Sarnath is a Buddhist pilgrimage site, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The site has many historical monuments, such as the Dhamek Stupa, the Ashoka Pillar, the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and the Sarnath Museum.
Sarnath Temple History
The Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, also known as the Lhadhan Chotrul Monlam Chenmo Trust, was built in 1955 by His Holiness Dalai Lama XIV, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. It was the first monastery and temple to be built in India by the Dalai Lama, who fled from Tibet after the Chinese invasion in 1959. The monastery is a tribute to the Indian government for granting asylum to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan refugees.
Varanasi has a long and complex history that spans over three millennia. Hindu mythology, Varanasi was founded by Lord Shiva himself, who manifested here as a pillar of light.
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The city is mentioned in ancient scriptures such as the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Puranas, and the Ramayana. It is also associated with Buddhism and Jainism, as Gautama Buddha and Mahavira both visited and preached here.
Varanasi has witnessed many invasions, conquests, and dynasties that have shaped its political and cultural landscape. Some of the most notable rulers who patronized Varanasi were Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka, Harsha, Vikramaditya, Akbar, Aurangzeb, and Ahilyabai Holkar.
Sarnath is a sacred place for Buddhists, as it is where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Among the many attractions in Sarnath, the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit.
Architecture:
- The Tibetan Buddhist Monastery is a colorful and ornate structure that reflects the Tibetan style of art and culture. The entrance of the monastery is guarded by two lions and decorated with intricate patterns and symbols.
- The walls of the monastery are adorned with beautiful frescoes of Buddhist deities and scenes from the life of Buddha.
- The main attraction of the monastery is the colossal statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, another name for Gautama Buddha, which is made of bronze and gold-plated.
Timing:
The Tibetan Buddhist Monastery is open to visitors from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day. There is no entry fee, but donations are welcome. Visitors can also participate in the daily prayers and rituals that are conducted by the monks who live in the monastery.
Sarnath Temple Varanasi Location
The Tibetan Buddhist Monastery is located close to the main market area in Sarnath, about 10 km north-east of Varanasi. It can be reached by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus from Varanasi.
Sarnath Temple
Chaukhandi Road
Sarnath, Varanasi
Uttar Pradesh 221007
India
The Tibetan Buddhist Monastery Sarnath is a serene and spiritual place that showcases the history and culture of Tibetan Buddhism. It is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the peace and wisdom of Buddhism in Sarnath.
