CnC Living Travel Log: Incredible India – Sarnath (site of Buddha’s 1st sermon) – a pilgrimage to Varanasi (pt. 2 of 2)

July 15, 2010
My journey through the heartlands of India continues – see the first part of my Varanasi trip here.  We also visited Sarnath – which is an important Buddhist pilgrimage center and whereBuddhadelivered his first sermon.

The Ashokan column was also located here and dates from the 3rd century BC to 12th century AD.  It consists of four twenty spoked wheels with four animals (elephant, bull, horse, lion).  The animals are thought to represent four stages ofBuddha’s life.  The non-religious interpretation is an enlightened rule over four directions.

The Mulganda Kuti – whereBuddhaused to sit in meditation.

The sides of the Panchaytan temple (first picture) used to be painted gold.  Pilgrims walk around the temple and leave flowers and candles as they pray.

I was touched by the passion and devotion of the Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims.  You could see it in their faces and actions as the joy and spirituality filled them.  The views of the ghats during sunrise and sunset was unforgettable.  But, Varanasi was also a very tough city to visit.  The level of pollution and dust was among the worst I’d ever experienced (I’ve been to some very polluted cities too).  The animals were rampant in the streets and even on the steps of the Banaras Ghats.  It was interesting to see these two aspects next to each other.  Of course I’m still glad I had this experience.

Note: At most Indian tourist and cultural sites, you will see an “Indian National” price and a “Foreigner” price.  Inevitably the “Foreigner” price is several times higher though still reasonable.

Have you visited a pilgrimage center?  What was your experience like?
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  • Tanvi July 15, 2010 at 02:27

    Haha !!! You are right about the price! Well that’s coz the locals can’t afford and they know the intl visitors have come so far and wldn’t leave just to save a few dollars! Unfair but truth!

    P.S. You are right abt – If you have nothing good to say then better not say anything. I follow that philosophy too!!!

  • PartyPlannerGal July 15, 2010 at 02:33

    Again, beautiful photos! When my fiance and I were in Egypt, we trekked to the top of Mt. Sinai, the mountain where many Christians believe God delivered the 10 Commandments to Moses. We started the hike at 2:30 a.m. and arrived at the summit at sunrise – many pilgrims had spent the night at the top of the mountain and were gathered singing hymns and praying. It was a very moving experience, as I’m sure yours was.

    I highly recommend visiting pilgrimage sites for the undeniable energy that flows around them. Great recap!

  • Sarah Ann July 15, 2010 at 04:07

    Interesting that they have signs like that. I guess it makes sense since they have to make their money but most natives probably couldn’t afford the higher tourist prices. Too bad The United States couldn’t be like that. Lol.

  • E July 15, 2010 at 05:30

    I would really really love to see this place in real life someday, though your photos have totally inspired me.

  • E July 15, 2010 at 05:34

    I would really really love to see this place in real life someday, though your photos have totally inspired me.

  • MizzJ July 15, 2010 at 06:18

    Thx for sharing your travel experiences! This looks like a very moving place to visit. I always wonder how to take photos of spiritual locations without disrespecting the people there.

  • honey my heart July 15, 2010 at 08:46

    another beautiful place! wow.

  • Jessica July 15, 2010 at 11:37

    Thanks for posting photos of your travels! I love pouring over the details from each place and adding new destinations to my “must see” list!

  • Jaime @ La vie...J'aime July 15, 2010 at 15:25

    Great pics again- love the one of the person praying.

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