Sarnath is a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site located near the city of Varanasi in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is considered one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world, as it is believed to be the place where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon to his five disciples after attaining enlightenment.

The main attraction of Sarnath is the Dhamek Stupa, which is believed to mark the spot where the Buddha delivered his first sermon. The stupa is a cylindrical tower that rises to a height of 43 meters and has a diameter of 28 meters at its base. The structure is made of stone and brick, and is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha.

Other important sites in Sarnath include the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, which is a modern Buddhist temple built in the 20th century, and the Ashoka Pillar, which was erected by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. The pillar is made of polished sandstone and stands at a height of 15.2 meters. It is topped by a bell-shaped capital that is adorned with four lions, which has become the national emblem of India.