The culture of India is one of the oldest and unique. In India, there is amazing cultural diversity throughout the country. The South, North, and Northeast have their own distinct cultures and almost every state has carved out its own cultural niche. There is hardly any culture in the world that is as varied and unique as India. India is a vast country, having variety of geographical features and climatic conditions. India is home to some of the most ancient civilizations, including four major world religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.
The Web Cultural India

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Dhamekh Stupa

Dhamekh Stupa at Sarnath is one of the prominent Buddhist structures in India. Dhamekh Stupa was constructed by the great Mauryan king, Ashoka.
Dhamekh Stupa,Sarnath
The Dhamekh Stupa is cylindrical in shape and about 34 m high and 28.3 m in diameter. The lower portion of the Stupa is covered completely with beautifully carved stones. The borders of Dhamekh Stupa have delicately carved geometrical and floral designs and figures of humans and birds. The base of the Stupa is made of stone with the upper areas of brickwork which probably once had a carved stone fencing. It is believed that Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at the Dhamekha Stupa. Dhamekh Stupa bears special significance at Sarnath as it signifies the "seat of the holy Buddha", as he proclaimed his faith.

Dhamekh Stupa,Sarnath
Buddhist pilgrims belonging to different countries visit this place for circumambulation of this sacred Stupa and to offer worship to Buddha. Besides the Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath also has the ruins of Dharmajajika Stupa and that of the original Mulgandha-kuti vihar. Buddha is said to have rested and meditated here while in Sarnath. Emperor Ashoka (273-232 B.C.) was a staunch follower of Buddhism and visited Sarnath and laid the foundation of the Buddhist Sangha here. The Ashoka Pillar bears testimony to his visit. The Lion Capital on top of this pillar is now the National Emblem of India.