Tourism in Sravasti

WHERE BUDDHA SPENT 24 MONSOONS
Sravasti is located at a distance of 40kms from Bahraich, on the North-Eastern Railway. The town located near the Rapti River in northeastern Uttar Pradesh is said to be have been founded by the mythological king, Sravast.

Its modern name is Saheth-Maheth. Bifurcated into two parts, namely Saheth and Maheth, Sravasti contains the ruins and relics of Jain and Buddhist temples, forts and stupas.

In Buddhist times (6th century BC-6th century AD), Sravasti was the capital of the kingdom of Kosala and was important both as a prosperous trading centre and for its religious associations. Shravasti or Sravasti is intimately associated with the life of Buddha. Buddha is believed to have spent 24 monsoons of his life, in the city. Bhagwan Mahavir, during his penance and later as Tirthankar, visited Sravasti many times

PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Temples
Maheth:
Identified with the remains of the city, Maheth covers an area of about 400 acres. Excavations have exposed the massive gates of the city, ramparts and also the ruins of other structures, which stand testimony to the prosperity of ancient Sravasti. The Sobhanath Temple is located here. Pakki Kuti and Kacchi Kuti were probably Buddhist shrines, before they were converted into Brahmanical temples.

Shobhanath Temple:
The `Shobhanath' temple is believed to be the birth place of Jain tirthankar 'Sambhavanath', making Shravasti an important centre for the Jains.

Saheth:
Known primarily as the site of the Jetavana monastery, Saheth covers an area of 32 acres. Lying about a quarter of a mile to the south - west of Maheth, it became an important place of pilgrimage, adorned with numerous shrines, stupas and monasteries. The stupas belong mostly to the Kushana period, while the temples are in the Gupta style.

Other places of interest include the Swarnagandha Kuti.

EXCURSIONS
Devi Patan Temple:
28 Km. One of the most important Shaktipeeth in the entire region, it is revered by Hindu devotees of India and Nepal.

HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The nearest airport is at Lucknow (134 km).

Rail: Sravasti is 18 km from the nearest railhead, Balrampur. From Lucknow there are train services to Balrampur.

Road: Sravasti is accessible through motorable roads from all the neighbouring cities.

PLACES TO STAY
P.W.D. Inspection House, District Bahraich.
Burmesed Temple Rest House, Saheth-Maheth.
Chinese Temple Rest House, Saheth- Maheth.
Jain Dharamshala.
Burmese Dharamshala, Balrampur, for Burmese Pilgrims.
P.W.D. Inspection House, Balrampur, Distt Gonda.

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
Tourist Information Centre: Government of UP Tourist Bureau, Balrampur.
Banks: Allahabad Bank, Katra.
Post & Telegraph: Part - Time Post Office operates at Katra, 1 PM to 5 PM.
Hospital: Ayurvedic Hospital, Katra.

NEARBY CITIES
Balrampur: 18-km
Lucknow : 134-km