Chaturmas is a period of four months which is kept by people seeking redemption and repentance. In Sravasti budda kept 24 Chaturmas equivalent to 8 years. The city was one of the 6 largest cities in particularly because of followers of Buddhism. On the Buddhist Sector Tour tourists will get to see age old stupas, majestic viharas and many temples which worship Buddhism.
Sravasti was founded by King Shravastha during Vedic Period. It had a population of 90,000 with two major monasteries Jetvana and Pubbarama. Lord Buddha spent 16 monsoons at Jetvana and 6 monsoons at Pubbarama. The capital of Kosada Kingdom was ruled by devotee of lord Buddha named paseandi. The other famous disciples of Buddha were Anathapindika,Visakha and Suppavasa Koliyadhita.
On Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour these are the main tourist attractions:
1) Saheth and Maheth
Saheth and Maheth are a cluster of shrines covering up to 400 acres.The prosperous past of this district is evident in the uncovered excavations of various stupas and shrines. The ruins of a large ancient gateway can be seen in Maheth.
2) Shobhnath Temple
This temple is the birthplace of Sambhavnath, the 3rd Jain of Tirthankara adorned with many jain sculptures in different postures. The rectangular construction on this iconic temple is done with kiln baked and sundried Lakhori bricks.
3) Jetavana Monastery
Jetavana Monastery is one of the major Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India. It was a gift from wealthy merchant Sudatta to Lord Buddha. The serenity and tranquillity of the site appealed to Lord Buddha so much that he spent 24 monsoon seasons here.
Outside the Jetavana Monastery is the Anandbodhi tree which was brought as a sapling from the Mahabodhi Tree in Bodhygaya.
4) Angulimala’s Stupa
Angulimala’s Stupa was once a majestic edifice with a rich history. According to legend Angulimala was a ferocious dacoit who used to kill humans in a fit of rage and weave their fingers in an elaborate garland around his neck.
However, after meeting Lord Buddha he transformed into a better person expressing repentance about his sins.
All tourists can purchase various Buddhist devotional objects and handicraft items which will serve as fitting souvenirs for their good memories.