Anathapindika Stupa

Anathapindika Stupa is an ancient Buddhist stupa located in the Saheth area of the Jetavana Monastery complex in Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh. It commemorates Anathapindika, the wealthy merchant who donated the Jetavana grove to Gautama Buddha. The brick-built stupa marks the site of his former house and is a key part of the Shravasti archaeological zone, one of the major Buddhist pilgrimage centres associated with Buddha's long residence.

Visitors can expect a ruined brick stupa structure set within the expansive, park-like Jetavana (Saheth) archaeological complex. The site consists of the stupa mound with exposed brickwork, surrounding monastery ruins, open lawns and pathways with informational signage. The environment is quiet and open, with scattered ancient foundations, trees and pilgrim activity. Visitors can walk around the stupa, view the remains up close and explore the wider Jetavana ruins within the same compound.

The stupa commemorates Anathapindika (Sudatta), a prominent merchant of Shravasti in the 6th century BCE who purchased the Jetavana grove from Prince Jeta and donated it to the Buddha. Jetavana became one of the Buddha's chief monasteries where he spent 19 rainy seasons. The stupa is believed to mark the site of Anathapindika's house or a memorial erected in his honour. Excavations at Saheth-Maheth by the Archaeological Survey of India revealed brick stupas, monasteries and votive structures dating from Mauryan to Gupta periods.

The stupa is a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site within Jetavana, one of the eight great places associated with the life of the Buddha. It symbolizes lay patronage and dana (generosity) in Buddhism through Anathapindika's devotion. Pilgrims from India and abroad visit as part of the Shravasti circuit, often combining meditation and offerings in the sacred Jetavana precinct.