Yesterday, along with my wife, I visited Saranath, where Budha is stated to have given his first sermon to his five disciples. After decline of Budhism in India, the place was probably vacated and forgotten.
The place which wss a centre of learning with Budhist temples and monastries were unearthed and excavated in the later part of 18th century. The high Stupa, the broken remains of Ashoka Chakra and the remains of temples, monastries etc. hints to a golden age of Budhist religion in India.
A large number of pilgrims are seen there, many from Japan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar ( Burmah) etc. which are mainly Budhist countries.
Certainly a place to visit to find out the roots of our civilisation.