History – The ancient history of this tirth belongs to the times of Bhagawan Adishvar. This is the Holy Land of all the four Kalyanakas – chayan, birth, diksa and attainment of omniscience of Bhagawan Samabhanath. There is a mention that Emperor. Ashok and King Samprati built many temples and stupas here. Around the year 900 A. D., all the kings here were Jains. The brave kings conquered many regions of India, defeated the Muslim invaders and protected the tirths that uphold the glory of Hindus. As mentioned in the ‘Bruhatkalpa’ and various kalpas of the fourteens century the name of the city of Shravasta was ‘Mahid’. There are subsequent mentions showing that the name of this city was ‘Sahet-mahet’. There is also a mention that in ancient times a vast fort enclosed this city and there were in it temples containing many idols of devkulikas. Under influence of the yaksha ManiBhadra at Sunset after the waving of highest before the idols and at sunrise automatically get closed and opened. This was the land where Goshalak released tejoleshya on Bhagawan Mahavir. Munishri Kapilkevli attained the final liberation on this land. There are mentions that the brave Jain kings of this place did here many religious activities every atom and molecule of this land was purified by the touch of Paramatma’s feet. That is the reason why this land deserves to esteemed and worshipped. There is at present another Svetambar temple. There is a half – naked idol in a temple, which is known to stand on the birthplace of Bhagawan Sambhavanth.
During digging in ‘Sahet-mahet’ near the Shravasti City, many ancient idols and inscriptions were found. They are now kept in museums of Mathura and Lucknow. Near the Maheth fort an ancient temple is found which is regarded as the birthplace of Bhagawan Sambhavanth. It is at present under supervision of the archaeological department. All these places where sculpture of art spread over miles and miles are known by the name Saheth-maheth. Even at present, the archaeological department of the Indian Govt. is digging and doing research work.
How to Reach – Shravasthi is situated at a distance of 110 kilometers from Ayodhya and 17 kilometers from the nearest railway station of Balrampur. The boarding and lodging facilities are available at the Digambara Jain Dharmashala at Balrampur.
Main Deity – 3 feet 6 inches high, white coloured idol of Bhagawan Shambavanath in the Padmasana posture.