The Ancient Geography of India. I. The Buddhist Period, including the Campaigns of Alexander, and the Travels of Hwen-Thsang c6.s3.t26.7

c6.s3.t26.7

Banâras is celebrated amongst the Buddhists as the scene where the great teacher first expounded his doctrine, or as they metaphorically express it, where he first began “to turn the wheel of the law.” This is one of the four great events in the life of Buddha, and the stupa which was built upon the spot was esteemed as one of the four great monuments of Buddhism. This stupa, now called *Dhamék*, is situated about 3½ miles to the north of the city, amidst an extensive mass of ruins, which are surrounded on three sides by large artificial lakes. The name of *Dhamék* is most probably only an abbreviation of the Sanskrit *Dharmmopadeśaka*, the "Teacher of Dharma." This is the common term still in use to designate any religious teacher; but bearing in mind that on this spot Buddha first began to "turn the wheel of the law" (*dharmma-chakra*), the name is peculiarly appropriate for the stupa. The term is also used in the simpler form of *Dharmmadeśaka*, which in familiar conversation would naturally be shortened to *Dhammadek* and *Dhamek*.