Uttar Pradesh

Sravasti

As the misty veil of dawn lifts over Sravasti, a mystical aura settles over this ancient city, beckoning spiritual seekers and history enthusiasts alike. For those drawn to the teachings of Lord Buddha, Sravasti is a sacred destination, where the whispers of the past converge with the present. The city's rich heritage, steeped in the stories of the Buddha's preaching and the Jain faith, is palpable in the crumbling monasteries and the majestic Anandabodhi tree, its branches stretching towards the sky like nature's own cathedral. It is here, amidst the remnants of a bygone era, that one can almost hear the whispers of the Buddha's wisdom, carried on the gentle breeze that rustles the leaves of this sacred place.

Jetavane

mahamangol kai mandir

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Why Sravasti is famous

•What is there: The Gandhakuti — the Buddha's hut, also called Mulagandhakuti — the ANANDABODHI TREE, and the monks' meditation cells. One source says meditation and chanting are performed at the Gandhakuti and the Anandabodhi tree.

Notable people associated with Sravasti

Anathapindika (Sudatta) · Bought jetavana with gold; the buddha's chief male patronPrince Jeta · Sold the grove — reluctantlyAngulimala · The robber who became a monkVisakha · The buddha's chief female patronKing Pasenadi (Prasenajit) · King of kosala; became a discipleSariputra · Surveyed the site with anathapindikaSambhavanatha and Chandraprabha · The 3rd and 8th tirthankaras, Born here

AI-drafted from general knowledge — may contain mistakes.

History at a glance

Prehistoric, per Jain tradition
Jain texts place the births of SAMBHAVANATHA, the 3rd Tirthankara, and CHANDRAPRABHA, the 8th, here — Wikipedia says 'millions of years ago, in prehistoric times'.
The Buddha's second rainy season
Anathapindika invites the Buddha to Shravasti on condition that proper facilities exist for all his monks. He and Sariputra survey the area and find only Prince Jeta's park suitable.
Same period
Anathapindika covers the park with gold coins. Prince Jeta tries to withdraw; arbitrators rule the sale must stand. Nine months of dedication festivities follow, involving his whole family and five hundred bankers.
The Buddha's lifetime
He spends between nineteen and twenty-six rainy seasons here — more than in any other city. More suttas in the Pali Canon are delivered at Jetavana than anywhere else. King Pasenadi of Kosala becomes a disciple.
The Buddha's lifetime
He performs the Twin Miracle here, and Angulimala is converted.
Bharhut period
A bas-relief at the Bharhut Tope depicts Anathapindika covering Jetavana with coins, captioned in Brahmi.
Not dated in my sources
The city is abandoned and the site becomes mounds; Saheth and Maheth are later excavated.
Modern
Monasteries are built at Sravasti by Buddhist communities from Thailand, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Tibet and China.