Deer Park

A local legend has it that once Buddha took the form of a deer and requested the hunter king to end his life and spare the pigeon that it had caught and intended to kill. The king was so touched and full of shame that he created a refuge for deer, the place in present is the same and is known by the name of Deer Park.
Some legends associated with the Deer Park in Sarnath are—the ancient name of Sarnath, Mrigadava, was so because of the deer population that roamed freely. Going by it, the park in Sarnath was a forest and gifted by the king of Benares so that deer might roam freely in its precincts. The name ‘Sarnath’originated from Saranganath that translates to ‘Lord of the Deer.’

The Deer Park is just behind the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar and entry costs INR 20. The park houses many deer and is the favoured choice of visit for children and families out for a picnic. It is maintained by the forest department and the path passes through towering trees and lovely manicured gardens.
Another attraction in the vicinity of the deer park is the 100 years old Myanmar Temple that is all the more fascinating with red-and-gold interiors. It also has the distinction of being one of the oldest temples in Sarnath.