Wat Chetawan Mahawihan is an immensely important monastery in the history of Buddhism. It's located in Savatthi, outside the ancient capital of the Kosala Kingdom, in what is now modern-day India. This monastery was built by Anathapindika, a wealthy and generous merchant from Savatthi, who purchased the land known as "Prince Jeta's Grove" for an enormous sum of 18 Koti (an ancient monetary unit) as an offering to the Buddha.

Wat Chetawan served as a crucial center for the propagation of Buddhism during that era. It was the place where the Buddha resided for the longest period – a total of 19 Vassa seasons (rainy retreats) throughout his life. This long stay led to the origin of countless significant stories and sutras recorded in Buddhist scriptures.

Important Sites within Wat Chetawan Mahawihan

• Mulagandhakuti (The Perfumed Chamber) This was the Buddha's personal residence. Here, the Buddha continuously delivered sermons to deities and humans. King Pasenadi of Kosala, Anathapindika, and many high-ranking deities frequently visited and listened to the Buddha's teachings in Mulagandhakuti, as extensively narrated in various sutras.

• Residence Quarters of Noble Disciples As the Buddha resided at Wat Chetawan for 19 Vassa seasons, many important noble disciples also stayed here, assisting the Buddha in his work. This made Wat Chetawan the most significant center for the propagation of Buddhism during that time. Within this area, ruins of the living quarters of many Arahants (enlightened ones) can be found, including those of Sariputta, Sivali Thera, Mahakassapa Sanghavuddhacariya, Angulimala, Moggallana, Upali, and Ananda, among others.

• Ananda Bodhi This is a sacred and auspicious tree located within Wat Chetawan. It is a sapling of the original Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya (where the Buddha attained enlightenment). Moggallana brought a seed from Bodh Gaya by aerial means, and Anathapindika planted it according to the Buddha's wishes, at the suggestion of Ananda (the Buddha's attendant). The Buddha often meditated throughout the night beneath this Ananda Bodhi tree.

Significant Stories and Sutras Originating at Wat Chetawan

Wat Chetawan Mahawihan is the setting for many pivotal stories and the place where numerous important sutras were delivered in Buddhist teachings:

• Personal Stories: Examples include the story of Angulimala, the murderer who reformed; Patacara Therī, who lost everything but attained enlightenment; Kisagotami Therī, and her understanding of impermanence; Anathapindika's offering of Asadisa Dana (an unprecedented donation); the Buddha personally caring for an ailing monk; the Brahmin Julasataka; the Buddha's prophecy of the 16 Dreams of King Pasenadi; the story of the ogress Kaliyakhini; and the incidents where Cinca Manavika and Devadatta were swallowed by the earth.

• Key Sutras: A great number of important sutras were delivered by the Buddha at this very monastery. These include the Mangala Sutta, Dhajagga Sutta, Dasadhamma Sutta, Saraniya Dhamma Sutta, Ahiraja Sutta, Mettanisamsa Sutta, Girimananda Sutta, Dhammaniyama Sutta, Apannaka Sutta, Anuttariya Sutta, Bala Sutta, Maggavibhanga Sutta, Lokadhamma Sutta, Dasanatha Karana Dhamma Sutta, Aggappasada Sutta, Padhana Sutta, Indriya Sutta, Anariya Sutta, and Sappurisa Dhamma Sutta.

Though Wat Chetawan Mahawihan today consists only of ancient ruins, it has been well-preserved and restored by the Indian government. It continues to be a significant site where Buddhists from around the world undertake pilgrimages and reflect upon the Buddha's teachings.

• By Train: The nearest railway station is Balrampur Railway Station, which is approximately 17 kilometers from Savatthi. From there, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to Wat Chetawan.

• By Car/Taxi: Savatthi is connected to nearby major cities by good roads. You can travel by private car or use a taxi service from larger cities in Uttar Pradesh, such as Lucknow, Gorakhpur, or Varanasi. Major highways connect these cities. Traveling by car offers flexibility to visit other nearby sites as well.

• Please dress modestly when visiting religious sites (clothing should cover shoulders and knees).

• Carry enough drinking water, especially during the hot season, as the weather can be quite warm.

• Be prepared for an archaeological site environment, which may have dust and uneven surfaces.

• It's advisable to research basic information about Wat Chetawan and its significant stories before your trip for a deeper understanding.