The ancient site of Sravasti is one of eight important places of pilgrimage for Buddhists. Legend has it that it was named after the legendary king Sravasta, who is mentioned in the Mahabharata. Buddha resided here and performed many miracles. He also spentseveral summers here, delivering sermons to his followers. Rich in history and religion, its razed ruins are surrounded in mystery.
Sravasti was once the famous capital of the powerful Kosala kingdom. A trip to Sravasti unfolds the spirit of a secular India, where different beliefs and philosophies had a place. Temples of Hindus and Jains, mosques of Muslims and stupas of Buddhists shared the same locale.
Sravasti has two villages � Sahet and Mahet. From the BalrampurSravasti road
one can enter Sahet. Which sprawls over an area of 400 acres and has a collection
of ruins. A little north of Sahet, towards the Rapti river, is the ancient
fortified city of Mahet. The entrance to Mahet�s mud fortification is constructed
in a beautiful crescent shape. Sobhnath temple �on a high mound, Pakki Kuti,
Kachchi Kuti and many stupas tell the story of the great monasteries that
once stood here. Though an ancient structure, its five gates and walls are
still visible.
Remnants of Jeetavana � a splendid monastery built by a rich devotee 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 Peepal tree here � a sapling from the original
Bodh.i tree under which the Buddha had meditated. Sravasti was also under
the influence of Mahavira Jain, and the splendid Shwetambar temple here is
visited by thousands of Jains.
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