Kaushambi City Guide
During Buddha’s time Kaushambi was one of the six most important and prosperous towns of India. A nerve center of ancient Indian communications, the principal routes of north-south and east-west met at this city.
Location : Kaushambi is situated in the Eastern Uttar Pradesh, 55 Km from Allahabad and 160 Km from Kanpur.
Kaushambi-An Introduction
Kaushambi has a special religious attachment with Buddhists followers. Buddha came to this city in his 6th and 9th year after attaining enlightenment. He delivered several sermons to his followers here. Kaushambi has been in existence much before than times of Buddha. In Ancient India, hundreds of years before Christ born, Kaushambi was the capital of Chedi-vatsa janapada, one of the prominent janapadas into which the Indo-Aryan people were divided. A major city in India, Kaushambi acquired special attention from the rulers of India. As mentioned in Mahabharat, Kaushambi became the capital of Kuru dynasty. During Buddha’s time Kaushambi was one of the six most important and prosperous towns of India. It was a terminus of river traffic and an important emporium of Madhyadesa. The city retained its importance at least up to the sixth century A.D. as it was visited by the Chinese pilgrims Fa-Hien and Yuan-Chwang. Gradually the city lost its charm and wealth due to hostile attitude of the new rulers, who shifted the capital city to other new places.
An Archaeological Site
Currently the old city lies in ruins, with the old structures and monuments lying all across the city. Kaushambi has reduced to a small district with the charm of old glory and wealth. The ruins of the well-known sites of Kaushambi are situated on the left bank of the river Yamuna, 51 km from Allahabad. Old Stupas, forts and pillars of Buddha era are the main attractions of the city. The archaeological excavations here have yielded a large number of sculptures and figurines, coins, punch-marked and cast coins and terra-cotta sculptures which show the reverence the city was held in by the devout, in times gone by. All these religious finds of historical and archaeological importance can be viewed at the Allahabad Museum.
Getting There
By Air : Nearest airport are Allahabad at 50 Km, Varanasi at 150 Km and Kanpur at 160 Km. From these airports one can get taxis and buses to move to Kaushambi.
By Rail : Allahabad railway station (55 Km) is the nearest major railway station near Kaushambi. Bharvari which is 40 kms away is connected to the cities of Uttar Pradesh via rail network.
By Road : The road network connects Allahabad very well to the nearby and major cities, as it falls on NH 2 and 27. From the major cities of Uttar Pradesh one can get Bus and Taxis for a tour to Kaushambi.
Tourist Attractions
Sheetala Temple of Kara : The holy temple of Sheetala Devi is supposed to be existent from 1000 AD. The temple was of high religious importance for the rulers of nearby kingdoms. The temple is among one the 51 Shaktipeeth, ie, most powerful Goddess Temple. It is said that by the offering prayers to the goddess on 'Ashtami' of 'Krishnapaksha' of the month of 'Chaitra', one can get rid of evil powers.
Prabhasgiri : The small hillock in Kaushambi is one of the most sacred pilgrim centres for Jains. There is a small cave on the hill top, which has got inscriptions in Brahmi script, dating back to 2nd century, during Gupta dynasty rule. As per mythology, Prabhasgiri is the place where Lord Krishna died by the arrow of Jaratkumar in the suspicion of deer.
Old Kaushambi : The excavations in older parts of Kaushambi has suggested presence of a huge city some 800 years back. Some major monuments found are- the Ashokan pillar which laid a part of the residential area of the city, the Ghositarama monastery, the defenses near the Eastern Gateway, the tower at the north-eastern corner and the Stone Fortress Palace.
The excavations yielded many old coins, sculptures, monuments and idols. These are preserved at the Allahabad Museum in Allahabad.
Accommodations
Though Kaushambi can not boast about luxurious stay options, but Government owned guest houses provide comfortable stay. Allahabad has very hotels and guest houses. Its better to stay at Allahabad and take a day trip to Kaushambi.
