Saptaparni Cave, Buddhist cave in Nalanda district, India
Saptaparni Cave is a natural rock formation in the hills southwest of Rajgir with an elevated entrance leading into a sheltered chamber. The space provided protection and was suited for accommodating large gatherings of people.
Shortly after Buddha's death in the 5th century BCE, hundreds of monks gathered here for the First Buddhist Council. This assembly was crucial for preserving his teachings and establishing how they would be transmitted.
The cave served as a gathering place where monks established a way of beginning their recitations that became standard practice. This opening phrase still shapes how Buddhist teachings are presented and remembered today.
The site is accessible year-round and works well as part of a visit to other religious sites in the area. Visitors should expect uneven ground and wear comfortable shoes for the terrain.
This cave is older than the artificial caves created later under Emperor Ashoka. It was an established gathering place long before humans carved structures into stone.
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