Varanasi

Varanasi, popularly known as Benaras and mentioned as 'Kashi' in ancient scriptures, has a glittering historical past. Located on the banks of the holy river Ganges, it is a popular pilgrimage destination. It is believed that a dip in the Ganges holy water washes away one's sins and purifies the soul.

One of the most ancient cities of the world, Varanasi is visited by a large number of tourists every year. With over 800 temples, the city has the highest density of population anywhere in the world and follows a ritualistic life style.

The Ghats of Varanasi are a major attraction for visitors made by different rulers and communities around 18th century. The riverfront of Kashi has 84 Ghats, which are the flights of step on the bank. They form a chain of sacred places.

Enthralled by its mythological legacy and traditions, Mark Twain said “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, even older than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.”

Sarnath

Sarnath, near Varanasi is a place sacred to Buddhists. Located 10 kms by road from the Varanasi railway station, Sarnath is a part of the triangular Indian Buddhist pilgrimage circuit for global tourists.

While Bodhgaya is the place where Buddha attained enlightenment, Sarnath is the place from where Buddhism spread worldwide and it is at Kushinagar that Buddha attained Nirvana.

Sarnath is world famous for its historical relics. The Sarnath museum houses some of the greatest treasures of Indian Buddhist art. For over 1500 years,Sarnath was a thrivingcentre of Buddhism. Archaeological excavations here have led to the discovery of numerous ancient artifacts.

The most famous is the remnant of the Ashoka pillar and its lion capital that is today the symbol of the Indian government.

The famous Deer Park, Dhamekh Stupa, and other ruins evoke images of important historical events of Buddha's life. Dhamekh Stupa is the place where Buddha delivered the Turning of the Wheel sermon to his first five disciples.

Chaukhandi Stupa – its significance

The Garden of Spiritual Wisdom in Sarnath, Varanasi is located right behind the Chaukhandi Stupa and appears seamlessly connected with this nationally protected monument.

It also happens to be the first impressive monument as one enters Sarnath. The high octagonal mound is globally famous. Lord Buddha met his first five disciples here after he came from Bodhgaya upon attaining enlightenment.

The tourists often like to go up and down the stupa's octagonal mound and enjoy the views of Sarnath and Benaras from the top. This excursion constitutes a small adventure by itself as there is no definite pathway and one is free to choose the path of ascent.

It is said that Emperor Ashoka built the Chaukhandi Stupa and that some of the remains of Lord Buddha lie buried here.

The Garden of Spiritual Wisdom

The garden is the newest attraction for tourists coming to Sarnath. Many tourists who visit Sarnath have a deep interest in Buddhism.

The garden uses a mix of exhibits and sculptures to convey the essentials of Buddhism. The exhibits convey the essence of Indian spirituality in an easy to understand language illustrated with graphics. The garden is beautifully made and the tourists love the heavenly experience of this sacred site.

With increasing complexity of modern life, knowledge for the purpose of earning a living alone is considered insufficient. The garden seeks to ignite an interest in the visitor to further explore the subject of spirituality.

In the garden is a section for herbal plants that constitute the basis of Ayurveda. Ayurveda teaches harmony with nature, simplicity and contentment as keys to well-being.

It is the five thousand year old Indian traditional natural healing system and is a part of its yogic system.

Today, Ayurveda is at the forefront of mind-body medicine. It has spread far beyond its traditional base and is gaining attention throughout the world.

The display of ayurvedic plants in the garden, collected from different parts of the country offers a glimpse of Ayurveda.

Facilities

 

 

Visitor’s Comments

  • The beauty of the Garden really gives me peace and the feel of heaven.

    Teacher, SB Central School,Varanasi
    2017-10-18

  • Thank you for your work of creating and maintaining all this beauty.It is an OASISof paradise.

    Tania, Belarus
    2017-12-25

  • I visited the Garden as the name "Spiritual Garden" is given, it is truly a spiritual garden. it is very beautiful and its beauty and the four noble truths and other symbolic objects pacified my disturbed mind. I also prayed for a few minutes looking towards the chaukhandi stupa. I personally feel obliged to the person/ organization who constructed this spiritual garden. Thank you. May peace prevail on earth.

    Darwa Shepra, A cross country skier and athlete, Nepal.

  • The Garden is itself a spiritual journey into one's inner self and the beauty is mesmerizing. It is also well kept and maintained. "kudos" to the people who are really behind the existence of this garden.

    Arti Bobd

  • A beautiful sanctuary of wisdom. Thank you.

    Kathy Anderson, Motivational Speaker

  • Bliss in Varanasi. Thank you for sharing. Wonderful a real asset to India and Varanasi.

    Matt Boulder, Colorado, USA

  • Beautiful Garden, Excellent place to meditate, peaceful and insightful. thank you.

    Martin Hewell, Founder, The Zuri Project Uganda( NGO) - UK

  • This is a very special place of peace and tranquility. Lovingly maintained and pleasing on the eye certainly worth a visit.

    Naveen Kumar Sharma, UK

  • Such a lovely, colorful and well designed. Enjoyed very much both the spiritual part and Ayurveda Garden.

    Daniel, USA

  • Lovely and lively, Connecting the mankind with nature. Truly a wisdom park, full with spiritualism.

    Dr. D. R. Singh, Registrar, CUTS, Varanasi

  • Prefect place to get the essentials of Buddha Principles in a very beautiful garden.

    Jun Jacult, Amsterdam

  • Thank you for creating and maintaining this beautiful, calm and peaceful place. It encourages us to also create place in our world.

    Diane Morrison, Kensington, USA

  • The Garden is the closest pictures of heaven as seen on earth, like god sent angels to design and keep this place and it is beautiful thank you so much.

    Fabio Marcovaski, Manus-Amazons, Brazil

  • A peaceful secret garden where we enjoyed sound unheard of within the streets. We have awakened to new plans and aspirations with the intention to give back as India has shared its beauty and wisdom to us.

    Bryn Dawson/Jonathan Harris Brooklyn, New York, USA

  • Wonderful garden. Saw it from the Stupa and decided to take a look and was pleasantly surprised. Loved the signs with the four noble truths eight fold path.

    Stephanie Bridges, Canada

  • Amazing place. So hidden but so peaceful and spiritual vibe!

    Lavanya & Vaiola, Lithuania

  • Lovely scenery and serenity. A good place to relax and connect with oneself. Loved the sculptures.

    Spolar , Slovenia, EU

  • This garden is very beautiful and refreshing. All the plants and rocks contribute much in the sanctity of one's mind. Awesome place.

    Phuntshio

  • Garden is magnificent. It has rare varieties of plants and trees. Sense of aesthetic emotions are manifested in the design of the garden.

    Raj Kumar, India

  • Tranquility after Varanasi's bustle and traffic jams. This is a perfect spot to practice mindfulness and wisdom, spirituality. It is all here, the secret of ayurvedic healing, beautifully maintained gardens, A true oasis of beauty and natural environment.

    Isabel Conway, Ireland

  • It brings serenity, peace and contentment along with getting a chance to introspect and reflect. Being here was a wonderful experience. Thank you for making such a wonderful place. May you be happy and peaceful.

    Padma, Mahek & Bela, India

  • It is an amazing place of spirituality. I really enjoyed the walk through the garden. It directly brings me to another view of my life.

    Josef, Switzerland

  • Such a peaceful heaven for hassled city dwellers. Lovely sculpture and sense of tranquility all around. I am so glad; such a garden of spiritual wisdom exists in Sarnath. It adds so much to the beauty, calmness of this place.

    N.Gandhi & Dr. Padma Singh, India

  • Amazing place. Lives context and teachings about meditation and Buddhism to truly educate all fore-given on how to apply the teaching to our own lives. Thank you!!

    Vinay, USA

  • The most beautiful garden I've visited in India. So glad; I stopped by instead of heading straight back to Varanasi. Thank you.

    Cather We Young, U.K.

  • This is the most beautiful and peaceful place we have visited in India. Buddha's wisdom should be learned by everyone.

    - Yanling Gao & Johannes Meien, Germany

  • Really giving us feeling of spiritualism and the quotation written here are just like feeling energy in soul. Garden symbolizing spiritualism. Thank you to all the staff working here for making this garden so pure and beautiful.

    Sudupti Singh, India

  • It was an amazing experience to visit to this Jewel of Park & gift to humanity and an inspiration for peace and love for nature. Thank to the Buddhist esponsors for this fabulous park and to Mr. Omprakash for his guidance and helpful assistance. Impressed by the four noble truths and the eightfold paths for peace of mind. The park is an island to find tranquility amongst the turmoil of the busy city. It's a natural place to practice yoga and meditation. The silence bust the chirping of birds, a rare sound on this age & time.

    Leopold Daguiar, Melbourne, USA

  • Such a lovely oasis in the middle of one of the most spiritual places in the world. A true gem. We will be back again.

    Jeel Forman, USA

  • Peaceful, serene garden, full of wisdom and reflection. A lovely place to visit.

    Vicky Toxopens, New Zealand

  • This is the most beautiful place that I have seen in India. It really encourages deep thoughts and meditation. Thank you

    Facunde Lopez, Argentina

  • Excellent art works and planting designs, wonderful planting design and maintenance, nice break from the busy outside !!

    Dr. Amita Sinha, Prof. of landscape architecture, Illinois university, USA

  • People must visit to this place at least once. This is a Garden with a difference which will inspire you to see and understand noble words of Lord Buddha.

    Konchhong Dodep, Leh

  • We are group of monk's and nun's arrived this morning to visit the beautiful garden, we feel this garden is really for those people who wish to practice meditation and Buddha's teachings.

    Ms. Peima, Lahol Spiti

  • When reading the powerful teachings of the Buddha, tears came to my eyes

    Philip

  • The design of Noble Eight Fold Path is very attractive.I like to sit here in peace. I am able to internally realize the Buddhist philosophy.

    Dammacharya Uparaj, Pune

  • I can't believe that this type of park exists in Varanasi. If there is any heaven on earth, it is here in Varanasi.

    Sushma Kumari

  • Thanks for this unexpected present and unforgettable gift which we will carry in our hearts.

    Kirsten, Germany

  • It's awesome place, even have lots of knowledge at one place especially for Botany students and common people as well.

    Shalini Singh, India

  • After experiencing the chaotic Varanasi, this garden brings real joy to your body and soul. Good thoughts and ideas came to us.

    Albert, Spain

  • Wow, Oasis of peace, calm and wisdom, so beautiful. Many thanks

    Francoi Jlonne, Canada (Quibec)

  • Beautiful Island of peace inside all the fuss outside.

    Roee, Israel

  • Fantastic garden and a peaceful place, lovely trees with green spaces; a healing place.

    Petoo Friedlandov, Australia

  • Amazing & Gorgeous. This place is like heaven and better for spirituality. Very nice.

    Kashi Nath Shukla, India

  • After experiencing the chaotic Varanasi, this garden brings real joy to your body and soul. Good thoughts and ideas came to us.

    Albert, Spain

  • A very quiet and beautiful place that can really calm our mind. Thank you for providing this place to all.

    Wendy Deng, Canada

  • A peaceful place, with lot of wisdom words. I am so touched to see this, now it will change my way to see the life.

    Fischo Malteo, France

  • Very easy to understand Buddhist philosophy. Serene, tranquil. The perfect oasis for mindfulness and meditation.

    Kristen Mahler, USA

  • Amazed to see such a beautiful place, maintained in the heart of Lord Buddha's teachings! Perfect place for meditation and relaxing. Thank you for gifting this to all who come to worship.

    Dewni Pathegama, Sri Lanka

  • The vibrational frequencies from these well cared for plants, trees, garden help to nourish our soul and spirit. Perfect place to rest, attain balance and peace. Namaste with our whole heart.

    Barbara Harel, Arizona

  • Thank you! A tiny slice of heaven in India. The universe salutes you.

    Peachavor, Spain

  • Peaceful, Harmonious, spiritual place. I feel at ease, relax and at peace.

    Michelle, New Zealand

  • An oasis of peace in the midst of this busy country. A blissful random encounter to give us idea and time to reflect upon an experience, let go at the travel tension and mass the knowledge acquired.

    Simone Paci and Elena Bray, Italy

  • On the day of my birthday I understood the thoughts of Buddhism and it is a miracle.

    Thomas Gup, Greek Republic

  • It’s an awesome place, so soulful and full of peace and beauty of nature. It was a much needed thing I would say. I love to be here in the lap of nature and be with my thoughts. It soothes and enriched me as a writer. Keep up the good work.

    Rajmani Verma, Amiya, Sughanda , Sudha - India

  • Wow. What a beautiful peaceful garden and space from the outside world.

    Johana Kinvg, New Zealand

  • A place of peace and calm in the midst of a very busy city. Thank you for creating this food for the soul.

    Lynne Eisart, New Zealand

  • Superb feeling I am totally speechless. Today I feel blessed. I love this place.

    Mrs. Meera Rai, Shree Veda Indernational School, Gaura cala, Chiraigaw - Varanasi

  • Most beautiful garden I have ever been, teaches us lots of good thoughts and gives us wisdom of spirituality and reality of human life.

    Tashi, Nepal

  • Deep thought here. Quiet

    Chen Yisong, China

  • Beautiful, Calming, serene garden. The amazing herbs are really inspiring.

    Wendy Leavesley, Australia

  • Wonderful Island of peace!

    Marco Bartolotti, Italy

  • Fantastic garden, it looks royal garden in Melbourne. So great.

    Jiaxian He, China

  • Very nice to see this type of space which can be meditated. Wish all the best for further alteration. May triple gem bliss all staff who maintain this garden.

    M.L. Chandrasuma 18 Pax Sivdiga Sancharakayu (group) - Sri Lanka

  • Its incredible and peaceful place to visit, meditate and to be in tranquility. Stunning view and experience of the Stupa. Gratitude!

    Pal Jaspr Chang, USA

  • Peaceful and precious place. Very well maintained. Good work

    Salomon Tessone, Israel

  • Lovely, mesmerizing, deeply enchanting, no words to explain our feelings, great efforts for humanity.

    Dr. J.P. Vaidya, Mrs. Jaya Vaidya - India (MH)

  • This is a gorgeous garden & a credit to the gardeners and designers. You can feel the serenity.

    Michael Prier, Tann Prier - Australia

  • Astonishing, extremely beautiful. I love it! Fabulously designed and so I love it! Fabulously designed and so very well maintained. Wonderful.

    Caol Dacre, UK

  • I have never seen this type of garden in my life. Very spiritual, mind blowing, peaceful and soul inspirational.

    Parmanand Mishra, India

  • Very peaceful. Heaven in the city. Very well groomed/ clean. Oasis of peace. Restful.

    Elizabeth & Par Bdes, USA

  • Strikingly enchanting and exotic garden

    Deki Choden, Bhutan

  • What a beautiful and peaceful place you have here. We found it by chance, how lucky we are. The knowledge and explanation are great. Thank you!

    Carlos Lanus, Argentina

  • May God's kingdom be established in this place. This garden is a beautiful representation of God.

    Rose, Bethany, Heather, USA

  • So peaceful. The garden is very beautiful and well maintained. It gives the basics of the Buddhism religion.

    Giulio Chinpello, Italy

  • It is very excellent maintained and designed. It is really a place where meditation may be done and conscience can arise. I really thanks a lot to the person who construct and maintain it. Thanks!

    Dr. S.K.Verma, India

  • Truly beautiful, very well maintained and peaceful. Very good vibration and with good messages to all the people. I am glad that we can know about this spiritual garden. Thank you for having this place came true.

    Damini and Ritambhar, Portugal

  • This place is an oasis of silence and composure. Very beautiful.

    Gna Adam, Germany

  • Unique and unbelievable, feel so peaceful.

    George, Canada

  • An oasis in Varanasi's dusty surroundings. The messages/slogans are service to all man- kind. Thank you!!

    Bhuchung, USA

  • This is the best park founded (for myself) in India. It is very quiet and you can breath real calm, meditating while you enjoy the nature.

    David Plata, Spain

  • Best park around all India, quiet, relaxing and the most cleaned. Here you can meditate and get new energies. Thank you!!

    Ishael Martin Aluz, Spain

  • Stunning, peaceful and powerful! Most beautiful garden seen in all over India.

    Samuel Salsbury, USA

  • This place brought peace to my heart. All the green, the atmosphere, there is no place like this in Varanasi.

    Julia Paniz, Brazil

  • Such a beautiful garden like heaven, in Varanasi. There is charming environment here specially who want some gap for thinking. Thanks.

    Suresh Khushwaha, India

  • Beautiful relaxing garden. Explosion of the senses. Very calming, enjoyable and informative. One with nature

    Andrew & Ellen Taujer, Australia

  • A place to unwind and let your thoughts go while listening to the Biros & feel the grass below your body.

    Lisa Wassl, Germany

  • A paradise in India : Silent , green grass binds. Namaste!

    Andressa Maxnuck, Brazil

  • One of the most beautiful places on the earth! I hope that the bliss to stay here benefits all the sentiments beings!

    Grando Cendas Vega, Coasta Rica and Bragil

  • It is one of the fantabulous site in the busy life of this city especially its beautiful sculptures and the quotes and the thoughts which are written on the crafted stones and the maintenance of this park is very appreciative. Thanks for giving you all management to its order to park for public. Thank you.

    Abhinav Kumar, India

  • Amazing place, definitely felt the calming and peaceful energy. Thank you. Namaste

    Andrew Houpt, Australia

  • Very peaceful place and in this crazy world. It is important to take the time to appreciate the beauty of life. It was an amazing moment.

    Sylvain de Cotret, Canada/ Quebec

  • Namaste ! Oasis in the midst of a busy city. Thank you dear gardener.

    Sofia and Sophiks, Russia Georgia - USA

  • Absolutely beautiful harmonious and serene. Relaxing !

    Samuel Augustus Beaumont and Amy Rose Thompson Australia

  • After walking in such a peaceful place, just want to experiment my first real meditation in the middle of the park. Achieving sensation of being one with nature and open your eyes to see only beauty. Feeling of well-being for the rest of the day. Thank you.

    Bouchelle Boubou Jeter, Belgium

  • As wonderful as compared to gardens in other countries.

    Ashaz Daud, India

  • Beautiful surroundings, very spiritual, an oasis of nature and meditation.

    Ronald Orr, USA

  • Thanking you for giving importance in this very beautiful spiritual place. It’s a heaven to calm mind and soul and reconnects with the reality of everyone in the movement. We love it.

    George, Sarah, Lola, Tom England

  • Such a beautiful garden. A calm and peaceful sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of Varanasi. Also learnt a lot about Buddhism.

    Hannah Atkinson and Samantho Harack Gibb New Zealand

  • Such a wonderful and peaceful place. Great explanation with very creative soul places.

    Ando Cbe, France

  • Extremely well maintained and beautiful manicured garden! I appreciate the way gardeners have worked so hard and brought this to all the visitors. Very Peaceful, Very Serene

    Arpana, India

  • Natural beauty and plantation at its best. Some places have an aura that we cannot find even in our temples. Hatsoff to the effort. Outstanding!

    Shreyansh Verma, India

  • This is so nice place and unique medicinal plant such very useful us knowledge to herbal issue. It is awesome.

    Dr. Shivendra Vikram, India

  • Moments of peace and paradise with words and thoughts, which could help to create a better world.

    Ralph Hildebrand, Germany

  • Beautiful spiritualise in wonderland.

    Hanna Agren, Sweden

  • Stunning beautiful. A peaceful oasis in a world of noise plus traffic.

    Nicki Walton, UK

  • The most beautiful and peaceful garden in Varanasi. It was very relaxing walking through the garden, kept in a neat and tidy way. Very impressed.

    Ganga Rushda Mayawant kanta Australia

  • Wow. An oasis in the middle of all the madness. Beautiful garden. The perfect environment for transmission, beautiful Buddhist ideas.

    Toby Gltnn, UK

  • A very nice and quite place. Best of Varanasi and Sarnath.

    Sabne Puschmauu, Germany

  • Wonderful, warm and very peaceful setting. The various displays of quotes, minds us of our humble distance in our world today. Absolutely beautiful , well maintained.

    Susan Mcdowncdchin, UK

  • An oasis from the craziness outside. Beautiful

    UK

  • The most amazing thing about the restful greenery in the scorching summer season. The credit for maintenance goes to the green fingers of the gardeners and the beautiful thought and love for nature which is an intrinsic part of the visionary is fully visible. Thank you very much.

    Dr. C Deepika Das, India

  • Beautiful garden with many winds of plants and birds, and some wisdom inside. Best in India!

    Syabilla Mojahdan, Indonesia

  • Wonderful, very calm place to relax. A real oasis to regain energy.

    Zurich, Switzerland

  • "Beautiful garden plus sculptures. Teachings of Buddha are clear and precise. Love the Ayurvedic garden."

    Chris Barker, Australia

  • "Peaceful, Well cared and fine garden. Great to see where Buddha met his first disciples. Beautiful garden."

    Paula Siddle, New Zealand

  • Nice, quite and green place. Good info about Buddhist teachings.

    Amalie Hette, Denmark

  • A sanctuary amongst the chaos, blessings!

    Nick Asher, UK (Britian)

  • Beautiful plus much education. So clean plus peaceful.

    Sara Schwitek, USA

  • "Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu! What a wonderful place to share the wisdom of Buddhism. Thank you with metta!"

    Scott Jones, USA

  • "Very beautiful and quiet place, vegetation is wonderful and explanation of Buddhism was nice."

    Mascime, France

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