At which place did Gautama Buddha deliver his first sermon, known in Buddhist tradition as the Dharma Chakra Pravartan (setting in motion of the wheel of Dharma)?

Introduction / Context:
This question is a classic from ancient Indian religious history. It asks about the location where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. This event is called 'Dharma Chakra Pravartan', meaning 'turning the wheel of Dharma'. It marks the formal beginning of the Buddha's teaching mission and the establishment of the Sangha (community of monks). Correctly identifying this place is essential for understanding the basic life events of the Buddha.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on the first sermon of Buddha, Dharma Chakra Pravartan.
• Options given are Sanchi, Sarnath, Sravasti and Bodh Gaya.
• We assume the standard biographical narrative of Gautama Buddha.
• We must distinguish between the place of enlightenment and the place of first sermon.

Concept / Approach:
According to Buddhist tradition, after attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, the Buddha travelled to the Deer Park at Sarnath (near Varanasi) to meet his former companions. There he delivered his first sermon, explaining the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. This event is referred to as Dharma Chakra Pravartan. Sanchi and Sravasti are important Buddhist sites for stupas and later sermons, but they are not the location of the first sermon. Bodh Gaya is the place of enlightenment, not of the first discourse.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the main milestones in Buddha's life – birth at Lumbini, enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, first sermon at Sarnath, and death at Kushinagar.Step 2: Focus on the phrase 'Dharma Chakra Pravartan', which specifically refers to the first sermon.Step 3: Recognise that this sermon was delivered in the Deer Park at Sarnath to the five ascetics who had previously practised with him.Step 4: Compare this with other important places like Bodh Gaya (enlightenment) and Sanchi (stupa site), which do not match the description of the first sermon.Step 5: Choose 'Sarnath (near Varanasi)' as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
All standard treatments of Buddhism, whether in school textbooks or competitive exam guides, list Sarnath as the site of Buddha's first sermon and use the term Dharma Chakra Pravartan for that event. Many objective questions in exams like SSC, UPSC prelims and state services repeat this fact. This consistency across sources confirms that Sarnath is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Sanchi: Known for its stupas and later Mauryan and post-Mauryan Buddhist art, but not for the first sermon.Sravasti: An important place where Buddha spent many rainy seasons and delivered numerous sermons, yet not the location of the first sermon.Bodh Gaya: The holy site of Buddha's enlightenment, not of Dharma Chakra Pravartan.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often mix up the four key places of Buddha's life, especially Sarnath and Bodh Gaya. A typical mistake is to respond with Bodh Gaya whenever the Buddha is mentioned, without reading the question carefully. To avoid this, always associate: Lumbini (birth), Bodh Gaya (enlightenment), Sarnath (first sermon), Kushinagar (parinirvana). Remembering this simple sequence will help you answer many questions correctly.

Final Answer:
Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon, Dharma Chakra Pravartan, at Sarnath near Varanasi.