Savatthi is the place where Gautama Buddha spent his last 20 years. At this religious site one of his followers, Anathapindika, built a monastery for him. This monastery was known as Jetavana. Today it is one of the leading most popular Buddhist pilgrimages centres in India. Savatthi became a favorite dwelling place of Buddha.
Since Buddha stayed here for a long time he delivered several important discourses here. Today the ruins of Jetavana are situated within beautiful gardens. The peaceful gardens were probably the place where discourses were delivered. Some of the discourses that Buddha preached at Savatthi include Angulimala Sutta, Kakacupama Sutta and Vimamsaka Sutta. All of these are from The Middle Length Discourses. There are several Buddhist temples too within the monastery campus. These also provide accommodation facility. The best of this lot is the Sri Lankan temple that is situated beside the main shrine. The travelers can also check out the remains of Buddha`s hut.
During Buddha`s time Savatthi was one of the largest and wealthiest cities in ancient India. The city is located in the Gangetic plains. Today Savatthi is part of the Gonda district, Uttar Pradesh.
Other Buddhist Piligrimage Centre in India are
Don | Hajipur Cave | Kesariya | Kusinara | Pragbodhi | Vikramshila | DahuliGiri |
Ghosrawan | Indasala Cave | Kosambi | Lauria Nandangarh | Sankasya | Lumbini | Saranath |