Part 3 - The Buddhist link of Sārnāth

It has already been noted that Sārnāth did not have much to commend in its early period. It had no distinct identity or history of its own. It was only for being the outskirts of Vārāṇasī and the facilities available it was chosen a hermitage spot. In other words Sārnāth in every way depended on Vārāṇasī had no independent existence of its own. It was because of the Buddha’s association and as the first place to receive his gospel Sārnāth finds mention in the Buddhist texts. So the Buddhist link gave a more meaningful, richer and fuller dimension to the place. According to the Buddhist Jātakas even before the birth of the real Buddha, Sārnāth already had a Bodhisattva.

The Jātaka tale tried toportray Sārnāth to have a destined role to play in the development of Buddhism. Indeed it was after the arrival of the Buddha and his preaching, Sārnāth started acquiring an importance and a history. Shedding the ignominy of dependence on Vārāṇasī, Sārnāth emerged as a separate place with strong Buddhist influences though still maintained close links with Vārāṇasī. This event made the kingly class or other rich patrons to erect monuments, to lay the foundation of the monastic complex and to give the place a comprehensive Buddhist character.