Sravasti was once the capital of the ancient Koshal kingdom durimg Lord Buddha’s lifetime. Today Sravasti lies like a small village located in Gonda district in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Archaic remains of the deserted city would unfold for you the glorious past of the land. A travel to Sravasti would take you to the little village still basking in the hallowed memory of Lord Buddha.
Myth and legends still linger over the archaeological findings in Sravasti. Lord Buddha had spent here more than twenty monsoons here and performed a number of miracles, which have remained favourite themes of Buddhist art. The greatest of His miracles was to confound the Tirthika heretics by creating multiple images of Himself.
HOW TO REACH
By Air:-
The nearest airport from Sravasti is Lucknow (151kms) the capital of Uttar Pradesh. The domestic airport of Lucknow is linked to several major Indian cities like, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata.
By Train:-
Balarampur (19kms) in Uttar Pradesh is the nearest Railway Station from Sravasti. A well rail network links Balarampur to key Railway Stations so you may approach Sravasti from any part of the country.
By Road:-
There is a good network of roads that connect Sravasti to major cities in Uttar Pradesh like Lucknow (151kms), Varanasi (401kms).
WHAT TO SEE
Maheth:-
Sprawling over an area of 400 acres, the place is identified with the remains of the city in original. Excavations led to the discovery of massive gates and ramparts and many other signs that speak of the prosperity of ancient Sravasti.
Sobhanath Temple:-
The place is believed to be the birthplace of Jain prophet Swayambunatha. For the Jains, this is one of the important tourist attractions in Sravasti.
Saheth:-
Once the site of Jetavana monastery, the place houses numerous shrines, stupas and monasteries spreading over an area of 32 acres. One of the earliest Stupas, probably dating back to 3rd century BC, contained relics of the Buddha. Excavations revealed a colossal statue of lord Buddha, which is now housed in the Indian Museum, Kolkata.
Angulimala’s Stupa:-
Pakki Kutti is believed to the Angulimala’s Stupa. Legend has it that Angulimala was a dreaded dacoit of the region who used to wear a necklace of fingers chopped from his victims. One day, when he was about to kill his mother in a fit of rage, Lord Buddha met him. His words converted Angulimala who decide to follow the path of Buddhism.
SHOPPING:-
Sravasti is a renowned Buddhist pilgrimage located in Uttar Pradesh. But the little village of Sravasti does not offer much for shopping. Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is the nearest city from Sravasti. Lucknow offers excellent shopping opportunity.
Although many people visit the archaic sites of Sravasti, hardly anyone goes for shopping in Lucknow.
Uttar Pradesh has a tremendously rich tradition of handicrafts. Lucknow showcases a wide variety of them. From excellent embroidered fabric to leatherwork, silk, Chikanakari, stone crafts, there are lots of items that may leave you spoilt for choice while shopping in Lucknow.
FOOD:-
Limited restaurants are available to eat in Sravasti. Best option to have food in Sravasti is in-house restaurants of the hotels.