Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s2.t8.4

v1.c7.s2.t8.4

Not much is known about the origin of ancient Shravasti. According to Vishnu Purana, the city was founded by Ishvaku King Shravast or Shravastak, along the bank of Achirvati river. In Pali Tripitika texts, Buddhaghosh writes that the city was named Savatthi after the Sage Savattha who lived here. At another place, Pali texts note that it was named Sravasti because everything for human consumption and entertainment was available in this mega town and capital of the powerful Kosal kingdom that had a large population and market.