Shravasti is the great historic
place sacred by the organization/celebrations of Bhagwan Sambhavnath’s (IIIrd
Teerthankara) Garbha, Janma, Tapa and Gyan Kalyankas. This place was famous for
prosperity and being the centre of powerful states. This was also famous for
business/trade and education. Third Teerthankar Lord Sambhavnath's first
Samavsharan was also established here and his first spiritual speech (Divya
Dhwani) was delivered here to show the path of Moksha, path of self welfare to
all living beings.
Bhagwan Mahaveer’s Samavsharan also came here so many times. At that time, the
ruler of Shravasti was King Prasenjit. Lord Mahaveer also stayed here for many
Chaturmaas (Four month period of rainy season) while he was ascetic Saint/ Muni.
Muni Keshi, in succession of 23rd Teerthankara Bhagwan Parashvanath also met
here to Gautam Swami - the principal Ganadhara of Bhagwan Mahaveer , they
discussed and cleared their doubts about spiritual matters.
According to Harivansha Purana - King Jitshatru’s son Mrigdwaj accepted
asceticism here in the garden of Shravasti being and after deep penance and
meditation, he attained salvation from here.
According to Karkandu Chairu - Nagdatta the famous businessman of Shravasti
being sad due to woman’s character, accepted asceticism and also attained
salvation from here.
Here Gautam Buddha - the founder of Bauddha Dharma (Religion)/Buddhism, also
practiced for penance under a tree up to 15 years, that tree is still present
here.
Due to geographic situation of Shravasti this was highly prosperous city in
ancient times. Business relations of Shravasti were established with the
countries far ahead from here. At that time three major roads were crossing at
Shrawasti connecting it to the main cities and capitals of ancient India.
Freedom Fighter King Suhrid Dwaj (also famous as Suheldev):
Prosperity and sovereignty of Shravasti could be kept safe only up to 12th -
13th Century. Last and successful attempt to keep Shravasti safe was performed
by King Suheldev. He was Jain and worshipper of Teerthankar Bhagwan Sambhavnath.
At that time Mahmood Gaznavi of Gazni crushed and ruined the several parts of
India and returned to his country. From there he sent his nephew Sayyed Salar
Masood Gazi to win Awadha with a huge army, Sayyed Salar was a brave general as
well as he was a good diplomat also. He defeated so many Hindu Kings dividing
them or by keeping cows in front of army. Hindu Kings did not attack on cows by
the fear of sin of killing to cows while Muslim soldiers behind cows
aggressively coming forward and in last by attacking fiercely defeated Hindu
Kings.
But when Sayyed Salar reached in the fields of Kondiala near Bahraich, his army
found himself standing against the brave King Suheldev and his fully prepared
soldiers/warriors. Both the armies attacked on each other fiercely and in the
end in the year 1034 Sayyed Salar was killed with his total army. In result,
Shravasti and the area of Avadha remained safe for about next 200 years.
Later on Alauddin Khilzi attacked on Shravasti and turned it in to ruins. All
the temples, Vihars, Stoopas and Idols were destroyed. In future Shravasti was
never able to achieve the previous glory.
Archaeology - In ancient times Shravasti was highly prosperous and famous
as Jain Teerth Kshetra (Pilgrimage Centre). So many Temples, Stoopas, Vihars and
Columns were constructed here. Ashoka the great and his grandson King Samprati
constructed so many Temples, Vihars, Stoopas etc. here. In the same way
Shreshthies (Businessmen) of Shravasti also constructed so many temples.
After the attacks by Alauddin Khilzi these beautiful specimens of art and
temples were destroyed (Year 1296-1316). Their ruins are spread in Sahet and
Mahet villages and in nearby forests.
Mahet is the place of ancient Shravasti and Sahet is near Mahet the place of
Bauddha Vihar, that is ancient Jetvana. Remains of Jain architecture and art are
found in huge quantity in the western part of Mahet, it includes the remains of
Temples, Vihars, Stoupas, Idols and others, this is all related to the period -
4th Century B.C. to 12th Century A.D.
Here an ancient temple of Bhagwan Sambhavnath in tattered position is situated,
that is now called Sobhnath Temple. Underground this temple, remains of ancient
temple are found, over the temple a vault/dome of Iranian style exists instead
of spire. Sanctum of this temple is 10 x 10 ft in size. During digging many Jain
idols are recovered from here. It is said that idols of 24 Teerthankaras were
here. In a room of this temple an idol of Bhagwan Rishabhadeo was found on a
flat stone, idol of Bhagwan Rishabhdeo in seating posture is carved, on the
sides two lion and an ox (Symbol of Rishabhdev) in centre is carved. On both
sides of idols two Yakshas are standing, three umbrellas are made beautifully
over the head of Rishabhdev. This idol is magnificent and agreeable and about
1000 years old. Idols of remaining 23 Teerthankaras are also carved on this flat
stone.
So many idols have petrography on the base, which shows that these were
reverenced in V.S. 1133, 1234. In addition remains of Chaitya Vriksha and idols
of religious goddesses are also found, these are the excellent specimens of
mediaeval art.
It is supposed that around Sobhnath temple, there may be another 18 temples, one
of them may be the birth place of 8th Teerthankara Bhagwan
Chandraprabhu. Forest around the Kshetra is developed on the remains of
Shravasti.
Bauddha Teerth –The Sahet part of Shravasti was Baudha Teerth. To make
the residence of Mahatma Buddha, Seth 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 Stoopa was constructed by Ashoka The Great. The
Buddha stayed here for many Chaturmaas. This way, Shravasti is a Bauddha Teerth
also. Buddhists from all over the world come here for pilgrimage, three new
temples of Buddha are existing here now a day. |
