Sarnath is a diverse mixture of cultures and beliefs. Different religious beliefs i.e. Hindutwa, Jain and Budhh all intricately knitted. Some of you will be surprised to see the relation of Hindutwa to Sarnath. But that is true and here are we to unveil the story. As Sarnath lies very near to the holy city Varanasi and hence could not get untouched by its inclination towards Bhagwan Mahadev.
Shiv Temple in Sarnath: Sarangnath Mahadev
Sarnath was also known as “Saranganath” meaning “Lord of the Deers”. There is a Hindu temple, “Saranganath Mahadev Temple” of which very few people know but it holds a great deal of importance. According to various Hindu scriptures, Lord Saranganath is said to be the son-in-law of Lord Shiva. There is also a big fair here during the month of Sawan ( usually between July to August).
There are also various Temples dedicated to Lord Buddha built by the Asian communities also known as the Six Nation Temple.
Relation of Sarnath to Hinduism
Buddhism and Jainism have both emerged from Hinduism. It is believed that Gautam Buddha and Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism were both contemporaries. When Buddhism started propagating, Jainism was already a well-established religion.
Sarnath is one of the holy pilgrimage sites for Buddhism among Lumbini, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar. Buddha gave his first sermon here to his five disciples about the eightfold path to attain enlightenment. There are many stories, myths and legends related to this place mentioned in the Buddhist texts.
It is also a sacred site for Jains. Simhapuri in Sarnath is the birthplace of the 11th Tirthankar, Shreyansanatha. It is said that he completed four out of five of Kalyanaka’s (auspicious events) of his life.
Now coming to the main topic, the Solar Dynasty/ Suryavansha/Descendants of the Sun was one of the main lineages among the Kshatriyas. The Ikshvaku Dynasty founded by King Ikshavaku was one of the Solar Dynasties. Lord Rama is said to have been a descendant of the Ikshavaku clan.
Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankara in Jainism was born in Ayodhya (the birthplace of Lord Rama) and was also a descendant of the same clan, Ikshavaku. According to the Buddhist texts, Gautama Buddha also belonged to the Ikshavaku dynasty.
You must visit all these places while visiting Sarnath.
