Sarnath is marked as the place where the Buddha preached his first message, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya in 528 BC, Buddha came to Sarnath five weeks later, where he met his five companions (Pancavaggiya monks), taught them the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path, and founded the first Buddha Sangha.