In search of Buddha
Since
ancient times, the land of India has been blessed to have given birth
or attracted many great souls, who have added new dimension to the growth of spiritualism
across the world.
The
small town of Shravasti, about 170 KMs from Lucknow, the capital city of UP is one such place.
It
is closely associated with the life of Gautama Buddha, who is believed to have
spent rainy season here every year for 24 years! (Varsha Chaturmasa)
Age-old
stupas, majestic viharas and several temples near the village of
"Sahet-Mahet" establish Buddha's association with Shravasti.
I
wanted to visit this blessed land for quite some time, but finally this
December, I got the opportunity.
It
was a pleasant drive from Lucknow. Weather was good and Lord Anshumaan made the
ride even more comfortable on this winter season when generally fog overlaps
everything.
As
a modest driver, it took me about 4 hours to reach here. The route is Lucknow –
Barabanki – Bahraich – Shravasti.
It
is said that the King Shravasta, founded this town. It was the capital of the
Kosala Kingdom during 6th century BCE to 6th century CE.
During ancient times a great rampart of earth and brick surrounds this city. During excavation in
'Sahet-Mahet' near Shravasti City, many ancient idols and inscriptions were found.
They are now kept in museums at Mathura and Lucknow.
As
we entered the town, the sign boards with “Thai Temple” welcomed us.
Thai Temple |
The
“Thai Temple” is a major attraction here. Spread over hundreds of acres, it is
a must visit. Only issue I faced here is that they didn’t allowed camera and
mobiles to be carried inside the premises.
The
nuns welcomed us with “Namaste” and showed us the way to temple. It is built in
typical Thai style with meditating Lord Buddha in sanctum.
First
is the statue of Lord Buddha just before the main temple. Some beautification
work was still in progress. Greenery is spread everywhere and there is
stillness evident. Excellent place to do prayer and meditation.
Then
I visited the temple.
The
stupa is just behind the temple, but we were not allowed there.
Very
close to the Thai Temple is “Jetvana”. In fact, if one comes from Main
Shravasti Balrampur Road, it is the first one to come and then the Thai temple
is behind it.
The
Buddha passed the greater part of his monastic life here. When the Buddha
accepted Ananthapindika's invitation to visit Shravasti, the latter, seeking a
suitable place for the Buddha's residence, discovered this park belonging to
Prince Jeta Kumara. He agreed to sell it on the condition that cost will be
equal to entire place filled with gold. Ananthapindika had gold brought down in
carts and covered Jetavana with gold pieces laid side by side. The gold brought
in the first journey was found insufficient to cover one small spot near the
gateway. So Ananthapindika sent his servants back for more, but Jeta Kumara,
inspired by Ananthapindika's earnestness, gave that spot to him.
Ananthapindika
built in the grounds dwelling rooms, retiring rooms, store rooms and service
halls, halls with fireplaces, closets, cloisters, halls for exercise, wells,
bathrooms, ponds, open and roofed sheds, etc.
Jeta
Kumara also erected there a gateway, with a room over it.
It
is said that Ananthapindika paid eighteen crores for the purchase of the site,
all of which Jeta Kumara spent in the construction of the gateway gifted by
him.
Shravasti
is the place where Buddha lived the longest amount of time, and it is the place
where he gave the largest amount of discourses and instructions.
Moola Gandha Kuti |
JetaVana
is now under ASI. There are ruins spread over this entire area very similar to
that of Sarnath. Among these the most important one is the “MoolaGandhaKuti”.
This is the place blessed by stay of Lord himself.
AnandaBodhi Tree |
AnandBodhi
tree is little further, planted by Ananthapindika.
There
were pilgrims from Japan and Thailand. They were doing prayers by lighting
lamps and meditations. Some were also involved in cleaning the monument by
collecting the garbage.
Can
we Indians learn something from them?
I
walked through entire area. Even with so many people around, there was peace
everywhere. One can easily dive into mediation here.
The
presence of Buddha is still there!
The
Buddha statue and Stupa of Thai Temple is visible from here. It seems like
Buddha is watching us and smiling, inviting us to dive in bliss of meditation.
After
spending sometime there, I went towards the Sambhavnath Temple. It is believed
to be the birthplace of the Tirthankara Sambhavanath in Jainism, making
Shravasti an important center for Jains as well.
SambhavNath Jain Temple |
There
are also many other temples as well as Vipasana Centers here.
Shravasti
is wonderful place to visit for spiritual as well as history lovers. Roads and
other amenities can be made better. There are no good toilet facilities nearby.
Are
officials listening?
It was afternoon now and evening was approaching fast. Time to take the road back to Lucknow.
In next about 4 hours, I was back to home sweet home!
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