Jetavana Monastery
जेतवन
The ruins of Jetavana ('Jeta Grove, Anathapindika's Park'), where the Buddha spent more than twenty rainy-season retreats and taught many sutras; the spiritual heart of Shravasti.
Jetavana Monastery was created when the elder Anathapindika bought the grove from Prince Jeta by covering the ground with gold coins, then offered it to the Buddha. The Buddha spent about 24 rainy seasons here. Many sutras, including the Diamond Sutra and the Amitabha Sutra, begin with the words: 'Thus have I heard. At one time the Buddha was staying in Shravasti, in the Jeta Grove of Anathapindika's Park.'
Today the site is a lush park. You can see the Mulagandhakuti, the Buddha's residence, along with the Ananda Kuti, brick foundations of multiple monastic halls and stupas, and the Ananda Bodhi tree. Pilgrims from many countries often apply gold leaf in front of the Kuti, chant sutras and meditate. The early morning and sunset are the most atmospheric times.
The site is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India and is open from sunrise to sunset. The entry fee for foreigners is about 300 rupees (confirm on site). You can reach it on foot or by cycle rickshaw from the town centre. Please remove your shoes in the Kuti area.
Opening hours
Sunrise to sunset