Archeological
Museum, Sarnath
Tranquil Sarnath where ihe Buddha delivered his first sermon more than
2500 years ago has a site museum whose prize exhibit is the enormous lion capital
(2.31 in). Now the emblem of independent India, this capital once surmounted
an Ashokan pillar erected to mark the spot where the Buddha preached. Carved
in pale yellowish-grey sandstone with black flecks, the sculpture has the characteristic
highly polished surface.
At the entrance hall are two figures of Buddha, one of which portrays the historic
events at Sarnath. There are many other Buddha and bodhisattvaifigures on view.
Among these the most outstanding is the Gupta period Buddha with hand raised
in Abhaya or protection.
Archeological Museum
Sarnath
Timing: 10.00 am to 4.30 pm
Closed on Government Holidays
Interested
? Book Tour through our Members
