CnC Living Travel Log: Incredible India - Sarnath (site of Buddha's 1st sermon) - a pilgrimage to Varanasi (pt. 2 of 2)

My journey through the heartlands of India continues - see the first part of my Varanasi trip here.  We also visited Sarnath - which is an important Buddhist pilgrimage center and where Buddha delivered his first sermon.  

The Ashokan column was also located here and dates from the 3rd century BC to 12th century AD.  It consists of four twenty spoked wheels with four animals (elephant, bull, horse, lion).  The animals are thought to represent four stages of Buddha's life.  The non-religious interpretation is an enlightened rule over four directions.

The Mulganda Kuti - where Buddha used to sit in meditation.

The sides of the Panchaytan temple (first picture) used to be painted gold.  Pilgrims walk around the temple and leave flowers and candles as they pray.

I was touched by the passion and devotion of the Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims.  You could see it in their faces and actions as the joy and spirituality filled them.  The views of the ghats during sunrise and sunset was unforgettable.  But, Varanasi was also a very tough city to visit.  The level of pollution and dust was among the worst I'd ever experienced (I've been to some very polluted cities too).  The animals were rampant in the streets and even on the steps of the Banaras Ghats.  It was interesting to see these two aspects next to each other.  Of course I'm still glad I had this experience. 

Note: At most Indian tourist and cultural sites, you will see an "Indian National" price and a "Foreigner" price.  Inevitably the "Foreigner" price is several times higher though still reasonable.

Have you visited a pilgrimage center?  What was your experience like?

CnC Living Travel Log: Incredible India - Sunrise/Sunset at Banares Ghats - a pilgrimage to Varanasi (pt. 1 of 2)

Sarnath and Banaras Ghats (steps) in Varanasi are not among the top international tourist destinations for India, but they are among the top spiritual destinations for Buddhists and Hindus, respectively.  While I practice neither of those religions, I thought it would be great to witness those that are truly devout at a site that is so special to them.  My friend M referred to Varanasi as the "heartland" of India. 

These views of the Banaras Ghats were pretty priceless (actually $3-$10 to rent the boat complete with our own "driver" so pretty chic 'n cheap).  I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.  Again, these are all my friend M's pictures.

The view at night was lively, colorful, noisy and a complete break from the sunrise view.  It was pretty magical.