Dhamek Stupa

Dhamek Stupa is a major Buddhist monument at Sarnath, near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India, marking the spot traditionally associated with the Buddha’s first sermon. The present masonry monument is a dominant feature of the Sarnath site.

The stupa stands adjacent to other archaeological remains and the Sarnath museum, forming part of a compact complex visited by pilgrims and tourists. It is frequently visited for its religious significance and its carved surface decoration on the lower courses.

The existing cylindrical masonry structure dates to the early medieval period and was built over earlier commemorative structures associated with Buddhism at Sarnath; the site has been influential in the development and spread of early Buddhist art and architecture.

Sarnath lies just outside the city of Varanasi on the Ganges plain, roughly 10 kilometres northeast of central Varanasi, and is accessible by road from the city.

• Significance: The stupa marks the traditional location where the Buddha delivered his first sermon and is one of the core monuments in the Sarnath archaeological complex.

What to See #

• Dhamek Stupa structure: A large cylindrical masonry stupa that marks the traditional site associated with the Buddha's first sermon in the Deer Park of Sarnath.
• Surrounding ruins: Nearby archaeological features include the remains of monastic buildings and the famous Ashokan pillar fragments displayed close to the stupa.
• Sarnath Archaeological Museum: The Sarnath Archaeological Museum, which houses sculptural finds from the site including early Buddhist art.