Sarnath Varanasi
Varanasi is an ancient city in India known for its timeless beauty. The majestic Ghats, the ancient temples, and the zigzag lanes all come together to create an enchanting sight. As the sunsets, the air is filled with the sound of temple bells, the smell of incense and the sight of lit oil lamps floating along the River Ganges. It is said that one can find spiritual peace in this holy city. It is no wonder that the city has attracted pilgrims for centuries.
is where, circa 528 BCE, at 35 years of age, Gautama Buddha taught his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. It is also where the Buddhist sangha first came into existence as a result of the enlightenment of his first five disciples (Kaundinya, Assaji, Bhaddiya, Vappa and Mahanama).
Ashoka Pillar: The great Mauryan emperor Ashoka built the Ashoka Pillar, which serves as the national symbol of our country. Together with Dhamek Stupa, it reaches a height of 50 m. Several monks can be seen meditating in the compound, which is open to visitors. A chakra is depicted at the base of the Ashoka Pillar, which also features four upright lions.
Tibetan Temple: It is situated 1 km from Sarnath Railway Station. There is a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and Tibetan Buddhist paintings (Thangkas) decorating the walls of the temple’s Buddhist shrine. The prayer wheels are on display in the courtyard of the temple. Prayer scrolls are released when the handles are turned in a clockwise direction. The entry hours are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cost to get in is free for all the visitors.
Dhamekh Stupa: It is situated 1.5 km from Sarnath Railway Station. This is the most visible structure in Sarnath. Dhamekha appears to be a distorted form of Dharma Chakra, which means rotating the Dharma wheel. The original stupa was built by Ashoka. The stupa is currently 31.3 m high and 28.3 m in diameter. The stupa’s lowest section is entirely covered with finely carved stones. The Dhamekha stupa is regarded as the sacred site where Buddhism’s voice was first heard. The entry hours are from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost to get in is Rs. 25 for Indians and Rs. 100 for foreigners.
Sarnath Museum: It is situated 1.5 km from Sarnath Railway Station. The Archaeological Museum in Sarnath is a must-see for every historical fan. Buddhist antiquities were moved there from their original location at the site of Buddha’s first lecture. This sandstone museum dates back to the early 20th century. In 1910, the museum first opened to the public. The museum is accessible from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you plan on visiting Sarnath, keep in mind that the museum is closed on Friday. The cost to get in is Rs. 5.
Architecture of the Kaal bhairav Temple
Kaal bhairav temple has an interesting architectural style among other temples in Varanasi. In the centre of the courtyard is the main temple of Kalabhairava. The idol of Kala Bhairav ​​has a silver coloured face. This statue has a trident. The idol of Kala Bhairava seated on his vahana (vehicle). Kalabhairava is the fierce form of Lord Shiva and wears a garland of skulls on the neck and holds peacock feathers. Through the gate visitors can see only the face of the icon decorated (with garlands). The rest of the symbol is covered with a piece of cloth. On the back gate of the temple, there is an idol of another aspect of Kalabhairava. The present structure is estimated to have been built in the mid 17th century AD. It resulted in the destruction of many shrines as a result of the Islamist conquest of northern India.
Kotwal
Kala Bhairav ​​is believed to be the Kotwal (Chief Police Officer) of Varanasi. Everyone who wanted to live in Varanasi had to take his permission to live in the city. He is also believed to be the Kotwal of “Sati Pind” and without his permission, no one cannot touch the “Sati Pind”. Kalabhairava protects the devotees from all problems.
exploreroads #travelwithyami #travelvlogsyami #yamisinghtravelvlogs
for any inquiries and feedback please mail us to:- exploreroads11@gmail.com