Jetavana Monastery

INDIA, Uttar Pradesh, Saheth

The full name of this monastery is Jetavana Anathapindadasya Arama, but it is commonly referred to as Jetavana Monastery or Jetavana Vihara. Jeta is the name of a prince, Vana means Grove, and a vihara is a monastery. It is located in the village of Saheth on the south bank of the Rapti River, just outside Sravasti, the ancient capital of the kingdom of North Kosala. It was the second monastery donated to the Buddha, after the Venuvana Vihara in Rajagriha. Together they are known as the two earliest and most important Buddhist monasteries. According to the sutras, the monastery was donated by Elder Anathapindada, who bought the grove from Prince Jeta. Sariputra, one of the greatest disciples of the Buddha, was the architect and supervised the construction of the monastery in the 5th century BCE. King Asoka (reigned circa 269–232 BCE) of Maurya erected pillars and a stupa at the site in the 3rd century BCE. Many buildings around the area were constructed or renovated during the Kushan Empire (circa 1st–3rd century) and the Gupta Empire (circa 320–550). According to the Record of Buddhist Kingdoms by Chinese Master Faxian, who traveled there in the 5th century, a seven story building was rebuilt with two stories after is was burnt down. Although at that time the monastery was in decline, there were still monks living there, and there were stupas marking the locations where the Buddha taught the Dharma. However, when Chinese Master Xuanzang arrived at the site in the 7th century, the monastery was already abandoned, although two Asoka Pillars were still extant. Little was recorded about the area after that time and it was soon forgotten following the decline of Buddhism in India. The site was discovered by British archaeologist Alexander Cunningham in 1863.
Currently Jetavana has been turned into a historical park covering an area of 13 ha. The park has been beautifully landscaped around the ruins of the monasteries, stupas, and other monuments, most of which are from the Kushan and Gupta periods. It is thought that the original monastery was located between the eastern and northern gateways. The remains include the brick foundations of monks’ cells, a lecture platform, and a well. Other important remains are the Ananda Bodhi Tree, Gandha Kuti, and Kosamba Kuti. The Ananda Bodhi Tree is located near the entrance, and it is said to have been planted at the request of Ananda, the Buddha’s attendent. The Gandha Kuti (Fragrant Chamber) is considered to be the Buddha’s chamber’s. The Kosamba Kuti, another chamber of the Buddha, is currently a rectangular area of low walls with the foundation of a circular stupa next to it. It is possibly the location of the seven-story building mentioned by Faxian.
It is stated in Buddhist texts that the Jetavana was originally a garden owned by Prince Jeta. The wealthy businessman Anathapindada wanted to select the best place to build a monastery so that the Buddha could teach the Dharma at Sravasti. He chose Prince Jeta’s garden as the location for the vihara, and purchased it at the price of covering the garden with gold pieces. The prince was deeply touched by his action and donated the trees in the garden. It is estimated that the Buddha spent 19 rainy season retreats at Jetavana. Many famous teachings were delivered at this location, including the Amitabha Sutra, Diamond Sutra, and many passages in Agama Sutra, as well as some Jataka stories.