SAPTAPARNI CAVE RAJGIR

The Saptaparni Caves, also known as the Sapta Parni Guha, is one of the most visited sites in all of Bihar, frequented by tourists, Hindu devotees and Buddhist pilgrims throughout the year. The caves are located on the top of the Vaibhavgiri Hill in Rajgir and are amongst one of the places where the Buddha is said to have meditated.

The name of the cave translates to “the Seven Leaves Cave'' due to its natural shape and structure. The caves have been the site for the earliest known Buddhist council that was formed six months after the death of the Buddha. A committee mandap was also formed by King Ajatshatru that was used by the Buddhist council in these caves.

Location: The caves can be found located 2 km southwest of Rajgir (Nalanda), Bihar 803116, India.

Timings: Monday to Sunday (6:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Historical Facts:
- The Saptaparni Caves are embedded on the side of the Vaibhavgiri Hills.
- The Buddha is said to have meditated extensively in these caves
- The caves were the site for the first Buddhist Council
- The Council was formed by a few hundred monks, 6 months after the death of the Buddha
- Ananda (the cousin of Buddha) and Upali (a companion of the Buddha) were appointed in this council to disseminate the knowledge of the Buddha

What to Visit:
- Chhatagiri, which used to be known as Gridhrakuta, was one of Buddha’s favorite retreats.
- The Pippala Stone House used to be Buddha’s residence in one of the towers in Vaibharagiri.
- The Sonbhandar Caves were discovered in the 3rd or 4th century AD by Jains.
- The Maniyar Math Site where excavations have revealed shrines dedicated to the snake-God from the Mahabharata – Mani-naga.
- Modern Jain temples can be found in the area.
- Hot springs of Rajgir.