Who donated the Jetavana monastery to the Buddha?

Anathapindika donated the Jetavana monastery to the Buddha and his monastic community.

Born Sudatta, Anathapindika was a wealthy merchant and banker from Savatthi in the kingdom of Kosala. He met the Buddha in Rajagaha, became a stream-enterer after hearing his teaching, and resolved to establish a monastery in his hometown.

He bought Prince Jeta’s park by covering its grounds with gold coins. The prince, impressed by his devotion, donated the remaining area near the entrance and supplied trees for timber. Anathapindika then paid for the buildings and furnishings. The monastery became known as “Anathapindika’s Monastery in Jeta’s Wood,” preserving both donors’ names.

A common mix-up is to credit Prince Jeta alone because the site was called Jetavana, meaning “Jeta’s Wood.” Jeta donated part of the land and helped with the gateway, but Anathapindika purchased most of the park and funded the monastery. The Buddha reportedly spent more rainy seasons at Jetavana than at any other residence.