Jethavanarama:

A unique place of religious worship

by Rupa Banduwardena

Recent history reveals that when Sri Jawaharalal Nehru the late Prime Minister of India proposed that the sacred places of Buddhist worship in India should be restored for the Buddha Jayanthi celebrations in 1956, the reply he gave to meet the opposition views was, “What greater gift can India give the whole world than the message of the noble Buddha”?

Thanks to the state Government of India the Buddhists all over, are grateful for up-keeping and maintaining these sites for pilgrimage and veneration.

Most of these are situated in the states of Bihar and Uttara Pradesh and the foot hills of the Himalayas.

The ruins of Jethavanarama

It was in the Kingdom of Kapilawasthu also known as Kimbulwathpura, now known as Nepal, that the first event of great historic significance the birth of Prince Siddhartha took place. Riyagir or Rajagaha the capital city of the Magadha empire was hailed as the most venerated city of Jambudweepa occupying a unique place in religious history.

Jethavanarama, offered to the Buddha by Anathapindika, one of his most devoted lay disciples too is founded in this locality.

Monastery

Jethawana monastery situated in Sravasti was a 14-acre land donated by a wealthy businessman. It is said to have been occupied by the Buddha for 16 years for Vas retreats. The third Vas retreat is of special significance.

This popular figure in Buddhism the son of a millionaire named Sudatta while visiting a relative (on the third year of his Enlightenment) witnessing the elaborate preparations made to invite the Buddha for an alms-giving was delighted at the idea.

His happiness knew no bounds. Thrilled with excitement, he was determined, “I must see the Buddha immediately”.

Early morning he set out to see the Buddha residing in Jetha grove near Rajagaha. Seeing Sudatta the Buddha addressed him at sight and enlightened him on Dhamma with “Anupubbi-katha” meaning gradual discourse. Having listened to the above discourse Anathapindika who was spiritually and intellectually matured became a Sotapanna.

Later having come to know that the Buddha's urgent need, was a quiet adobe to spend the Vas season with his disciples he quickly devoted himself to the sacred task.

The best he could think was, scenic serene garden of Prince Jatha (son of King Assenadi). He is said to have laden the premises with gold coins (Ran Kahavanu) and bought it for the Buddha.

Landmarks

After acquiring the sacred site, he erected many buildings among which Gandha Kuti, the chamber the Buddha occupied, Anada Kuti where Ananda Thera lived.

Anand Bodi – a shoot from the Uruwela Bodhi, planted by Anathapindika in response to a request – made to the Buddha requesting for a tangible object for worship.

The best object to serve as a memorial to the Buddha, planted by Anathapindika, still thrives afresh, frequently visited by devotees.

It is mentioned that the sapling planted on the invitation of King Pasenadi “grew and became a venerated object for all the pious laity”.

Jetha Grove had also been beautified with parks numerous shrines and sacred places. Among all ancient religious structures the most fascinating and impressive are, the beautifully maintained surviving foundations. These ruins are all what they have of the glorious past from the Buddha days.

Glamour

The glamour and grandeur do not end with the above. The glory of the magnificent sacred site holding testimony to the selfless generosity of Anathapindika, is further seen in the ruins of Anathapindika castle. Angulimala Chaitya in the vicinity is also a remarkable landmark.

Visiting the tranquil atmosphere prevailing in the sacred venue as well as the surroundings “it is almost like seeing the Buddha” is the view held by pious Buddhists.

Jataka stories, the sacred literature of this unique doctrine are also related to this sacred premises – Jethavanaramaya.

Among the examples too numerous to be mentioned Jataka stories such as Angulimala, Patachara and Chinchi Manavika and many others of religious importance are said to be mentioned in the history of Jethavanarama.

The solid historic tradition which dates back to the Anathapindika era, the archaeological ruins stand as a great monument to the virtuous and generous life he led.

Anathapindika the benefactor and the architect of the sacred premises is said to have passed away, before the Buddha and was born, in the Jusita heaven.

The Buddha spent 16 of the 45 rainy seasons in the Jetavana Monastery donated by Anathapindika.