Sarnath earns UNESCO World Heritage tag, takes India’s tally to 45

The ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath in Varanasi was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Busan, South Korea. The announcement was made by the committee’s chairperson, Lee Byong Hyun, at the annual conclave on Sunday.

With the inscription of Sarnath, India now has 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Uttar Pradesh site has been recognised as a serial property comprising the Chaukhandi Stupa and the Archaeological Remains of Sarnath, which include the preserved archaeological and architectural remains of the ancient Buddhist site.

Sarnath is believed to be the place where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in the 6th century BCE. Also known as Rishipatana, Ishipatana, Mrigadava or the Deer Park, it is regarded as the sacred site where the Buddha met his first disciples, who later spread his teachings on peace and the nature of suffering.

Reacting to the development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X and posted: “…This recognition celebrates India’s profound civilisational and spiritual heritage. It will also inspire more people across the world to come to Sarnath and connect with the ideals of Lord Buddha.”

Explaining the inscription, UNESCO said, “Sarnath, Varanasi bears witness to the enduring spiritual significance of Sarnath, one of the four principal destinations of Buddhist pilgrimage, established by the Buddha himself, as demonstrated by the large number of religious buildings and other monuments that were built and rebuilt on-site during the many centuries of its existence.”