Saptaparni Cave
सप्तपर्णी गुफा
Natural cave on Vaibhar Hill where five hundred arhats held the First Buddhist Council after the Buddha's death.
Saptaparni Cave lies halfway up Vaibhar Hill. Tradition holds that shortly after the Buddha's parinirvana, Mahakashyapa gathered five hundred arhats here for the First Council, where Ananda recited the sutras and Upali recited the monastic rules, laying the foundation of the Buddhist scriptures. The climb from the hot springs by stone steps takes about 40 minutes to an hour. The path is steep, and along the way are small Jain shrines and the remains of ancient temples on Vaibhar Hill. The cave itself is plain, and its significance is historical. It is recommended to climb early in the morning, carry drinking water, and watch out for monkeys.
Opening hours
Open daytime
Nearby sights
- Rajgir Hot Springs (Brahmakund)
- Son Bhandar Caves
- Venuvana
- Maniyar Math
- Rajgir Zoo Safari
- Bimbisara Jail
- Rajgir Nature Safari & Glass Skywalk
- Jivakamravana