Dhamek Stupa, Varanasi - Timings, Tips & Things To Do

Q: Why is Dhamek Stupa a popular tourist attraction?

The Dhamek Stupa, Varanasi is a famous tourist attraction due to its historical and religious importance as the place where Buddha gave his first teaching after obtaining wisdom, as well as its exceptional size and complex carvings and sculptures. It is considered to be one of the most significant Buddhist holy sites in the world and attracts thousands of tourists every year.

Q: Who was the builder of Dhamek Stupa?

The Dhamek Stupa, Varanasi is said to have been constructed by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, according to historical records and Buddhist texts.

Q: What are the notable traits of Dhamek Stupa?

The notable traits of the Dhamek Stupa include its large size, the height of 43.6 meters, and diameter of 28 meters, and its delicate carvings and sculptures showcasing scenes from the life of Buddha and other Buddhist deities.

Q: What are Dhamek Stupa Varanasi's timings and entry fees?

Dhamek Stupa&#39;s timings are from 6 am to 5 pm. Entry fees for Dhamek Stupa are 5 per person for Indians and 100 per person for Foreigners.

Dhamek Stupa, Varanasi: Overview

In Varanasi, there is a small city or town named Sarnath where the enormous Buddhist stupa, Dhamek Stupa is located. This place is situated 12 kilometers away from Varanasi. Dhamek Stupa is considered the most significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists across the world. The place has got so much significance because it is the place where Buddha gave his first lecture after attaining wisdom. This incident called the 'Dharma Chakra Parivartan,' is evaluated to be the most important moment in Buddha's life and marks the start of Buddhist teachings. The stupa was developed in 249 BCE during the rule of King Ashoka of the Maurya Dynasty and in 500 CE it was replaced. The base of the Stupa is of cylindrical shape with a height of 141 feet and it's the biggest monumental building in Sarnath. Stones and bricks were used to build this Stupa and decorated with carvings and sculptures showcasing the scenes from the life of Buddha and various other Buddhist divinities. Entry fees of Dhamek Stupa include 5 per person for Indian Citizens and 100 per person for Foreigners.

The Dhamek Stupa, Varanasi timing for tourists and visitors from 6?am to 5?pm, allowing people to view the historical and religious importance of this ancient Buddhist landmark. Thousands of visitors visit this Buddhist site every year and this is a must-visit destination for people who are interested in Buddhist history and culture.

Mulagandha Kuti Vihar - The place houses a large statue of lord Buddha and several ancient scriptures. This monastery is located in the heart of Sarnath and is one of the most important monasteries in Buddhism in India.
Ashoka Pillar - The Ashok Pillar is believed to have been erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. It also has several inscriptions and cravings that depict Buddhist teaching and symbols. You may have studied Ashoka Pillar in your school days in history.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple - This ancient temple is located in Varanasi and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the most important Hindu temples in India and is known for its elaborate design and religious significance.
Chaukhandi Stupa - Yet another Stupa near Dhamek Stupa is Chaukhandi Stupa. This is an ancient Buddhist monument, located just a few kilometers away from Dhamek Stupa. It is believed to mark the spot where Lord Buddha met his first five disciples.

How To Reach Dhamek Stupa

By Road: If you have your own car, you can easily reach Sarnath as it is connected to nearby cities. Or the other way could be, you can rent a taxi, a bus to reach Sarnath.
By Train: Sarnath has its own railway station, which is also connected to major cities. You can book a train up to Varanasi Junction Railway Station, which is nearest to the Major railway Station to Sarnath, and from the station, you will easily get a bus or a taxi or auto rickshaw to reach the Dhamek Stupa.
By Air: You can even book a flight ticket to Varanasi Airport i.e., Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi. The Airport is located almost 30 km away from Sarnath.

Best Time To Visit Dhamek Stupa

The perfect time to visit Dhamek Stupa is during winter i.e., between the months of November to February. During these months the weather is cool and pleasant making it more comfortable to explore the place. During this time the temperature ranges from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius which is not that high to make you uncomfortable. There is no rainfall during this season, which is well suited for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
However, if you are planning to visit during the summer season i.e., from March to June it may be uncomfortable to explore due to the rise in temperature. Sarnath city’s temperature can rise to 45 degrees Celsius, which is extremely hot. Dhamek Stupa has some festive seasons as well. The duration of the festival can make it a more perfect time to visit the Dhamek Stupa.

Tips To Visit Dhamek Stupa

If you are planning to visit Dhamek Stupa here are some tips that will help you to make your visit more memorable and comfortable.

It may be required to remove your footwear at some places, so it is advisable to wear comfortable footwear as you may need to frequently remove them.
Dhamek Stupa holds the ancient history of Buddhism, so you can always hire a tour guide to know the place in detail.
To make the visit memorable you can carry your cameras with you to capture the beauty of the religious place and the great ancient history of India, but it is advisable to first take permission from the authorities.
Respect the silence of the place and the local customs and traditions at Dhamek Stupa. Avoid loud conversation as it may disturb some people who are meditating.
After exploring the Dhamek Stupa you can ask the locals or explore your own the other monuments and temples nearby.

Things To Do at Dhamek Stupa

Quick INFO

Dhamek Stupa Timings:

Monday

6:00 am to 5:00 pm
Tuesday

6:00 am to 5:00 pm
Wednesday

6:00 am to 5:00 pm
Thursday

6:00 am to 5:00 pm
Friday

6:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday

6:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday

6:00 am to 5:00 pm

Time Required to Visit Dhamek Stupa:

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Nearby Places in Varanasi

Dhamek Stupa

Ramnagar Fort

FAQs About Dhamek Stupa

Why is Dhamek Stupa a popular tourist attraction?

The Dhamek Stupa, Varanasi is a famous tourist attraction due to its historical and religious importance as the place where Buddha gave his first teaching after obtaining wisdom, as well as its exceptional size and complex carvings and sculptures. It is considered to be one of the most significant Buddhist holy sites in the world and attracts thousands of tourists every year.

Who was the builder of Dhamek Stupa?

The Dhamek Stupa, Varanasi is said to have been constructed by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, according to historical records and Buddhist texts.

What are the notable traits of Dhamek Stupa?

The notable traits of the Dhamek Stupa include its large size, the height of 43.6 meters, and diameter of 28 meters, and its delicate carvings and sculptures showcasing scenes from the life of Buddha and other Buddhist deities.