Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s2.t7.2

v1.c7.s2.t7.2

Sarnath is widely referred to in various Buddhist writings. The *Jatakas* have several stories connected with events and activities as well as several legends about Lord Buddha there. Both Faxian and Xuanzang found it to be a grand and flourishing place. During his visit in the early 5th century CE, Faxian noted four *stupas* and two monasteries here. Two centuries later, Xuanzang witnessed the whole area to be religiously very active. In Varanasi, the city under whose boundary was Sarnath, he found over 30 monasteries and approximately 3,000 resident monks of Sammatiya sect. Sarnath was surrounded by a wall. Within it were buildings and pavilions as well as several lakes and gardens built in line with good planning. Near 1,500 monks of Sammitiya sect lived there. There was a tall and huge temple/ monastery with a golden top shaped like a mango. The temple had a copper statue of Buddha in *dhammchakkapavattan* style. He noted many *stupas*, some of which were more than 200 feet in height. There was also a 70 feet stone pillar which was very soft, shining and had inscriptions.