Bimbisara Jail
बिम्बिसार कारागार
Where King Bimbisara was imprisoned by his son Ajatashatru; legend says he could still gaze toward the Buddha on Vulture Peak from his cell.
According to tradition, King Bimbisara of Magadha was overthrown in his later years and imprisoned here by his son, Crown Prince Ajatashatru. He chose a spot from which he could see Vulture Peak and gazed toward the Buddha every day, and he died in captivity. This story is also the origin of the Amitayurdhyana Sutra. Only a square stone wall foundation survives, surrounded by grass. The site is small and is one stop in the storyline of “Rajgir in the Buddha's time.” It is free or has a low admission fee and is located by the road to Vulture Peak, so it can be visited on the way.
Opening hours
Sunrise to sunset
Nearby sights
- Jivakamravana
- Maniyar Math
- Cyclopean Wall of Rajgir
- Rajgir Zoo Safari
- Son Bhandar Caves
- Vishwa Shanti Stupa & Ropeway
- Griddhakuta (Vulture Peak)
- Saptaparni Cave