Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath, Varanasi

A striking symbool of Buddhism, the Dhamekh Stupa signifies the "Seat of the Buddha" as he proclaimed his philosophy. It was built by the Mauryan Emperor Ashok. The stupa is found in a large Buddhist monastery site. The entire complex has now been restored by the Archaeological Survey of India and can be viewed for the nominal fee of Rs. 5. The Stupa is an entirely closed structure with no entrances or exits. Due to its presence Sarnath as a result of the Buddha's first sermon near the Deer Park, Sarnath is of special significance for Buddhists everywhere. One finds Buddhist temples here from Tibet, Japan, Korea, Sri Lanka and so on.