Top 8 Places To Visit In Shravasti | Ultimate Travel Guide

Shravasti, situated in Uttar Pradesh, India, boasts a profound historical and cultural significance for Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kosala, this town holds special importance as the place where the Buddha spent a significant part of his post-enlightenment life. Shravasti witnessed the delivery of many of his sermons, the conversion of numerous disciples, and the manifestation of several miracles by the Buddha. Beyond its Buddhist connections, Shravasti is intertwined with legends from Hinduism and Jainism. It is believed to be the birthplace of the Jain Tirthankara Sambhavanatha and is associated with miraculous events related to the Hindu god Rama. Shravasti stands as a pilgrimage site drawing Buddhists worldwide to explore the remnants of ancient monasteries, temples, and stupas. Key attractions include the Jetavana monastery, where the Buddha resided for 24 rainy seasons; Anathapindika’s Park. Shravasti also functions as a district in Uttar Pradesh, with a population of approximately 1.1 million people. Bhinga serves as the district headquarters, and Hindi and Awadhi are the primary languages spoken.

Best Places To Visit In Shravasti:

Key attractions of Shravasti include Jetavana and Anathapindika Stupa, reflecting the city’s historical importance in Buddhism. Today, Shravasti stands as a serene destination for spiritual reflection and exploration.

Here are some places to visit in Shravasti:

1. Angulimala Stupa / Pakki Kuti

Situated in the Mahet area of Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh, the Angulimala Stupa, also known as Pakki Kuti, stands as an ancient Buddhist stupa of historical significance. A prominent heritage monument in Uttar Pradesh, it is a key attraction in Shravasti. There are differing accounts regarding its origin. Some sources attribute the stupa’s construction to King Prasenjit, dedicated to Lord Buddha, while others associate it with Angulimala, a reformed dacoit who became a disciple of Buddha. The stupa, characterized by a rectangular platform and terraced structure, has undergone various modifications over time, with its earliest construction possibly dating back to the Kushana Period.

Timings: Open to visitors from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Entry Fees: Rs. 25 for Indians and Rs. 300 for foreigners.

2. Anathapindika Stupa / Kachchi Kuti

The Anathapindika Stupa, also recognized as Kachchi Kuti, stands as an ancient Buddhist monument in Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh. Tradition holds that Anathapindika, a wealthy and benevolent disciple of Lord Buddha, constructed this stupa after donating the Jetavana monastery to him. Situated in the Mahet area near the Angulimala Stupa, this monument dates back to the Kushana period (1st century AD). Over time, it has undergone multiple renovations and exhibits remnants of a Brahmanical temple, along with a Gupta shrine built atop it. Adorned with carvings depicting Bodhisattvas and inscriptions, the Anathapindika Stupa is a significant archaeological site in Shravasti, drawing numerous tourists and pilgrims.

Timings: Open to visitors from 9 AM to 5 PM

Entry fees: Rs. 25 for Indians and Rs. 300 for foreigners

3. Shobnath Jain Temple

The Shobnath Jain Temple, situated in Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh, stands as an ancient Jain temple devoted to Lord Sambhavnath, the third Jain Tirthankara born in this sacred locale. Revered as a prominent pilgrimage destination for Jains, the temple features a distinctive dome-shaped roof constructed with bricks. Within its sacred precincts, the temple houses numerous sculptures depicting deities and Tirthankaras, with some artifacts dating back to the 10th century CE.

Timings: Open to visitors from 9 AM to 5 PM.

4. Jetavana Monastery

Situated in Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh, the Jetavana Monastery is a renowned Buddhist monastic complex. This sacred site was generously donated to Lord Buddha by his chief patron, Anathapindika, who acquired the land from Prince Jeta by covering it with gold coins. Jetavana holds special significance as the location where Buddha observed most of his rainy season retreats, delivering numerous teachings and discourses. The monastery is adorned with various temples, stupas, and meditation halls, with some structures tracing their origins back to the Kushana Period.

 5. Daen Mahamongkol Temple

Nestled in Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh, the Daen Mahamongkol Temple stands as a significant Buddhist temple and meditation center. Constructed by Maha Upasika Sitthipol Bongkot of Thailand, this temple, one of the largest and most renowned, is part of her broader efforts, which include another center in Thailand. The temple offers complimentary meditation and wisdom training to the public, emphasizing the promotion of peace and happiness worldwide. Boasting six spacious halls, numerous meditation huts, and a freshwater reservoir, the Daen Mahamongkol Temple has become a popular destination for visitors in Shravasti.

6. Orajhar Buddhist site

Orajhar, situated in the Shravasti district of Uttar Pradesh, stands as an archaeological site believed to be the remnants of a Buddhist monastery complex. This is where Lord Buddha is said to have performed the Twin Miracle (Yamaka patihariya). Additionally, it is suggested that Orajhar could be associated with the Eastern Monastery (Purvarama), constructed by Lady Vishakha. The archaeological findings at the site have unveiled a threefold cultural sequence, spanning from the Kushan period (1st century AD) to the medieval era.

 7. Vibhuti Nath Temple

The Vibhuti Nath Temple, situated in the Shravasti district of Uttar Pradesh, is a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva. According to belief, it was established by the Pandavas during their exile in the Mahabharata period. This temple holds significant popularity as a pilgrimage destination, particularly in the month of Savan, when devotees converge to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. Located approximately 32 km from Bhinga and 55 km from Shravasti, the temple is well-connected. While visiting, one can also explore other attractions in Shravasti, including the ancient Buddhist sites of Jetavana and Saheth, the Suhaildev Wildlife Sanctuary, and partake in the festivities of the Shravasti Mahotsav.

 8. Suhelwa Suhaildev Wildlife Sanctuary

The Suhelwa Suhaildev Wildlife Sanctuary, located near the Indo-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh, is a natural reserve spanning 452 sq km. Boasting a diverse range of flora and fauna, this sanctuary is home to various animals, including tigers, leopards, deer, nilgai, wild boar, bears, wolves, and numerous bird species. Several water bodies within the sanctuary attract migratory birds, enhancing its ecological richness. The sanctuary is interconnected with the Mahadevpuri forest in Nepal and forms part of the Terai Arc Landscape. Close proximity to Shravasti, an ancient Buddhist city where Lord Buddha performed miracles and delivered sermons, adds to its cultural allure. The sanctuary plays host to the annual Shravasti Mahotsav, a cultural festival.

How To Reach Shravasti

By Air:

The nearest airport to Shravasti is the Amausi Airport in Lucknow, which is approximately 170 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other local transportation to reach Shravasti.

By Road:

Shravasti is well-connected by road, and you can reach it by bus or private vehicle.

By Train:

The nearest major railway station to Shravasti is the Balrampur Railway Station, which is well-connected to various cities in India. From Balrampur, you can take a taxi or use local transportation to reach Shravasti, which is around 40 kilometers away.

Here is a table of trains running from Delhi to Balrampur railway station, along with their name, number, timing and charges.

Above information is veriable according to time & trains availability. You can check on official website Railway-IRCTC

Shravasti Weather & Temperature

Shravasti, located in Uttar Pradesh, experiences a typical northern plains climate. Summers are hot (25°C to 40°C), with peak temperatures in March to June. The monsoon season (July to September) brings rainfall, and post-monsoon/autumn (October to November) sees a cooling trend. Winters (December to February) are cool, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 20°C. Visitors are advised to check real-time weather updates before traveling and prepare accordingly.

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