Jetavana
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Jetavana was one of the most famous of the Buddhist monasteries in India. It was the second monastery donated to Buddha, after the Veluvana in Rajagaha. Jetavana is located just outside the old city of Savatthi. Jetavana was the place where Buddha gave many teachings and discourses, more than in any other place. Mainly, this is because Buddha spent 19 (out of 45) rainy-seasons (also pansah or vassa) at Jetavana, more than in any other monastery.
The remains of Jetavana and Savatthi were locally known as Sahet-Mahet. Alexander Cunningham used the ancient (6th century AD) accounts of Chinese pilgrim-monks to determine that Sahet-Mahet actually referred to Jetavana and Savatthi.
The site of Jetavana was donated by Anathapindaka to Buddha himself. Originally it was owned by Prince Jeta, a son of King Pasenadi. Anathapindaka covered the ground by gold coins in order to buy the land. This event is frequently portrayed in Buddhist art, such as the art of Sanchi.
Jetavana is currently a historical park, with remains of many ancient buildings such as monasteries, huts (such as the Gandhakuti and the Kosambakuti) and stupas. In Jetavana is also located the second-holiest tree of Buddhism: the Anandabodhi Tree. A visit to Savatthi and Jetavana is part of the Buddhist pilgrim route in North-India. The most revered place in Jetavana is the Gandhakuti, where Buddha used to stay.
 Anandabodhi tree in Jetavana monastery. |
 Gandhakuti (Buddha's hut) in Jetavana. |
 Scene in Jetavana. |
 Scene in Jetavana, showing some small stupas. |
 Buddhist monks meditating under the Anandabodhi tree. |
