SWARN BHANDAR

Swarna Bhandar or the Son Bhandar caves are a set of two artificial caves carved out of a single massive rock. As per the inscriptions found inside the caves, they date back to the 3rd or the 4th century and belong to the Jains. The main cave is rectangular in shape and has a pointed ceiling with a trapezoidal entrance, similar to the Barabar Caves, the first artificial caves.

The main cave was built during the Mauryan empire and has a votive Jain stele inside. The surface of the cave is partially polished. The second cave also dates back to the 3rd-4th century AD and has been mostly destroyed. This cave houses many spectacular Jain relics and sculptures on the walls of the cave. It is an ideal tourist place in Rajgir for history buffs.

Location: Rajgir, Bihar 803116, India

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM