![]() History of Shravasti Teerth Kshetra According to history Shravasti Teerth Kshetra dates back to the ancient times. It is regarded as a Kalyanka Teerth. This sacred place is associated with the celebrations of Garbha, Janma, Tapa and Gyan of the third Jain Tirthankara, Lord Sambhavnath. He gave his first spiritual speech towards the path of Moksha. It also served as the first place of Samavsharan. Earlier Shravasti has been the centre of powerful states where many business and trade activities were carried out. It was earlier intersected by three major roads that connected it to the main cities and capitals of ancient India. Shravasti has also been visited by Lord Mahavira who stayed here for his Chaturmaas. The principal Ganadhara of Lord Mahavira, Gautam Swami met Muni Keshi here and discussed about different spiritual matters and also cleared their individual doubts. Shravasti has also been the centre of salvation for many ascetic saints. According to Harivansha Purana, Mrigdwaj the son of King Jitshatru had accepted asceticism in the garden of Shravasti. Later he also attained salvation after practicing penance. Another famous businessman of Shravasti Nagdatta also accepted asceticism and also attained salvation. According to Buddhism, Gautama Buddha had practiced penance under a tree up to 15 years here. The tree can still be seen here. Archaeology of Shravasti Teerth Kshetra Earlier Shravasti was a famous as Jain Teerth Kshetra with many Temples, Stoopas, Viharas and Columns being located here. King Ashoka and his grandson King Samprati had built several monuments here. Shreshthies i.e. Businessmen of Shravasti also constructed many temples here. However, after the attack of Ala-ud-din Khilji all these magnificent beautiful specimens of temples and other monuments were destroyed. The ruins of these monuments and shrines can be seen in Sahet and Mahet villages and also in close by forests. Ruins of Jain architecture can be seen in Mahet, a place of ancient Shravasti. Sahet is located in the vicinity of Mahet. It is the place of Bauddha Vihar that is ancient Jetvana. Relics of the temples, viharas, stupas and idols dating back to the period of 4th Century B.C. to 12th Century A.D are also visible in Sahet. The idols that have been excavated from here have petrography at their base. According to this petrography it can be said that these were revered in V.S. 1133, 1234. In addition remains of Chaitya Vriksha and idols of religious goddesses have also been found. These stands as an unique piece of art of the mediaeval period. The ruins found here also suggest that there were more 18 temples located here. One of them might have been the birth place of eight Jain Tirthankara Lord Chandraprabha. Temple of Digambar Jain Shravasti Teerth ![]() Apart from these there are other temples located here. A striking Swetambara Jain Temple is located here. A Bauddha Mandir was constructed by the government of Sri Lanka. In the centre of garden of Shravasti a Gong was also established by the government of Japan. It almost weighs 3.5 tons and its sound can be heard even from a distance. One can also see the cave of Angulimala, a famous dacoit during the time of Buddha. Digambar Jain Shravasti Teerth is surrounded by scenic beauty that mesmerizes the pilgrims. The peaceful and tranquil environment and the natural greenery of the place attract many devotees. The temple organises many annual gatherings. Bhagwan Sambhavnath Jayanti and Ratha Yatra are celebrated every year on the Kartika Shukla. Bhagwan Sambhavnath Nirvanotsava is also organised on Chitra Shukla. The temple has provisions for dharamshalas or rest houses for the pilgrims. These are well equipped with all modern facilities. Digambara Jain Dharmashala, Swetambara Jain Dharmashala are some of the rest houses located here. Digambar Jain Shravasti Teerth is well connected to road, rail and air. Busses from KesarBag bus stand of Lucknow are easily available for Shravasti. Buses and Taxies from Bahraich available every time. The nearest airport is located at Lucknow. |
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