PPL Travels

Menu

SEWATH NUWARA

Exploring the Sacred Significance of Sāvatthī and Jetavana Arāma

Sāvatthiyaṁ viharatī Jetavane Anāthapiṇḍikena ārammaṇe”

Sāvatthī (Sewath Nuwara), the ancient capital of the Kosala kingdom, holds immense historical and religious importance in the life of Lord Buddha. It was here that the Buddha spent a significant portion of his life, and many pivotal teachings were delivered.

The term Sāvatthī (Pāli: Sāvāṭṭhi) refers to the city itself, while Jetavana Arāma (Pāli: Jetavana), located within Sāvatthī, is one of the most sacred and prominent monasteries where the Buddha resided for a considerable period. This monastery was generously donated by Anāthapiṇḍika, a wealthy merchant who played a key role in the spread of the Buddha’s teachings.

Historical and Religious Importance of Sāvatthī

Sāvatthī was a thriving city in the Kosala kingdom and a major political and cultural hub during the time of the Buddha. It is famously known as the place where the Buddha spent a large portion of his monastic life. Among its various significant locations, Jetavana Arāma stands out as the primary site where the Buddha delivered numerous teachings to his followers.

Sāvatthī is also where the Buddha practiced many of his daily activities, interacted with his disciples, and engaged in profound spiritual discussions. The phrase “Sāvatthiyaṁ viharatī Jetavane Anāthapiṇḍikena ārammaṇe” highlights the Buddha’s time in Jetavana, a place where the Buddha brought forth many of his deepest teachings.

Jetavana Arāma – A Center of Buddha’s Teachings

Jetavana Arāma (Jetavana Monastery) is perhaps one of the most significant locations in the Buddhist world. It was here that the Buddha delivered many of his most profound discourses, including those found in the Majjhima Nikāya, Saṁyutta Nikāya, and Aṅguttara Nikāya.

Out of the 152 suttas in the Majjhima Nikāya, more than fifty were delivered at Jetavana. Similarly, many teachings from the Saṁyutta Nikāya and Aṅguttara Nikāya were shared here. Jetavana became the heart of the Buddha’s monastic community and a place of pilgrimage for those seeking to learn and meditate.

Sacred Sites within Sāvatthī and Jetavana Arāma

Sāvatthī is home to several key Buddhist landmarks, each rich in history and significance:

  1. Jetavana Arāma – The monastery where the Buddha delivered countless discourses and teachings.

  2. Ānanda Bodhi Tree – The sacred tree under which Ānanda, the Buddha’s closest disciple, meditated and received teachings.

  3. Purvāramma – An ancient monastery site further enriching the spiritual atmosphere of Sāvatthī.

  4. Gandabbha Rukkhamaula Cetiya – A notable shrine associated with the Buddha’s teachings and meditation.

  5. Anāthapiṇḍika’s Mansion (Anāthapiṇḍika Mālīgāva) – The home of the generous benefactor Anāthapiṇḍika, who contributed to the establishment of Jetavana.