Ancient site · Monument
Sarnath
Also known as Isipatana, Deer Park
The deer park near Varanasi where, by Buddhist tradition, the Buddha gave his first sermon. Ashoka raised a polished sandstone pillar here around 250 BCE, crowned by four lions back to back; this Lion Capital is now the State Emblem of India.
Stupas, including the great Dhamek Stupa, and monasteries were built over the next 1,400 years, until the site was sacked in 1194. It was added to the World Heritage List in July 2026.
- Dates
- c. 250 BCE–1194 CE
- Still standing
- Yes
- UNESCO World Heritage
- Yes
- Location
- 25.38° N, 83.03° E
How we know
Ashoka's pillar inscription, later inscriptions and accounts of Chinese pilgrims describe the site.
Nearby sites
- Pataliputra (Kumhrar) c. 600 BCE–600 CE
- Lauriya Nandangarh pillar c. 243–236 BCE (dating of Ashoka's reign varies)
- Lumbini pillar of Ashoka c. 249–242 BCE (Ashoka's 20th regnal year)
- Bharhut railings c. 125–100 BCE (some argue 1st century CE); later abandoned
- Nalanda c. 427 CE–c. 1400 CE
- Sanchi 3rd century BCE–12th century CE