The Archeological and Excavation Area of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh is noted for ancient Buddhist relics, which date back to the period between 250 BC to the 12th century AD. This site also comprises ruins of Buddhist monasteries that represent various tenets of Buddhism.The Ashoka pillar, erected in 250 BC, was the earliest relic found at the Archeological and Excavation Area of Sarnath. This place also encloses a Jain temple which is dedicated to Tirthankar Shrais Nath. A bodhi tree, which is said to have grown form a branch of the Bodhi Tree of Bodh Gaya; and Mulagandha Kuti Vihar of the Maha Bodhi Society are the other attractions of the Archeological and Excavation Area of Sarnath.