Saptaparni Cave — Attraction in Rajgir

Buddhist caves During the time of the Buddha (c. 563/480 or c. 483/400 BCE), Buddhist monks were also in the habit of using natural caves, such as the Saptaparni Cave, southwest from Rajgir, Bihar. Many believe it to be the site in which Buddha spent some time before his death,and where the first Buddhist council was held after the Buddha died (paranirvana).The Buddha himself had also used the Indrasala Cave for meditation, starting a tradition of using caves, natural or man-made, as religious retreats, that would last for over a millennium.

Monasteries

The first monasteries, such as the Jivakarama vihara in Rajgir, Bihar, were built from the time of the Buddha, in the 6th or 5th centuries BCE. The initial Jivakarama monastery was formed of two long parallel and oblong halls, large dormitories where the monks could eat and sleep, in conformity with the original regulations of the samgha, without any private cells. Other halls were then constructed, mostly long, oblong building as well, which remind of the construction of several of the Barabar caves, the Buddha is said to have been treated once in the monastery, after having been injured by Devadatta.

Stupas

Religious buildings in the form of the Buddhist stupa, a dome shaped monument, started to be used in India as commemorative monuments associated with storing sacred relics of the Buddha, the relics of the Buddha were spread between eight stupas, in Rajagriha, Vaishali, Kapilavastu, Allakappa, Ramagrama, Pava, Kushinagar, and Vethapida.The Piprahwa stupa also seems to have been one of the first to be built. Guard rails —consisting of posts, crossbars, and a coping— became a feature of safety surrounding a stupa. The Buddha had left instructions about how to pay hommage to the stupas: "And whoever lays wreaths or puts sweet perfumes and colours there with a devout heart, will reap benefits for a long time", this practice would lead to the decoration of the stupas with stone sculptures of flower garlands in the Classical period.

1.Saptaparni cave 2.Vishwa Shanti Stupa at Rajgir, one of the 80 Peace Pagodas around the world. 3.Remains of the Jivakarama vihara. 4.The Visit of Indra to the Buddha in the Indrasaila cave. The Buddha is symbolized by his throne. Wild animal are depicted around the cave (Stupa 1 Northern Gateway, Sanchi. 1st century BCE/CE). 5.The famous carved door of Lomas Rishi cave, dated to approximately 250 BC, making it the first known...

Saptapani Cave is a historic cave located in Rajgir, a town in the Nalanda district of Bihar, India. Here's a vivid description:

Location The cave is situated in the picturesque Rajgir hills, near the ancient city of Rajgir.

Historical Significance Saptapani Cave is believed to be the site where Lord Buddha and his disciples spent their time during their visits to Rajgir.

Seven Streams The cave gets its name "Saptapani" from the seven natural springs (sapta means seven, and pani means water) that originate from within the cave. These springs are considered sacred and are believed to have healing properties.

Architecture The cave is a natural limestone cave, with a simple entrance and a spacious interior. The walls of the cave feature ancient carvings and inscriptions.

Tourist Attractions Visitors can explore:

The cave's natural formations and limestone structures The seven sacred springs and their convergence point The nearby ancient ruins of Rajgir, including the Cyclopean walls and the Ajatshatru's Fort The Gridhakuta Hill, where Lord Buddha is said to have delivered many sermons

Tips and Insights The cave is open for visitors throughout the year. Best time to visit: October to March. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for cave exploration. Respect the sacred nature of the site and the springs.

Saptapani Cave is a significant historical and spiritual site, offering a glimpse into the life and teachings of...

At a distance of 4 km from Rajgir Railway Station, Saptaparni Cave is a Buddhist cave situated on Vaibhavgiri Hill in Rajgir, Bihar. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Bihar and among the must-visit Rajgir Tourist Places.

Saptparni Cave, also referred to as Sapta Parni Guha, literally Seven-leaves-cave is an important Buddhist cave site as it is believed to be the place where Lord Buddha spent some time before his death. And, this is also the site where the first Buddhist council was held after Buddha's parinirvana. It is here that a council of 500 monks decided to appoint Ananda (Buddha's cousin) and Upali, to deliver Buddha's teachings for the future generations after Buddha's death. The Buddha never wrote down his teachings. After the Saptaparni Caves meeting, Ananda created an oral tradition of Buddha's teaching from his memory, prefacing it with 'Thus have I heard on one occasion'. Upali is credited with reciting the Vinaya (discipline), or 'rules for the Bhikshus'.

A Magadha ruler named Ajatshatru also built a Sabha Mandap in front of these caves, which was used for the first Buddhist council. Today, the cave is a popular site that attracts thousands of tourists every year from across the world. A 20-minute uphill hike from the back of the Lakshmi Narayan Temple takes you past Jain and Hindu temples to this atmospheric cave and natural rock platform, where Buddha is said to have meditated.

Timings: 6 AM - 4...