Sarnath Archaeological Museumसारनाथ पुरातत्व संग्रहालय
Home of the Lion Capital of Ashoka, the national emblem. Small, superb, closed on Fridays.
See what is open on your dateOpen in Google MapsWhereVaranasi, Uttar Pradesh
Purvanchal
Purvanchal
Kind of placeMuseums, Monuments & Heritage
Best time to visit15 October to 15 March
Good seasonsPost-monsoon (October to November), Winter (December to February), Summer (March to May)
DifficultyEasy
Time needed1 hr
Base and nearbySarnath, Varanasi Junction
Entry₹5 · closed Fridays · no cameras inside
ClosuresClosed on Fridays
About Sarnath Archaeological Museum
The oldest site museum of the Archaeological Survey, opened in 1910 to hold what was dug up across the road. The Lion Capital of Ashoka is here, the four lions back to back that became the national emblem of India, and beside it the Gupta-period seated Buddha in the teaching pose that is probably the finest sculpture of its age. Small, cool and worth an hour. Closed on Fridays, and cameras are not allowed.
What to see and do
- The Lion Capital of Ashoka, the national emblem
- The Gupta seated Buddha preaching
- Bodhisattva images from the Kushan period
- Terracotta and inscribed finds from the site
Opening status, best time and closures here are estimates from usual seasons and past patterns, not live information. Confirm with the local authority before you go. Terms of use
More places in Varanasi
- Bharat Mata MandirVaranasi, Uttar Pradesh · Monuments & HeritageA temple whose deity is a marble relief map of undivided India, opened by Gandhi in 1936.
- BHU & Bharat Kala BhavanVaranasi, Uttar Pradesh · MuseumsA vast green campus, a first-rate miniature painting museum (closed Sundays) and a temple open to all.
- Ramnagar FortVaranasi, Uttar Pradesh · FortsThe Kashi Naresh's riverside fort, a museum of royal odds and ends, and a month-long Ramlila.
- SarnathVaranasi, Uttar Pradesh · Pilgrimage RoutesWhere the Buddha gave his first sermon. Dhamek Stupa, Ashoka's pillar and a quiet deer park.
- Assi GhatVaranasi, Uttar Pradesh · Pilgrimage RoutesThe wide southern ghat where Varanasi starts its day with music and aarti before sunrise.
- Dashashwamedh Ghat & Ganga AartiVaranasi, Uttar Pradesh · Pilgrimage RoutesThe main ghat of Varanasi and its evening Ganga aarti, best watched from a boat.
- Durga Kund TempleVaranasi, Uttar Pradesh · Temples & ShrinesThe red monkey temple of Rani Bhabani beside its tank, with Tulsi Manas Mandir two minutes away.
- Kaal Bhairav TempleVaranasi, Uttar Pradesh · Temples & ShrinesThe temple of the Kotwal of Kashi, whose leave you are said to need to stay in the city.
All places in Varanasi · All places in Uttar Pradesh
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Jagah Pedia is a free travel guide by Santosh Pandey. Status, timings and closures are estimates from usual patterns, so confirm locally before you travel.