Sarnath, 10km northeast of Varanasi near the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers, is one of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage centres of India. It is believed that after attaining Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, it was here that Lord Buddha preached his first sermon, sanctified as Maha Dharm Chakra Parivartan. The Chaukhandi Stupa, located at the walkable distance from the Institute, is the place where, during his first visit to Sarnath, Lord Buddha met his first five disciples. The nearby area is a treasure trove of archaeological findings such as Dharmrajika Stupa and Mulgandhkuti Vihar.