Jethian, a small village lies near Rajgir in Bihar. Jethian is important to Buddhist pilgrims because it was at this place that Lord Buddha met King Bimbisara. During that time Jethian was known as Lativana or the Palm Grove. It also became famous because of the influence of Jayasena. He was a well-known saint in the 7th century AD. Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese traveler, spent two years at Jethian with Jayasena.
After coming form Sarnath and Bodhgaya Buddha went to Rajgir to meet King Bimbasara (Mauryan Empire). When the king came to know about this he went to the outskirts of his kingdom to welcome Gautama Buddha. A large mound with a tank is situated inside the village. The mound contains the ruins of the stupa, which was built over the Supatittha Cetiya. Beside this mound a beautiful picture of the Buddha had been placed. Statues of Padmapani and Buddha are also situated at a little distance from the mound.
Another attraction of Jethian is the Chandu Hill on which large cave called Rajpind is situated. This place is located at a distance of 3 kilometers from Jethian. These caves are also mentioned in the Tripitaka.
Jethian is accessible from Rajgir.
