Entrance at Dhamekh Stupa
One of the other crucial site to be visited as part of Varanasi tour is Dhamekh Stupa.
Beautiful tree at the entrance
Dhamekh Stupa is the point in Deer Park where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. This site is estimated to house about 1500 priests with wells. The site was destroyed by invaders and is currently under excavation. The site is under the Archaeological society of India.
Dhamekh Stupa complex
At the entrance, there were huge gardens. Very neat and clean with seating at certain places. I was amazed to see similar structures all over. There were small sections as if it was a room to some during older times. Everywhere there were stairs leading up to open space clearly indicating some inhabitants in the site long ago.
Recent excavation at Dhamekh Stupa site
I could also see golden very thin foil put up on monuments. As per guide, visitors to the place put up these foils as a token of worship to Lord Buddha.
Golden thin foil as a token of worship to Lord Buddha
Golden foil on walls
There was a monolithic railing that I saw. After that a huge area enclosed with glass was displayed. That was the site of Ashoka pillars which were destroyed by invaders.
Monolithic Railing
Information on Monolithic Railing
Ashoka pillars destroyed
Moving further was the main stupa Dhamekh where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. It was cylindrical in shape. I took one round of the Stupa.
Close up of Dhamekh Stupa
Close up
Place where Monks used to live before Invader’s attacks
Overall, a very positively different and beautiful site. A must visit by Historians, architects, heritage and monument lovers.
Nidhi KM
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Founder of Viharin is Nidhi K M who is an avid traveller. She has visited multiple destinations across Europe, U.S.A, Mauritius, Maldives and countries in Asia. After a short stint as a travel blogger, Nidhi has started Viharin.com in November, 2014. In the journey so far, Nidhi has been instrumental in promoting various destinations of the world like London, Netherlands, Paris, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Vatican City, Singapore, Indonesia, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Vietnam, Combodia and many more. With her efforts , Nidhi has taken Viharin.com to one of the top interesting travel blogs of the world. She has been mentioned in DLF City Magazine, Newspatrolling, Ayurveda Sutra, recognized as Guest of Honour by Institute of Technology and Science, Ghaziabad and more.
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Nice palace to visit. So nicely explained and beautiful photographs. Thanks to Nidhi.
Thank you Mr. Naresh for the compliment.