5/5 Sandeep B. 10 months ago on Google
Dhamek
Stupa,
located
in
Sarnath,
Uttar
Pradesh,
India,
is
a
remarkable
monument
that
holds
immense
historical
and
spiritual
significance.
This
massive
stupa
marks
the
exact
spot
where
the
Buddha
delivered
his
first
sermon
to
his
initial
five
disciples,
leading
them
to
achieve
enlightenment.
Its
name,
derived
from
the
Sanskrit
word
"dharmeksā,"
meaning
"pondering
of
the
law,"
reflects
its
importance
as
a
site
for
reflection
and
contemplation.
Situated
180
meters
east
of
Dharmarajika
Stupa,
within
the
archaeological
site
of
Sarnath,
Dhamek
Stupa
attracts
visitors
from
all
over
the
world.
Sarnath
itself
is
conveniently
located
just
12
kilometres
northeast
of
Varanasi.
The
stupa's
current
form
consists
of
a
solid
cylindrical
structure
made
of
bricks
and
stone,
standing
at
an
impressive
height
of
43.6
meters
with
a
diameter
of
28
meters.
The
outer
walls
are
adorned
with
intricately
carved
figures
of
humans
and
birds,
displaying
the
exquisite
craftsmanship
of
ancient
times.
Additionally,
Brahmi
script
inscriptions
can
be
found
throughout
the
stupa,
adding
to
its
historical
significance.
Although
the
stupa
has
undergone
multiple
expansions
throughout
history,
the
upper
part
remains
unfinished.
During
his
visit
to
Sarnath
in
640
CE,
Xuanzang
noted
that
the
main
stupa
was
nearly
300
feet
high,
emphasizing
its
prominence
during
that
era.
The
origins
of
Dhamek
Stupa
can
be
traced
back
to
the
time
of
King
Ashoka
in
the
Mauryan
period,
when
the
Buddha's
remains
were
divided
and
buried
under
eight
stupas.
However,
the
present
structure
of
Dhamek
Stupa
is
conclusively
dated
to
the
Gupta
period
in
the
5th-6th
century
CE.
Visiting
Dhamek
Stupa
is
an
awe-inspiring
experience
for
both
history
enthusiasts
and
spiritual
seekers.
Its
rich
cultural
heritage
and
association
with
the
Buddha's
teachings
make
it
a
must-visit
destination
for
anyone
interested
in
Buddhism
or
ancient
Indian
history.