The colossal ruins lie in the same compound as Dhamek Stupa. The extensive archeological excavations of the main site of Sarnath are maintained by the ASI. Emperor Ashoka is said to have meditated near the main shrine. To the west stands the lower portion of Ashoka Pillar, without its famous design of four Asiatic lions back to back, as it is now housed in the ASI museum. The ruins of four monasteries, dating from 3rd century AD to 12th century AD, are also contained within the compound.
There are said to have been 28 stupas that were built by Ashoka, the 3rd century BC Mauryan king and a fierce warrior who was to become one of the most passionate converts to Buddhism. The ruins of Dharmarajika Stupa lie immediately north of the entrance and are hardly anything to inspire awe and the remains are just a three foot circular structure. Dharmarajika Stupa is a place close to where Buddha had delivered his first sermon after being enlightened.
In the monastic ruins, there are Gupta dynasty reliefs depicting the life of Buddha, railings that date back to the Sunga period, statues of Tara and other deities, and other exquisitely carved artefacts that were all unearthed in Sarnath over different excavations. The complex is open from sunrise to sunset.