Sarnath Archeological Museum

The Sarnath Archaeological Museum is most famous for the four-headed lion, that was once on top of the Ashoka Pillar, from 3rd century BC. The lion capital, with the wheel beneath representing Buddha’s ‘wheel of dharma’ is today the national emblem of India. It is maintained by the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India).
The museum is housed in a modern air-conditioned building and is one of the best places to visit in Sarnath with a legendary collection dating back to ancient times. It is essential to leave cameras and mobiles in lockers at the entrance. There are many galleries inside the museum and have been given names on the basis of their exhibits.
Among the important treasures in the museum are—a huge stone umbrella, from 1st Century AD with ornate carvings of Buddhist symbols; two impressive life-size standing bodhisattvas from the 2nd Century AD; a fifth-century figure of Buddha, sitting cross-legged with his hands in mudra gesture exuding calm and is perfectly poised, and eyes downcast in deep meditation and a halo forming an exquisite illusion of divinity behind his head. The buddha is seated above six figures, that seem to be his companions or disciples, with the Wheel of Law in the middle to signify his first sermon. The best time to visit this museum is in the afternoon when the overhead sun can make life difficult otherwise; the air-conditioned confines will rejuvenate the visitor and prepare for visiting more sights in Sarnath.