Grammatical Analysis
Jetavana: [nt.] Jeta’s Grove. Formed by Jeta (Prince Jeta, the original owner) + vana (forest, grove).
Orthodox Definition
Jetavana (formally Jetavane Anāthapiṇḍikassa ārāme) is the most historically significant and frequently mentioned monastery in the Pali Canon. Located near the city of Sāvatthī in the kingdom of Kosala, it was purchased by the great patron Anāthapiṇḍika at an astronomical price and donated to the Buddha.
The Buddha spent exactly 19 rains retreats (vassa) at Jetavana—more than at any other location. Because of this, the overwhelming majority of the Buddha’s discourses (especially in the Saṃyutta and Aṅguttara Nikāyas) begin with the phrase: “At one time the Buddha was staying at Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s Park.”
It served as the administrative and spiritual epicenter of the Theravāda dispensation, containing the Buddha’s personal scented chamber (Gandhakuṭi) and housing thousands of monastics.
Textual References
- Vinaya: Cullavagga – The legal protocols established during the massive dedication festival of the monastery.
- Sutta: Kāyagatāsati Sutta (MN 119) – One of hundreds of profound discourses delivered within the boundaries of this specific grove.