Son Bhandar Caves
सोन भंडार गुफा
Jain rock-cut caves carved in the 3rd–4th centuries, said to hold King Bimbisara's gold treasure, with mysterious inscriptions on the walls.
The Son Bhandar Caves are two rock-cut caves carved into the cliff face at the southern foot of Vaibhar Hill, dating to roughly the 3rd–4th centuries CE. They were Jain meditation caves, and reliefs of Jain founders remain on the walls. Local legend says the caves hold King Bimbisara's gold treasury. An undeciphered inscription on the wall is said to be the “password” that opens the door, and traces at the entrance may indicate a hidden door, which draws much curiosity from visitors. Admission is cheap. The caves are about 2 km south of the hot springs, and a visit takes about half an hour.
Opening hours
Sunrise to sunset
Nearby sights
- Maniyar Math
- Saptaparni Cave
- Rajgir Hot Springs (Brahmakund)
- Rajgir Zoo Safari
- Venuvana
- Bimbisara Jail
- Jivakamravana
- Cyclopean Wall of Rajgir