Sravasti - श्रावस्ती

The ruins of ancient Sravasti include Saheth-Maheth and the nearby Orajhar, Panahiajhar, and Kharahuwanjhar. In the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, Sravasti is a prosperous city in the kingdom of Kosala. Panini in his Ashtadhyayi mentions Kosala, as does Pali Buddhist literature. In the Puranas, Sravasti is the capital of North Kosala. The city is said to be named for the legendary king Sravasta of solar race who founded the city. In the 6th century BCE, during the reign of Prasenajit, the city rose to fame due to its association with the Buddha and Mahavira. The Buddha spent 24 rainy seasons here after his disciple Sudatta Anathapindika built a monastery for him at Jetavana. When challenged by a rival sect, he is also said to have performed the Great Miracle of Sravasti. Conversion of a robber, Angulimala, to the Buddha's path is another local episode of this period.


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, which has been among the favourite 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 Ananthapindaka 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 devotees visit Sravasti, during the month of Kartik (Oct - Nov) the birthday of Lord Sambhavnath, when a large Jain mela is held.