Sarnath — Dhamek Stupa Ancillary Platform
सारनाथ · Dhamek Platform
Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–500 CE)·Multi-period temple culture·🇮🇳 Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi, Sarnath, India
About
About Sarnath — Dhamek Stupa Ancillary Platform
Sarnath — Dhamek Stupa Ancillary Platform in Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi, Sarnath, India is a Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–500 CE) temple complex attributed to Multi-period temple culture. Systematic survey and photogrammetry document ceramic seriation. The site includes a principal enclosure and workshop area. Dimensions temple 32 m × 18 m; court 45 m × 30 m; area 9.5 ha. Excavation partially-excavated; condition preserved. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Multi-period temple culture temple-complex with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 80 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Relation to regional network
- 02Construction technique
Theories
- 01Elite residence hypothesis
- 02Ceremonial centre
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 1500 BCE
- Period
- Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–500 CE)
- Culture
- Multi-period temple culture
- Purpose
- Temple and sanctuary complex
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 1500 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 1087 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1941
Modern rediscovery and excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
25.3800° N · 83.0200° E · 80 m · 4 mapped features
Main Temple Cella
cellaMain Temple Cella at Sarnath — Dhamek Stupa Ancillary Platform — cella with stratified deposits
25.3809° N · 83.0220° ENorth Court Ancillary
courtNorth Court Ancillary at Sarnath — Dhamek Stupa Ancillary Platform — court with stratified deposits
25.3802° N · 83.0219° EPylon Gate
pylonPylon Gate at Sarnath — Dhamek Stupa Ancillary Platform — pylon with stratified deposits
25.3796° N · 83.0176° EAltar Platform
altarAltar Platform at Sarnath — Dhamek Stupa Ancillary Platform — altar with stratified deposits
25.3780° N · 83.0194° E