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Sarnath is officially nominated by India for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List under the 2025–26 nomination cycle. 
 
Historical and Religious Significance:

• The First Sermon: The most crucial aspect of Sarnath is its identity as the location of Buddha's inaugural discourse. Here, he unveiled the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, the core tenets of Buddhism, to his first five disciples.
• Birth of the Sangha: It was in Sarnath's Deer Park (Mrigadava) that the Buddhist monastic community, or Sangha, was established, marking the formal beginning of the Buddhist faith as an organized religion.
• A Center of Learning: For over 1,500 years, Sarnath flourished as a prominent center for Buddhist art, culture, and learning, attracting scholars and monks from far and wide.
• Sarnath contains archaeological remains from various periods, including Mauryan, Kushana, and Gupta eras. It had flourishing monasteries until around the 12th century CE.

Major Monuments and Structures:

• Dhamek Stupa: This massive cylindrical stupa, standing at a height of 43.6 meters, is the most conspicuous structure at Sarnath. It is believed to mark the exact spot where the Buddha delivered his first sermon.
• Dharmarajika Stupa: Though now in ruins, this stupa is of immense archaeological importance. It was originally built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE to enshrine the relics of the Buddha.
• Chaukhandi Stupa: This terraced stupa commemorates the place where the Buddha met his first five disciples. The octagonal tower atop the structure is a later addition by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century to honor his father, Humayun's visit to the site.
• Ashoka Pillar: The site also includes museums that house ancient artifacts and sculptures, including the original Lion Capital of Ashoka.

Besides Buddhism, Sarnath is also important for Jainism as a pilgrimage site linked to Shreyansanatha, the 11th tirthankara. The site has remnants of various religious influences including Hinduism and Jainism.

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