Sarnath

One of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in India, Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh is the site where Lord Buddha - the great sage delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.

The rich and eventful History of Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh is an interesting and captivating one. The History of Sarnath India began with the arrival of Gautam Buddha at this place in 528 B.C. after he attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya.

Here he preached his first discourse to his five former companions. This event is described in Buddhist texts as Dharmachakra - Pravartana, meaning the turning of the Wheel of Law.

The Buddha taught them all that he had learned and thus they also became enlightened. This marked the foundation of the first Buddhist Sangha or the community of monks.