Sarnath Museum
सारनाथ संग्रहालय
One of India's earliest site museums. Its showpiece is the Ashoka lion capital, the prototype of India's national emblem.
The museum was built by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1910, directly across from the Sarnath archaeological park. Its showpiece is the four-lion capital from the top of an Ashokan pillar, dating to the 3rd century BCE. It is polished to a mirror-like shine and is the prototype of India's national emblem. Other highlights include the Gupta-era seated Buddha in the Dharmachakra Pravartana (First Sermon) pose, a Kushan-period standing bodhisattva, and many Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, which provide historical background for a visit to the site. It is open about 9:00 to 17:00 and closed on Fridays. Entry is very cheap. Photography is forbidden inside, and phones and bags must be left at the entrance. It is about 40 minutes by auto-rickshaw from the old city of Varanasi. Plan half a day to visit Sarnath, the museum and Chaukhandi Stupa together.
Opening hours
09:00–17:00; closed Fridays
Nearby sights
- Chaukhandi Stupa
- Sarnath
- Namo Ghat
- Kaal Bhairav Temple
- Panchganga Ghat & Alamgir Mosque
- Scindia Ghat
- Manikarnika Ghat
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple