Griddhakuta Hill, Vulture's Peak

 

Prayer at Griddhakuta Hills

The well-known Buddhist site of Griddhakuta Hill is deservedly an attraction in Rajgir not to be missed. During the rainy season the Buddha used to climb up to his mountain retreat atop the Griddhakuta Hill and deliver sermons to his disciples. 

The great Chinese traveler and Buddhist monk, Hiuen-Tsang, also known as Xuanzang, who visited the place in the 7th Century AD, had seen a stupa at Vulture's Peak where Buddha delivered the sermons. It was at Griddhakuta Hill where Magadhan emperor Bimbisar belonging to the Haryanka dynasty was converted to Buddhism by Buddha.  

Though you can reach the hill by following a bridle path, it would be an experience of a lifetime to use the aerial single-person chairlift. A ride on the chairlift commands a panoramic view of the hills of Rajgir and some Jain temples dotting the landscape.

The brilliant shine of the Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda), built on the top of the Griddhakuta Hill by the Buddha Sangha of Japan in 1965, is a feast for the eyes.