Dhamekh Stupa

The Dhamekh Stupa, also known as the Wheel-Turning Pagoda, is the symbol of Sarnath. It was originally built during the Maurya Empire, with significant restoration during the Gupta Empire. It is a two-tiered cylindrical red brick pagoda.

The stupa is divided into two levels, upper and lower. The upper half of the stupa is a cylindrical red brick structure, while the lower half is constructed of massive stones, with concave Buddha niches carved on the octagonal faces.

In the 12th century, Sarnath was plundered by the Ghaznavids (referred to as Turushkas in inscriptions), resulting in severe damage to its buildings. However, the Dhamekh Stupa survived amidst the ruins. Standing at a height of 39 meters and with a diameter of over 28 meters, it is one of the few surviving structures from the time of Ashoka.