SRAVASTI TOURISTI TOURIST PLACE

SRAVASTI TOURISTI TOURIST PLACE

Sravasti, capital of the ancient Kosala kingdom is sacred to Buddhists because it is here that Lord Buddha performed the greatest of his miracles to confound the Tirthika heretics. These miracles include that of the Buddha creating multiple images of himself, hence forth has been among the favorite themes of Buddhist art.

ACCESSIBILITY

Air

Nearest Airport is Lucknow - 176 km, from where Sravasti can be reached by rail upto Balrampur via Gonda.

Rail

Nearest railway station is at Balrampur : 17 Km. The rest of the route can be covered by road.

Road

Bus services are available from all major neighboring centres . Sravasti is - 119 km from Basti and - 17 km. from Balrampur.

ABOUT THE CITY

Sravasti, capital of the ancient Kosala kingdom is sacred to Buddhists because it is here that Lord Buddha performed the greatest of his miracles to confound the Tirthika heretics. These miracles include that of the Buddha creating multiple images of himself, hence forth has been among the favorite themes of Buddhist art.

Sravasti was an active centre of Buddhism even in the Buddha’s lifetime. The Buddha himself spent many summers here, and delivered important sermons. It was here that Anathapindaka built, in the garden of Prince Jeta a large monastery for the reception of the Buddha. Later, several shrines and other monasteries arose at this sacred spot.

Sravasti has been identified with the remains at Saheth - Maheth on the borders of the Gonda and Bahraich districts. It is situated on the banks of the River Rapti. Srarvasti also claims the glory of being was born, brought up and attained enlightment. Jain devotee visit Sravasti, during the month of kartik(Oct - Nov)

• Area: 2019 sq. km.
• Population: 10220 (1991 census)
• Altitude: 185 mtrs. above sea level.
• Season: October - February / March
• Clothing: Summer - Cottons; Winter - Woolens
• Language: Hindi, English
• Festivals: Buddh Purnima Mela (April-May) and Jain Mela
• Local Transport: Private Taxis, Taxi, Tonga, Ekka
• STD Code: 05252

PLACES OF INTEREST

Maheth

This covers an area of about 400 acres, and has been identified with the remains of the city proper. Excavations have exposed the massive gates of the city, ramparts and also the ruins of other structures which testify 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.

Sobhanath Temple

Believed to be the birthplace of Jain Tirthankar Sambhavnath. It is revered by Jain pilgrims.

Saheth

Saheth, covers an area of 32 acres, and lies about a quarter of a mile to the south - west of Maheth. This was the site of the Jetavana monastery. 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. The remains date from the Mauryan era (3rd century BC ) to the 12th century AD . One of the earliest stupas. probably dating to the 3rd century BC contained relics of the Buddha . A colossal statue of the Buddha was also found here which is now preserved in the Indian Museum, Calcutta . The Emperor Ashoka visited Jetavana, and the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen- Tsang mentions two Ashokan pillars at Sravasti.

Other places of interest include the Swarnagandha Kuti.