Sravasti

Sravasti (ancient Savatthi), the capital of Kosala Mahajanapada , was the biggest town in the Gangetic plains during the Buddha's lifetime. Sravasti was host to the Master for 25 years during the annual vassavasa (rain retreat) when the Sangha congregated at one place.

Situated in Gonda district in eastern Uttar Pradesh, called Sahet-Mahet. The most convenient way to reach Sravasti is via Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, which is well connected by air and rail to all parts of India.

During the time of Sakyamuni, Sudatta, a rich and pious merchant, lived in Sravasti. While on a visit to Rajgir, he heard the Buddha's sermon and decided to become the Lord's disciple. But he was caught in dilemma and asked the Lord whether he could become a follower without forsaking worldly life. To his query, the Master replied that it was enough that he followed his vocation in a righteous manner.

Sravasti is one of the eight most important pilgrimages of Buddhists. While lord Buddha walked from Kapilavastu in Nepal to Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh, renounced the world and attained mahaparinirvana, he left behind a trail of footsteps which are revered till today. Sravasti is one such place. Legend has it that Buddha confounded his critics here by making them witness a miraculous million-fold self manifestation seated on a thousand - petalled lotus, as fire and water emanated from his body. It is also said that the prophet of peace spent 25 rainy seasons here, teaching people the essence of his gentle creed.

The religious character of Sravasti is also derived from the fact that Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, visited the town frequently. Apart from this, the city also finds mention in the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata as a prosperous city of the Kosala Kingdom. The mythological king Sravasta, is said to have founded it.

Excavations at Sravasti have also revealed two pillars raised here by Emperor Ashoka, the great Indian King who was largely responsible for spreading the word of Buddhism. The pillars, which lie at the eastern gate of Jetavana, mark Ashoka's pilgrimage to the city.

Sravasti promises to take visitors back in time. This temple town will bring visitors closer to the soul of a civilization which is over 5000 years old.

Excursion
Sahet and Mahet
Sravasti has two villages, Sahet and Mahet. From the Balrampur-Sravasti road one can enter Sahet, which is spread over an area of 400 acres and has a number of ruins. A little north of Sahet, towards the Rapti River, is the ancient fortified city of Mahet. The entrance to the mud fortification of Mahet is constructed in a beautiful crescent shape. Though an ancient structure, its five gates and walls are still visible. Pakki Kuti, Kuchhi Kuti and many other stupas tell the story of the great monasteries that once stood here.

Remnants of Jetavana, a splendid monastery with inscriptions dating back to the 12th century, is thought to be one of the favourite sites of the Buddha. Emperor Ashoka is also said to have visited this site. There is a sacred pipal tree here, which is a sapling from the original Maha Bodhi tree under which the Buddha had attained nirvana. Today, Jetavana has two monasteries, six temples and five stupas. One temple was built by the monk Ananthapindika and called Gandhakuti. This is the most sacred temple in Jetavana since the Buddha is believed to have lived at this spot. Sravasti was also under the influence of Lord Mahavira the last Jain Tirthankar, and the splendid Shwetambara temple here attracts thousands of Jain pilgrims. The Sobhnath Temple is believed to the birthplace of the Jain Tirthankar Sambhavnath.

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Getting There
By Road
Lucknow vis Bahraich, 151 kms
Kapilavastu via Naugarh, 147 kms
Varanasi via Lucknow, 401 kms

By Rail
Nearest Railhead
Balrampur, 19 kms

By Air
Nearest Airport
Lucknow, 151 kms

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