Dhamekha Stupa is said to be the sacred place, where
Buddha delivered his first sermon. It is located at Sarnath in
Varanasi District of
Uttar Pradesh.
Constructed by Emperor Ashoka, it was expanded and enlarged a number of times up to the 12th century. The stupa is 31 m high and 28 m in diameter. It is held on beautifully carved stones. The stones in each layer are bound together by iron clamps.
An inscription written with the word Dhamekha, on the top of the stupa, points out that this is the spot where voice of Buddhism was first heard. People also believe that at this place the five ascetics who left Gautama Buddha in Bodhgaya used to live in huts. Dhamekha seems to be a distorted form of Dharmachakra, which means turning the wheel of the Dharma.
Many devotes visit this place for circumambulation of the stupa and to worship the Buddha.
