Kaushambi

Introduction
According to Paramatthajyothica, the commentary on Suttanipada- a Buddhist text- Kaushambi was the hermitage of Sage Kosamba. The name of the place has been derived from it. Some other sources link this word with the uprooting or the abundance of Kusamba trees here. Buddha is believed to have passed his 6th and 9th year after attaining the enlightenment. This capital city of Chedi-Vatsa Janpada finds its reference in the Brahmanas, Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Kaushambi was included in six main cities of ancient India even before Buddha's period. It was the terminus of river traffic, important emporium of Madhyadesh (northern central India) and junction of the principal routes of north-south and east-west and a centre of Kuru Dynasty in Mahabharata. It has been mentioned in the travelogues of Chinese traveller Fa-Hien. He described it as one of the best cities of that time. But the new rulers shifted their capital and Kaushambi was left in seclusion forever.

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Location & Climate
This small district is 55 kms west of Allahabad and 160 kms from Kanpur. Kaushambi comes under sub-tropical climate which means hot summers and dry winter season. The spring season is recommended as the most suitable time to pay the visit here.


Sightseeing
The entire city is encircled by rampart wall and moat. Ashokan pillar, huge mass of bricks, some stupas, sculptures, figurines, punch-marked cast coins and terra-cotta sculptures are found littered everywhere. If you are more intrested in the archaeology, you can visit the museum at Allahabad.

» Sheetla Temple : This temple at Kara (near Kaushambi) is believed to have been built in 1000 AD. This temple by the bank of river Ganga, is included among 51 Shaktipeeths or seats of divine power. Offering prayer to the goddess, on a particular day, vanishes all evil powers; this is a deep-rooted belief among locals. The ruins of the forts of King Jai Chand are near the temple.

» Durga Devi Temple : During Navratri, a famous Hindu festival of nine days, the devotees gather here.

» Prabhasgiri : The temple, besides the cave here, is one of the main Jain pilgrimages in India. The temple, placed on a hillock was built in 2nd century Gupta period. The tradition says that Lord Krishna died of a hunter's arrow due to a mistake. This incidence is believed to happened here.

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Some other places deserving the the attention of tourists are Kamsin Devi Temple of Kaushambi, Shri Ram Temple of Bajha, Ghoshitaram Monastery, the defences near Eastern gateway, the tower at north-eastern corner and a stone fortress palace.


Accommodation Options
Tourists find it more comfortable to stay at Allahabad itself. There are some Government owned guest houses at Kaushambi though. Some names of the hotels at Allahabad are being mentioned here.

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Accessibility
Despite having an airport at Bamrauli(Allahabad) at 50 kms, Varanasi Airport is considered a convenient option for air-travel. But Allahabad, 55 kms, is a well-linked railway station. Regular buses and private taxis from Allahabad (via NH 2 & 27) are easily available.

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