Decorative Patterns

Architecture

Significance of the Place

1. This massive Stupa is cylindrical in shape and built with red bricks and stone with the lower part being entirely covered with aesthetically pleasing carved stones. 2. Presumably the base of the Stupa dates back to the Ashokan period. 3. Veneering sandstone encase the structure till the height of 11.2 m and niches facing 8 directions that possibly held images earlier are present. 4. The stone facing under the niches are ornamented with fine floral carvings that manifest high level of craftsman ship on stone during the period of Gupta Dynasty. 5. Brahmi script is etched on the wall of the Stupa along with magnificently sculpted floral and geometrical designs and figurines of birds and humans

1. History says after Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, 2. He gave His first sermon to five disciples at this spot which throughout its long history has been variously known as Rishipattana, Isipatana, Mrigadava and Migadaya apart from the most popular name, Sarnath. 3. This famous event in the life of Lord Buddha is called the ‘Dharma Chakra Pravartana’ or setting the ‘Wheel of Law’ in motion. 4. According to sources, Lord Buddha visited Sarnath and while staying here he performed meditation. 5. Thus for Buddhists, this place marks as one of the four most sacred places associated with Lord Buddha with the other three being Lumbini, the site of birth; Bodhgaya, the site of enlightenment; and Kushinagar, the site of nirvana of Lord Buddha. 6. This place also marks the foundation of the first ‘Sangh’ that included Lord Buddha and around 60 monks among others. 7. The place became significant archeologically when in 1798 Mr. J. Duncan reported about a stone box that con tained a casket of green marble, which was exposed while the Dharmarajika Stupa was being dismantled by the workers of the Dewan of King Chet Singh of Benaras, Jagat Singh. Over time, several other excavation works were carried out in and around this structure. 8. One such initial excavation work unearthed a stone tablet which revealed that this Stupa is known as Dhamek which historians generally believe to be a distorted form of Dharma Chakra meaning turning the Wheel of Dharma.

Decorative patterns

1. The patterns include geometric and floral designs, along with a broad band of Swastka(fylfot). 2. The Swastika has been carved in different geometrical patterns, with a finely chiseled lotus wreath that runs over and below it. 3. It is said that, in the past, as many as 12 expansions have been carried out at the Dhamekh Stupa. 4. The main area of the Sarnath stupa has been enclosed and comprises of a maze of half-ruined monasteries and votive stupas, making it the most conspicuous tructure of the city.