Sarnath: Where History and Spirituality Converge

• Helloनमस्ते
  [namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [haan]
• Noनहीं
  [nahin]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [krupaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyavad]
• Excuse me/Sorryक्षमा कीजिये
  [kshama keejiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप?
  [theek hoon. aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ नहीं आया
  [mujhe samajh nahin aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेन्यू दिखाइए
  [krupaya menu dikhaiye]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता/खाती
  [main maans nahin khata/khati]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूँ
  [krupaya main bhugtan karna chaahoon]

• Help!बचाओ!
  [bachao!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [police ko bulao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [doctor ko bulao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया/गई हूँ
  [main kho gaya/gayi hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं खरीदना चाहूँगा/चाहूँगी...
  [main khareedna chaahunga/chaahoongi...]
• I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा/रही हूँ
  [main bas dekh raha/rahi hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [yah kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [yah bahut mahnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?समय क्या हुआ है?
  [samay kya hua hai?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)दस बजे तक
  [das baje tak]
• Morningसुबह
  [subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [kal]
• Todayआज
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [kal]
• 1एक
  [ek]
• 2दो
  [do]
• 3तीन
  [teen]
• 4चार
  [chaar]
• 5पांच
  [paanch]
• 6छह
  [chhah]
• 7सात
  [saat]
• 8आठ
  [aath]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दस
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?...कहाँ है?
  [...kahan hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [kya aap mujhe dikha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [agli (bas) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (...के लिए)
  [ek ticket (...ke liye)]

Sarnath is globally recognized as the site where Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha, delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. This pivotal event, which took place around 528 BCE, marked the beginning of the Buddha's teaching and the establishment of the Buddhist community, known as the Sangha. The Dhamek Stupa, built to commemorate this event, stands as a significant historical monument, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike.

During the reign of Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, Sarnath became a prominent center for Buddhism. Ashoka, who converted to Buddhism after the Kalinga War, commissioned various stupas and monasteries in Sarnath, reinforcing the region's importance as a pilgrimage site. The Ashoka Pillar, featuring inscriptions that promote Buddhist principles, remains a symbol of this era's cultural and religious significance.

After the decline of Buddhism in India around the 12th century, Sarnath fell into obscurity and neglect. The ruins of the once-thriving monastic complex were largely forgotten until the 19th century, when British archaeologists began systematic excavations. This rediscovery sparked renewed interest in Buddhist history and led to the restoration of several important structures, including the Dhamek Stupa and the Mulagandhakuti Vihar.

The 20th century witnessed a resurgence of interest in Buddhism and its teachings, resulting in Sarnath becoming a focal point for Buddhist scholars and practitioners globally. The establishment of modern monasteries and educational institutions, such as the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, has further solidified Sarnath's status as an essential site for Buddhist learning and culture.

Today, Sarnath is not only a pilgrimage site but also a vibrant center for cultural exchange. The annual Buddha Jayanti celebrations attract thousands of visitors, showcasing traditional music, dance, and teachings. The neighborhood reflects a blend of ancient heritage and modern aspirations, with ongoing efforts to preserve its historical sites while promoting tourism and education.

Sarnath is located approximately 10 kilometers northeast of Varanasi city center. The easiest way to reach Sarnath is by taxi or auto-rickshaw, which can be hired from various parts of Varanasi. Local buses also run from the city to Sarnath, providing a more economical option. For those preferring a leisurely approach, bicycles can be rented in Varanasi and cycled to Sarnath, allowing you to enjoy the local scenery along the way.

Sarnath is a compact area, making it easy to explore on foot. Many of the key attractions, such as the Dhamek Stupa and the Archaeological Museum, are within walking distance of each other. Bicycle rentals are available for those wishing to cover more ground or for a unique experience. Auto-rickshaws are also available for short distances and are a convenient way to navigate the area.

Sarnath is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists. However, it is advisable to remain cautious, especially in crowded areas. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, so it’s wise to keep personal belongings secure. Avoid wandering alone late at night, especially in less populated areas. While there are no specific high-crime zones targeting tourists, being vigilant is always advisable.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance or 108 for medical emergencies. Local hospitals and clinics are available in Varanasi, with several pharmacies in Sarnath offering basic medical supplies. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and to keep emergency contact numbers easily accessible.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; refrain from touching religious artifacts unless invited. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile and 'Namaste.' Don’t assume everyone speaks English; learning a few Hindi phrases can be helpful. Eating & Drinking: Do try local vegetarian dishes, which are widely available. Don’t drink tap water; opt for bottled water to avoid health issues.

To experience Sarnath like a local, visit the bustling markets for fresh produce and local handicrafts. Engage with local monks at the monasteries to learn about Buddhism and its significance in the area. Attend meditation sessions if offered, as they provide insight into the spiritual practices of the region. Don't miss the evening prayer ceremonies that can offer a unique glimpse into local religious life. Sampling local tea and snacks at roadside stalls can enhance your cultural experience.