Just 8 km from Varanasi is an ancient site related to Buddhism- Sarnath. There are four sacred sites related to different life events of Lord Buddha. First one is Lumbini situated in Nepal where Lord Buddha was born. Second one is where Lord Buddha got enlightenment Bodh Gaya in Bihar. Third one is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to five disciples Sarnath & the last one is where Lord Buddha got salvation Nirvana Kushinagar. All four are revered with same respect in Buddhism. When Lord Buddha got enlightenment he thought to give his knowledge but to whom he should give his knowledge. So he decided to give his first sermon to his friend who left him when he was wandering for knowledge. But as per history reveals itself Varanasi at that period of time was undisputed centre of Hinduism. And for a new religion it was important it should evolve at Varanasi. Lord Buddha travelled from Bodh Gaya to Rishipattan or Saranganath place of deer & gave his first sermon to Kondanna, Bhaddiya, Vappa, Mahanama & Assaji & changed the Wheel of Dharma. One magnificent statue in Sarnath museum present this important episode of Lord Buddha's life. Buddhism spread throughout India & other parts of the world when King Ashoka came into power. Here in Sarnath he established a marvellous image of four lions facing four directions joined together with the Wheel of Dharma. After independence this became the national symbol of India. This statue is as well in Sarnath museum. There are three Stupas in Sarnath in which two are intact while the third one has been totally diapered. To make Jagatganj in Varanasi Jagat Singh destroyed that beautiful architecture completely. The visible Stupas are Dhammek Stupa & Chaukhandi Stupa. Dhammek Stupa is an architecture of Gupta's period. On the other hand Chaukhandi Stupa was refurbished at the period of Akbar to commemorate the stay of Humayu at this place. Excavation is in process at this site & new findings are still being unearthed. Other important place in Sarnath is excavated area around Dhammek Stupa that reveals ancient habitat of Buddhist Monks.