Sravasti

History at a glance

1. 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'.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. The Buddha's lifetime
   He performs the Twin Miracle here, and Angulimala is converted.
6. Bharhut period
   A bas-relief at the Bharhut Tope depicts Anathapindika covering Jetavana with coins, captioned in Brahmi.
7. Not dated in my sources
   The city is abandoned and the site becomes mounds; Saheth and Maheth are later excavated.
8. Modern
   Monasteries are built at Sravasti by Buddhist communities from Thailand, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Tibet and China.

Best time to visit