Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath

Why this place matters

UNESCO’s assessment of its heritage significance, adapted in formatting from the source dataset.

Brief synthesis

Located within Varanasi city, state of Uttar Pradesh, India, this serial property composed of two component parts (Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Archaeological Remains of Sarnath) comprises all the known and preserved archaeological and architectural vestiges of the ancient site of Sarnath, believed to be the place that Gautama Buddha visited in the 6th century BCE. Defined by the Buddha as one of the four key sites of Buddhist pilgrimage, Sarnath developed over centuries through royal, monastic and lay patronage. Numerous stupas, temples and viharas were constructed in different historical periods, with evidence from the pre-Mauryan period, through the Kushana and Gupta periods, until the decline of the place in the 12th century CE. Re-discovered in the 18th century, the property is being revived by the Buddhist community as one of their holy places.

In the Buddhist tradition, Sarnath is known as Rishipatana, Ishipatana, Mrigadava or the Deer Park, which refer to a sacred geography, where the Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermon and met his first disciples.

Criterion (iii):

Ancient Buddhist Site, Sarnath, Varanasi bears witness to the enduring spiritual significance of Sarnath, one of the four principal destinations of Buddhist pilgrimage, established by the Buddha himself, as demonstrated by the large number of religious buildings and other monuments that were built and rebuilt on-site during the many centuries of its existence. While the tradition of pilgrimage is not attested at Sarnath between the 12th century CE and the modern era, the 20th century revival of the practice testifies to the prominent role of this ancient Buddhist site in Buddhist memory and the spiritual imagination.

Criterion (vi):

Ancient Buddhist Site, Sarnath, Varanasi testifies in a direct and tangible way to the events in the life of the Buddha that are of outstanding significance to the Buddhist community – his first sermon and meeting of his first disciples. The importance of these events and their meaning is carried by the numerous constructions erected at Sarnath over the centuries, which are a response to the message of the Buddha, his teachings, and the concept of Triratna.

Integrity

The two component parts contain all the known preserved structures of what used to be a Buddhist monastic complex. The common buffer zone reflects their past connection. The serial property has retained its integrity in its essential built elements but its wider original context (the sacred geography), known to be a forested area, has been compromised. The place continues to function as a pilgrimage destination for the Buddhist community.

However, the management of the site focuses primarily on its status as an archaeological park, which, in the long term, could affect the spiritual character of the property.

Authenticity

The archaeological and architectural remains of the monastic complex of Sarnath are authentic in their forms. Conservation efforts undertaken since the early 20th century have ensured preservation of original materials with minimal intervention. The place no longer serves its original function as an active monastic complex but continues to attract Buddhist pilgrims in memory of the first sermon of the Buddha. The recreational use of Sarnath as an archaeological park has an impact on the spirit of the place.

The wider setting of the property has been disturbed.

Protection and management requirements

Both component parts are protected at the highest national level through the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958 (AMASR Act, amended in 2010). This Act establishes a Prohibited Area covering 100 metres around protected monuments/sites, where any form of construction or development is forbidden, and a Regulated Area extending 200 metres beyond it, in which some construction is allowed subject to approval. Additional protection is provided through planning mechanisms, and particularly the Varanasi Master Plan 2031.The buffer zone is protected through the same measures, with the addition of the regulations pertaining to the Wildlife Protection Act (1972). The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is in charge of the protection, conservation, and management of both component parts.

The Site Management Plan for the serial property includes recommendations related to conservation.