Anathapindaka's Jetavana Monastery Anathapindaka was the wealthiest banker of Shravasti, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kosala in modern day east Uttar Pradesh in 6th Century B.C. His real name was Sudatta. Sudatta was known for his generosity even before his conversion to Buddhism, and was known to the public by the nickname "Anathapindika", or "one who gives alms to the helpless". Once on a business trip, Anathapindika went to visit his brother-in-law, who was already a follower of the Buddha. There he noticed the preparation of an elaborate feast. When he asked about the preparations, his brother-in-law explained that they were preparing for a visit from the Buddha (the Enlightened One) and his monks. Upon hearing this, Anathapindika became overjoyed, and immediately resolved to go meet him. The following day Anathapindika arose early to meet the Buddha, but realized it was still dark. He still continued however, after a friendly yaksha whispered in his ear and urged him to continue. Anathapindika eventually reached a figure which called him "Sudatta" and asked him to come forward. Surprised to hear his birth name, which was not known to the public, he concluded it could only be the Buddha, and went forward. The Buddha then had a discussion with him and expounded the Four Noble Truths, afterwards Anathapindika achieved the state of Sotapanna, a stage of enlightenment. Following Anathapindika's first encounter with the Buddha, he requested to offer him a meal, which the Buddha accepted, and then asked to build a temple for him and his monks in his hometown of Savatthi. Anathapindaka immediately started looking for a place that was both accessible to followers and peacefully secluded. Finally he came across a park belonging to Prince Jeta, the son of King Pasenjit of Kosala. Anathapindika offered to buy the park from the prince but the prince refused. After Anathapindika insisted, the prince joking said he will sell the park if Anathapindaka covers it with gold coins. Anathapindika agreed and later came back with wagons full of gold pieces to cover the park with. When Prince Jeta stated that he was merely joking and still would not sell the park, Anathapindika went to arbitrators who concluded that Prince Jeta had to sell the park at the mentioned price. Anathapindaka then covered the entire area of the park with gold coins as agreed. This incident is illustrated in a bas-relief at the Bharhut Stupa. When the money brought in the first journey was found insufficient to cover the park, servants were sent back for more, but Jeta, inspired by Anathapindika's earnestness, asked to be allowed to give this spot and even donated a gateway, with a room over it. Anathapindika built in the grounds dwelling rooms, retiring rooms, store rooms and service halls, halls with fireplaces, closets, cloisters, halls for exercise, wells, bathrooms, ponds, open and roofed sheds, etc. It was also the place where Anathapindaka planteda sapling of the original Bodhi Tree, which came to be known as Anandabodhi tree- the second-holiest tree of Buddhism. Jetavana was the place where the Buddha gave the majority of his teachings and discourses, having passed at Jetavana nineteen out of 45 vassas (rainy seasons), more than in any other monastery. Buddha's hut at Jetavana is called Gandhakuti.

This tree has been planted from the branch of the Buddhist tree on which Lord Buddha did penance. A great historical place with an old humble beginning. A must to visit as a piligrim. The guru is well versed with the knowledge of the tree, sit with him, get to know the story of the tree many country people come and warships hare

Ticket price for entry is 25rupees...green fields to sit and relax...meet some monks and some sermons...very peaceful atmosphere...good for family outing and school trips.

It was my one of the best visit to any religious place. Meditation under Bodhi tree is just wonderful experience. One must visit this place in his life. There is no crowd, no noise no pollution at this place There are no beggars and people not forcing you to do special Pooja It's place where you can connect yourself to almighty I felt very relaxed after visiting and planning to visit in winter as temperature is quite high and there are no hotels. You should bring your snack or food with you

The Ananda Bodhi at Shravasti Myths, legend and history combine in Shravasti to offer a fascinating kaleidoscope of religion and peace. It was Buddha’s favourite monsoon retreat. He spent 24 monsoons here and delivered many of his sermons sitting under a pipal tree. The Peace Bell in the Thai Temple perhaps symbolizes this confluence in more ways than one. The absence of noise is striking in Shravasti as is the presence of peace. As you drive out of the cluttered town of Balrampur, the clatter of everyday living beats around you like an injured bird. But a few kilometers down the highway and the grace of Shravasti begins to unfold itself. The wide emerald paddy fields sway happily in the early morning breeze and a busy nilgai dashes across the tarmac to work on the monsoon-fresh grass on the other side. Shravasti hovers around the next bend; a couple of starred hotels announce its coming. Shravasti was Buddha’s favourite monsoon retreat. He spent 24 monsoons here and delivered many of his sermons sitting under a pipal tree. Remember the legendary tale of the cruel dacoit Angulimala who used to wear fingers cut from the corpses of his victims as a garland around his neck? The ferocious killer met Buddha here and gave up his wicked ways. The Angulimala stupa is witness to the millennium-old tale of non violence prevailing over violence. Myths, legend and history combine in Shravasti to offer a fascinating kaleidoscope of religion and peace. The Peace Bell in the Thai Temple perhaps symbolizes this confluence in more ways than one; for Shravasti is in not only an important seat for the Buddhists but for the Jains too. Two of the Jain Tirthankars – Sambhavanath and Chandra Prabha – were born here and Jainism flourished alongside Buddhism. Lord Mahavira had a large following here. Ashoka The Great visited it and had two pillars erected, besides a stupa. During the time of Kushans, Buddhism gained from royal patronage. Sravasti was mentioned by travelers Fa-hien and Hiuen Tsang. Its ruins were uncovered by Sir Alexander Cunningham in 1863 MORE FROM THIS SECTION New Zealand sells itself to foreign visitors on a clean, green brand, but recent reports have highlighted how the flood of tourists can damage the environment and over-crowd key attractions. New Zealand considers tourism change to counter negative impacts Representational Image. Foreign tourist arrivals will not revive before 2023: Report The Foreign Relations Department did not explain why the measure was announced now, more than a year after the start of the pandemic. Mexico limits nonessential travel on southern border Kauai plans cautious return to tourism Kauai in Hawaii plans cautious return to tourism after nearly a year That Shrvasti was the centre of philosophical discourse within the realm of a great and prosperous empire is evidenced from its history. Texts like Ramayana and Mahabharat mention it in glorious terms as being a part of the Kosala empire. The city, it is said, was named after Sravasta of the Suryavanshi lineage and was a centre of trade and commerce. It is said that the residents of Shravasti described themselves as ones “who had everything.” Shravasti is sacred to Buddhists because it is here that Lord Buddha performed the greatest of his miracles to confound the Tirthika heretics. These miracles include that of the Buddha creating multiple images of himself, which later became the favorite themes of Buddhist art. Shravasti has been identified with the remains at Saheth - Maheth on the borders of the Gonda and Bahraich districts. It is situated on the banks of the Rapti.The crowning jewel of Shravasti is the Jetavana Monastery. It was and is one of the most famous of the Buddhist monasteries in India. It was the second monastery donated to Buddha, after the Veluvana in Rajagaha, modern-day Rajgir, and is located just outside the old city of Shravasti. Jetavana was the place where Buddha gave many teachings and delivered many of the discourses for the first time. The remains of Lord Buddha’s hut can be seen at the monastery and it is c

Was no able to go inside temple due to closure of this palce amid Covid pandemic. But this palce is easily accessible for all national and international tourists. International hotels are available nearby. It has a beautiful and artistic structure that can be seen from outside of temple. Overall a best place to visit during your Shravasti trip. Recommended!!

The Bo tree(The tree underneath Lord Buddha got enlightenment) was a part of the Buddhagaya's Bo tree.Lord's famous disciple Ananda planted it I believe. I visited there last year(2018) and got tons of it's leaves😍✌.May the all beings be happy.Peace out.

This is the sacred bodhi tree planted by anathapindika under which the Buddha meditated. It is good to do meditation or chanting under the tree. It was planted from a sapling of the original bodhi tree in bodh gaya.