Anathapindika allegedly purchased the land by arranging gold coins across the entire surface of the park.
The site hosted the 'Twin Miracle' event, a central legend in Buddhist hagiography.
The Anandabodhi tree is believed to be a descendant of the original Bodhi tree under which Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment.
Archaeologists identified the Gandhakuti based on records left by the Chinese pilgrims Faxian and Xuanzang.
Jetavana was one of the two most important monasteries in ancient India, alongside the Veluvana in Rajgir.
The site was abandoned and buried for centuries before being rediscovered by British archaeologists in the 19th century.
Evidence suggests the monastery supported hundreds of monks at its peak during the Kushan period.
Jetavana is a prominent historical monastery site where Gautama Buddha is said to have spent 19 rainy seasons, the longest period in any single location. Excavations have revealed the remains of brick stupas, viharas, and the Gandhakuti, the Buddha's personal hut. The site contains the Anandabodhi tree, a sapling planted by Ananda to commemorate the Buddha's residence. The monastery complex was historically endowed by the merchant Anathapindika, who famously purchased the land by covering it with gold coins. The layout includes remains of the Kosambakuti and various monastic cells arranged in a sprawling, open-air park. As an archaeological site protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, it functions as an open-air museum and pilgrimage destination. Significant structural remnants showcase the ancient brick masonry techniques of the Buddhist period in Northern India. The site represents one of the most sacred locations in the Buddhist circuit, traditionally associated with the Sravasti kingdom. Preservation efforts have focused on stabilizing the extant brick foundations of these ancient structures.
The elevated view of the Anandabodhi tree and the surrounding brick stupa foundations.
Hire a local guide at the entrance to help identify the ruins of the various specific 'kutis' (huts).
Carry high-SPF sunscreen and a hat, as the site is almost entirely exposed to direct sunlight.
Visit the onsite museum nearby to see artifacts recovered during the excavation process.
Attempting to climb or walk on the fragile, ancient brick ruins.
Dress modestly as this is a sacred site; remove shoes before entering any enclosed shrine or temple area.
