The picturesque Jeṭhian
valley in the heart of Magadha is an ensemble of places with valued
cultural heritage relating to the sublime wanderings of the Buddha. The beauty
and calmness of this valley enticed Buddha. Chinese monk-scholar Xuanzang (7th CE) who stayed in this valley and studied under monk Jayaṣena for two years has
mentioned about many sacred traces of the Buddha’s stay in this valley. The
remains of this association of the Buddha with the valley can be found all over
the valley.
The valley is 20 km,
running east to west and on an average 4 km wide. Presently, there are more
than 50 villages settled in this serene valley and the valley still retains its
pristine character with verdant landscape.
Nava Nalanda Mahavihara (Deemed University) under its ‘Engaged Buddhism’ initiative is facilitating
awareness generation among the people of this sacred valley towards the rich
heritage the place is bestowed with. People living in many villages
of this Buddha valley are proud of the legacy that they are a part of. This
valley is very sacred and holds a special meaning to Buddhists all over the
World who are slowing trickling in. Efforts are now being made to facilitate
creation of an ambiance suitable for pilgrims and Buddhist meditation
practitioners.
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| The Buddha Valley @Yves Guichard |
