Shravasti (ancient Savatthi), the capital of Kosala Mahajanapada, was the biggest town in the Gangetic plains during the Buddha's lifetime. Shravasti was host to Lord Budha for 24 years during the annual vassvasa (rain retreat) when the Sangha congregated at one place.
And the rulers and citizens of many countries vied with one another in making offerings at Jetavana Vihara, hanging silk pennants and canopies, scattering flowers and lighting lamps, which burnt day and night without ever being extinguished.
Situated in modern Shravasti district in Eastern Uttar Pradesh today, Shravasti was also called as Sahet-Mahet.
During the time of Sakyamuni, Sudatta a rich and pious merchant lived in Shravasti. While on a visit to Rajgir, he heard the Buddha's sermon and decided to become the Lord's disciple. But he was caught in a dilemma and asked the Lord whether he could become a follower without forsaking worldly life. To his query, the Master replied that it was enough that he followed his vocation in a righteous manner.
Sudatta invited the Lord to Shravasti and began to look for a suitable place to build a Vihara. A beautiful park at the southern edge of Shravasti attracted his attention. The park belonged to Jeta, son of the king of Shravasti, Prasenjit. Jeta demanded that Sudatta cover the entire park with gold coins. Sudatta painstakingly paved every inch of the land with gold. Then Jeta said that since the trees were left uncovered they belonged to him. But finally, he had a change of heart and donated valuable wood to build the vihara. The garden came to be known as Jetavana Vihara after Prince Jeta's donation to the Sangha. One of the most beautiful spots in Jetavana is under the Anandabodhi tree. An eternal witness to the vicissitudes of history, this sacred tree was brought as cutting from the Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka, which itself grew from a sapling of the original Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya.
Located on the bank of the river Archiravati (Rapti), the city of Shravasti had a high earthen rampart with a brick wall running along a circuit of 5.23 km and pierced by several gates distinguished by high bastions. Four main gates are known as lmli Darwaza, Rajgarh Darwaza, Naushahra Darwaza and Kand bhari Darwaza situated respectively at the south-west, north-west, north-east and south-east corners. The remains within the city area include Buddhist, Brahmanical and Jain structures and a few medieval tombs. The most significant structure among them are the Temple of Shobhnath, Pakki Kuti and Kachchi Kuti. The temple is located just near the entrance from western side, represents the remains of a Jain temple, the domed edifice on the top being a superimposition in medieval period. The spot is hallowed as the birth place of Sambhavnath, the third Jain Tirthankara. Excavation in the nearby area has exposed remains of three temple complexes. The scientific clearance of the place has yielded a few sculptures of Jain Tirthankaras in standing and seated posture datable to 10th-11th century besides exposing the lower portions of the Jain temple.
The Sahet part of Shravasti was Budha Teerth. To make the residence of Mahatma Buddha, Sudatta purchased the garden from prince Jet, son of King Prasenjit that time in 18 crore of gold coins. Sudatta constructed a Vihar on the land of garden. His wife Vishakha also constructed a Vihar called ‘Poorvaram’. A Stupa was constructed by Ashoka, The Great. Lord Buddha stayed here for many Chaturmaas. This way, Shravasti is a Buddha Teerth also. Buddhists from all over the world come here for pilgrimage; three new temples of Buddha exist here.
Jetavana Monastery is one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries of India. Though this monastery is now in ruins, it is still the key draw for spiritual travellers. Spread over an area of 400 acres, it was once the host of Lord Buddha and his pilgrims. A gated complex houses excavations that started in 1863 and now is on the list of two erstwhile monasteries. There are 3 temples here out of one temple is a monastery which has a shrine and mandap in the centre, the second one is Gandhakuti (fragrant chamber) and is one of the most important sites as Lord Buddha’s quarters were located here and the third one is built on the site of Kosambakuti it is also said to be the chamber used by Lord Buddha. There is also a sacred Anandabodhi tree which is believed to have been planted from the Bodh Gaya tree, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
Lord Buddha resided at Gandhakuti in Jetavana, when at Jetavana Shravasti. This is the place where he lived the longest amount of time, and where he gave the largest amount of discourses and instructions. (The Commentaries state that out of the twenty-five rainy seasons in Shravasti, Buddha spent 19 in the Jetavana monastery. Of the four Nikayas, 871 suttas are said to have been preached in Shravasti; 844 of which are in Jetavana.
Pakki Kuti is said to be Angulimala's Stupa. Angulimala (literally, necklace of fingers) was a dreaded dacoit who wore a necklace of fingers that were chopped from his victims. One day in a fit of brutal rage he tried to kill his own mother. It was at this moment that the Lord met Angulimala and Sakyamuni's enlightening words had a calming effect on his stone heart. Angulimala decided to give up his evil ways and follow the path of the Lord. The structure has undergone a number of subsequent alterations and additions. It appears to be a tced stupa built on rectangular plan. The supports and drains were provided to the structure as a preventive measure during the time of excavation.
Kachchi Kuti is situated few meters ahead and in south-east direction of Pakki Kuti. Inscriptions, found on the lower portion of an image of Bodhistava excavated from this site, reveal that this structure dates back to Kushana Period. The site is associated with stupa of Sudatta (Anathpindika). It started being known as Kachchi Kuti after a Sadhu made temporary shrine of unbaked bricks on the top of this structure.
Orajhar is situated on the left bank of Khajua, a tributary of cultural sequence, starting from Rapti in district and tehsil Balrampur, U.P. It may be identified with the celebrated 'Purvarama' or Eastern Monastery, built by Vishakha as seen by Fa-hien. Here excavation has revealed three fold cultural sequence starting from Kushan period (1st cent. AD) followed by Gupta and medieval periods. The Kushan period has revealed remains of a monastic complex with the usual plan. The Gupta period is witnessed in form of a plinth of a temple which is enclosed by a wall. The medieval period revealed a star-like structure at the top of the Gupta temple.
Very near to Orajhar and south of southern city-wall, there are two small mounds locally know as Penahiajhar and Kharahuwanjhar, where excavations were conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India long back. In the former mound, the excavation revealed solid brick structure 16.20m in diameter. In its core was a relic-receptacle, yielding pieces of bone, some gold leaves, rock-crystal, circular laminae of silver and a punch-marked silver coin. The second structure was also circular, with a diameter of 31.50m, made of three concentric brick walls, the intervening spaces being filled with clay. It did not yield any relic-casket in its core.
Purvaram an ancient holy land is situated the east of ancient Shravasti, close to Kandhbhari village. Mata Vishakha had got constructed the said Purvaram grand Dhamma palace with one thousand monk room (Kuti). Migarmata Vishakha is said to have donated this vivid and religious congregation to Lord Buddha. Here Lord Buddha had completed six rainy seasons with great union of Bhikkhus. Lord Buddha preached the most important 23 Suttas at this place. Presently this partial ruin with Ashoka pillar is a sight to be seen.
This bell, moulded in Japan, was inaugurated in 1981 to prevail real peace following the holy paths of Lord Buddha’s teaching, all over the world. This bell stands in the grounds of the Burmese Temple near the entrance to the Jetavana. The bell conveys the message of humanity through its toll.
Set up as a centre of learning by Maha Upasika Sitthipol Bongkot of Thailand, this Thai meditation centre is a unique experience for visitors to Shravasti. The entire area is converted into a natural forest surrounded by a fresh water reservoir, which houses six large halls of approximately 3000 capacity each for meditation, several solitary meditation huts, large dining halls and a state of art reserve osmosis purification plant. About 200 women from various countries committed to service of mankind promote non formal education and other charitable activities from the centre. The eco friendly dwelling, management and lifestyle of the settlement inculcate within the visitor a sense of protection of biodiversity and compassion for all beings.
Close to Jetavana are the Sri Lankan, Cambodia, Chinese, Myanmarese (Burmese) and Korean monasteries and Temples.
This meditation centre is situated in Shravasti right on State Highway 26, barely a few minutes walk from the Jetavana.
As Jetavana is the place where the Buddha spent more time than anywhere else (24 rain retreats), this centre is highly recommended for those who wish to learn meditation, as well as the experienced meditators.
The center offers Ten-day courses, which are held twice a month. These are fully residential courses, and each course can accommodate about 50 students. Old students of this technique are welcome to attend shorter courses also, which are offered from time to time. A complete schedule of the courses, the code of discipline to be followed, and facility of online application is available at the following site:
http://courses.dhamma.org/en/schedules/schsuvatthi. The courses range from 10 day to 45 day course.
In this Wild Life Sanctuary the main tree species are Sal, Asna, Khair, Teak etc. With these species Black Sheesham, Jamun, Haldu, Faldu, Zigna, Harra, Bahera, Rohani are other important species. The Sanctuary area is very rich in medicinal plants. Some species of medicinal plants are white Musuli, Black Musuli, Piper longum, Adhatoda vasica, Tinospora cardifolia, Swertia chirayita, Holarrhoena antidysentrica, Acorus calamus, Lantana camara, Nyctanthes arbortristic, Withania somnifera, Rauvolfia serpentina, Murraya koenigii, Asparagus racemosus, Acacia concinna.
Different types of mammals are found here viz. Leopard, Bear, Wolf, Hyena, Jackal, Wild Boar, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Nilgai, Barking Deer along with Monkeys of different types. In birds little Grebe, Indian Cormorant, Little Cormorant, Darter, Indian Pond Heron, Cattle-egret, Great-egret, Little-egret, Common Teal, Spot-Billed Duck, Black-Shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Greater Spotted Eagle, Long-Billed Vulture, White Rumped Vulture, Grey Francolin, Sarus Crane, Water Cock, Common Moorhen, Purple Moorhen, Pheasant-Tailed Jacana, Bronze-Winged Jacana. In migratory birds Painted Stork, Asian Openbill, Black-headed Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill, Greylag goose, Bar-Headed Goose etc can be seen here during winter months. Different types of Buttlerflies are also available here.
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Rural settlements adjoining Suhaildev Wildlife Sanctuary, which consist mainly of thatched huts made from local material and their decorative and household items.
This area thrives mainly on farming, fishing and handicrafts. Not exposed to urban culture — T.V. / Radio they live a simple life. The tribe is called Tharu. Tharu settlements with their distinctive 'Bada Ghar', which houses extended families, live in apportioned cubicles and take turns in cooking in a community kitchen. Nepalese settlement exists in the adjoining northern face of the Sanctuary.
They lead simple lives, far from city influences. Mostly illiterate, they practice rural customs and little has changed from generations. They observe customs and rituals which are closely linked to their agragaran life-style and celebrate with great gusto festivals related to sowing and harvesting.
Traditional art and craft centre on utilitarian household items crafted from local material. Biraha —a form of folk song extolling the exploits of local heroes — Alha and Udal are sung to the accompaniment of the dhol, a percussion instrument.
Best time to visit Suhaildev Wildlife Sanctuary is November to June. One can coordinate with the Forest department for staying in the Forest Rest House situated inside the forest.
Chief Conservator of Forest wildlife East region, Gonda - 05262-232248 Divisional Forest Officer Suhaildev wildlife division Balrampur - 05263-233842,9415084908
Entry points for the wildlife sanctuary are Janakpur Tulsipur range and East Suhaildev range campus.
Barring the West Suhaildev range, there are six Forest Rest Houses in the remaining six ranges of the Sanctuary. These six rest houses are open for tourists on nominal payment; however visitors to these areas will need prior approval from the Divisional Forest Office at Balrampur for accommodation. Most of these rest houses have two double bed rooms and most of them are inside the Forest Range campus with easy access to wildlife and nature trails leading to the wetlands or to various beats of the ranges.
