A small village known as Lativana in earlier times, Jethian is located quiet close to the town of Rajgir in Bihar, India. As per history, post delivering His first and second sermons at Sarnath, the Buddha came back to Bodh Gaya. Here, He not only preached but also proselytized three Kassapa brothers along with their 1000 followers. Following this, He went to Gaya and delivered His fire sermon. After this, the Buddha decided to head towards Rajgir and meet king Bimbisara. When King Bimbisara came to know that the great Buddha was on His way to meet him, he came out of the city along with his men to greet the Buddha. The meeting point of the two great men was a small village which we today know as Jethian (Lativana, Palm Grove then). Later, in the history, sometime in the 7th century, Jethian became home to the renowned saint, Jayasena who taught the famous Chinese traveller, Hieun Tsang for around 2 years at this place.

Buddhist attractions here include remains of a stupa constructed over Supatittha Cetiya. The remains comprise a grassy mound with a tank next to it. This was the place where the Buddha resided while in Jethian. There is also a huge statue of the Buddha next to the mound. Moving further from this site, you will reach the Sarvodaya School where there is yet another statue of the Buddha along with one of Padmapani.

Another attraction worthseeing in Jethian is a large cave known as Rajpind which is located 3 kms away on the north side of the Chandu Hill. This is believed to be the same cave reference of which is found in the Tipitaka. The cave is dark inside and provides shelter to a large number of pigeons. Because of this, it is believed that it is Kapotakandra, the Pigeon cave where Sariputta resided on few occasions.


Quick Getaways

• Rajgir : Rajgir is counted amongst most important destinations for Buddhist pilgrimage. Here, Lord Buddha delivered a number of His sermons and also spent 12 years of His life. Worthvisiting attractions here include Jarashand ka Akhara, Jivakameavan Gardens, Ajatshatru Fort, Cyclopean Wall, Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Venu Vana, Karanda Tank, Sonbhandar Caves and Bimbisar jail. Other attractions of the town are Veerayatan, Jain Temple, Chariot Route Marks, Hot Springs, Pippala cave, Swarn Bhandar, Gridhakuta New Rajgir Walls, Bimbisar Road, Maniyar math, Saptarni Caves and Poppala Stone.
  
  
• Gaya : Gaya is the place where Lord Buddha delivered His famous fire sermon. The Gaya Museum preserves a decent collection of Hindu and Buddhist artefacts. Apart from the museum, Sujikund (a tank) and Brahmayoni also have Buddhist connections. Amongst other attractions of Gaya are Vishnupad temple, Ramshila Hill, Pretshila Hill, Gandhi Mandap and Deo Sun Temple.
  
  
• Bodh Gaya : Around 12 km from Gaya, Bodh Gaya is amongst the four holy sites of Buddhism. This was the place where prince Siddharta gained the supreme knowledge and became the Buddha, the Enligtened One. A descendant of the banyan tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment along with a stona seat on which He is supposed to have sat are object of great reverence in this town. Apart from these, the Mahabodhi Temple, Animesh Lochan Chaitya, Chankramana and Ratnagarh are other places of Buddhist interest.
  
  
• Nalanda : Nalanda is located quiet close to Rajgir and was once the most renowned university of the country. The city derives its name from Na- alam-da which means 'insatiable in giving'. This was one of the names by which the Buddha was known. Here, at this place the Buddha taught for years. Also, the famous Chinese traveller Hieun Tsang received his education here in the 7th century AD. Remains of the university are major drawer of the tourists. A monument remembering Hieun Tsang still stands in the place.The Nalanda Museum, the Thai temple, the Nava Nalanda Mahavira are all located within a distance of 2 kkm from the main site.