Anathapindika Stupa is located in the ancient city of Shravasti in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. It was built by Anathapindika, who was the chief disciple of Gautama Buddha. The name Anathapindika means the "feeder of orphans or helpless". Anathapindika Stupa was built to serve as the shelter for Gautama Buddha when he visited Shravasti.
About Anathapindika
Sudatta was the original name of Anathapindika, who was an extremely wealthy person and a generous patron of Lord Buddha. Originally a banker of Shravasti, Sudatta first met Lord Buddha after one of Buddha"s enlightment in Rajgir. Anathapindika"s wife was the sister of the setthi of Rajagaha (Rajgir), and when Anathapindika arrived he found the setthi preparing a grand meal for the Buddha and his monks on such a grand scale that he thought it to be a wedding or in honor of the king. But on learning the truth he became eager to visit the Buddha, and did so the next morning.
Remains of Anathapindika Stupa
Lord Buddha spent 24 monsoons in Shravasti and he preferred to stay at Anathapindika stupa. The remains of the stupa are still considered to be a great tourist spot. Among the remains of the stupa only a plinth and a flight of stairs leading up to the stupa exist. The remains of the stupa present a fair idea that the stupa was built in traditional style.
Visiting Information to Anathapindika Stupa
Balrampur railway station and Shravasti airport are the nearest to this place. It can also be reached by road via National Highway 730.
