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Learn About Places Uttar Pradesh > Shravasti Uttar Pradesh

Shravasti Uttar Pradesh

Shravasti Uttar Pradesh

Shravasti General Information

Shravasti :: Shravasti or Sravasti is intimately associated with the life of Buddha. The town located near the Rapti River in northeastern Uttar Pradesh is said to be have been founded by the mythological king Sravast. In Buddhist times (6th century BC-6th century AD), Shravasti was capital of the kingdom of Kosala and was important both as a prosperous trading centre and for its religious associations. Buddha is believed to have spent 24 monsoons in the city. It is said that Buddha sat on a lotus with a thousand petals and multiplied his image a million times. A divine sight that silenced his critics. Age-old stupas, majestic monasteries and several temples near the village of Sahet-Mahet, highlight Buddha's association with Shravasti. An important religious site is the Jetavana Monastery, which was erected in a garden outside the walls of the city and presented to the Buddha by a wealthy banker, Anathapinaka. Other important Buddhist monasteries were the Rajakarama and the Purvarama. An exquisite garden here has the famous 'Anandabodhi' tree - an offspring of one said to be planted by Buddha's main disciple Ananda. The `Sobhanath' temple is believed to be the birth place of Jain tirthankar 'Sambhavanath' making Shravasti an important centre for the Jainas. The city has been identified with the twin villages of Saheth and Maheth northwest of Balrampur. Today it is surrounded by a great rampart of earth and brick. Excavation has been undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Sightseeing

Shobhanath Temple :: The `Shobhanath' temple is believed to be the birth place of Jain tirthankar 'Sambhavanath', making Shravasti an important centre for the Jains.

History :: While in Rajgir the wealthy businessman Anathapindika first met the Buddha and invited him to come to Savatthi. The Buddha said he would be happy to come but asked that suitable accommodation be provided. When Anathapindika returned to Savatthi he purchased a park near the town and built a large monastery on in. Called Jetavana, this park became the Buddha's favourite resort and he spent every rainy season of the last 20 years of his life except one there.

Maheth :: Identified with the remains of the city, Maheth covers an area of about 400 acres. Excavations have exposed the massive gates of the city, ramparts and also the ruins of other structures, which stand testimony to the prosperity of ancient Sravasti. The Sobhanath Temple is located here. Pakki Kuti and Kacchi Kuti were probably Buddhist shrines, before they were converted into Brahmanical temples.

Saheth :: Known primarily as the site of the Jetavana monastery, Saheth covers an area of 32 acres. Lying about a quarter of a mile to the south - west of Maheth, it became an important place of pilgrimage, adorned with numerous shrines, stupas and monasteries. The stupas belong mostly to the Kushana period, while the temples are in the Gupta style.

Excursions

Devi Patan Temple :: 28 Km. One of the most important Shaktipeeth in the entire region, it is revered by Hindu devotees of India and Nepal.

Shopping :: one can buy some local handicrafts and Buddhist items from the local shops nearby the tourist destinations in Sravasti.

How to Reach
Airways :: The nearest airport is at Lucknow, 151 kilometers from Sravasti, which welcomes both domestic and International flights from major cities. From Lucknow, one can either opt for a train or bus or taxi to reach the destination, 151 km away.

Railways :: To reach Sravasti, the nearest rail head is at Balrampur, 19 kilometers away, from where one can take up road way to reach the destination.

Roadways :: Sravasti can be reached by road from Lucknow (151 km) via Bahraich, Kapilvastu(147 km) via Naugarh and Varanasi(401 km) via Lucknow. The tourist coaches, buses and even taxis are available to reach Kapilvastu from these places.

fair and festivels

The Hemis Festival :: Seeing as Hemis Monastery got several mentions in my posts on the 'Jesus lived in India' myth I thought I might share with you some photos I took there during the Himis Festival in 1988. It was a rare opportunity to witness some of the medieval splendor of Tibetan religious culture. Before the performance I was solemnly informed by one rimpoche, several senior monks and numerous lesser individuals, that anyone who gazes upon the huge thanka in the third picture will be reborn no more than seven times, in other words, they will become a sotapana. Therefore, I urge you all to stare at it intently. Given the quality of the picture and the possibility that broad-band connection may effect the spiritual vibrations I recommend at least five minutes, just to make sure. Also, if you look very carefully at the top left hand corner of the second last picture you will see Jesus discreetly watching the dancing.