Jetthian Valley Walk

Jetthian Valley Walk (14 km)

JETHIAN–RAJGIR WALK

Distance: 14 km

Date: Every December 13

Route: From Supatiṭṭha Cetiya (Jethian) to Veluvana (Rajgir)

A Sacred Valley of Meeting

This path retraces the journey taken by the Buddha shortly after his enlightenment when he walked from Bodhgaya to Rajgir. In the serene Jethian Valley, King Bimbisāra first welcomed the Buddha, offering him the Bamboo Grove (Veluvana), which became his first monastery.

The trail passes mango groves, ancient shrines, and sacred caves once described in the travelogues of Xuanzang and rediscovered by Alexander Cunningham in the 19th century.

🧘 Highlights:

  • Begins with sanghadāna (offering) to monastics in Jethian
  • Silent walking or chanting as practice
  • Ends at Veluvana, a place of refuge and reflection
  • Open to all pilgrims monastics, families, students, and global visitors

“To walk in the Buddha’s footsteps is to experience the Dhamma with one’s whole being feet to heart.“

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