) and (vi)

  • The inscription covers two protected archaeological zones:

    • Chaukhandi Stupa

    • Archaeological Remains of Sarnath (including the Dhamek Stupa, Dharmarajika Stupa and monastic complexes).

Source:  PIB

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath:

1. It is the site where Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as the Dharmachakra Pravartana.

2. The Chaukhandi Stupa is recognized as one of the component parts of the UNESCO World Heritage property of Sarnath. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only 

(b) 2 only 

(c) Both 1 and 2 

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: c

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Sarnath is the sacred location where Gautama Buddha delivered his very first sermon to his first five disciples. This milestone event is known as the Dharmachakra Pravartana (or Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta), which translates to "Setting the Wheel of Dharma in Motion". 

Statement 2 is correct: The Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath was officially inscribed as India's 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea. The protected property zone structurally covers the archaeological remains of Sarnath, which explicitly includes both the Chaukhandi Stupa and the Dhamek Stupa, alongside the historic Ashokan Pillar. Instagram·