Sarnath, India 2015

The holy site of Sarnath is the location where Buddha first preached his teachings of how to live life. There is a modern day shrine and temple with a stunning set of prayer wheels and a gorgeous  statue of the Buddha in contemplation.  The nearby museum contains terrific statuary found in the site including the original statue of Buddha replicated in the shrine.  This is the site where the four lion statue was found, which was oirginally placed on the Ashoka pillar, now one of the national symbols of India.  The archeological site as a great stupa along with numerous other smaller stupas and other temple structures.  This is a pilgrimage site for buddhist around the world and there were numerous groups dressed in colorful robes.