Griddhakuta (Vulture's Peak)गृद्धकूट
The hilltop where the Buddha taught the Lotus Sutra, climbed by the path King Bimbisara laid.
See what is open on your dateOpen in Google MapsWhereNalanda, Bihar
Magadh
Magadh
Best time to visit15 October to 15 March and 25 April to 25 May
Good seasonsPost-monsoon (October to November), Winter (December to February)
DifficultyModerate
Height350 m above sea level
Time needed2 hrs
Base and nearbyRajgir, Rajgir station
EntryFree
About Griddhakuta (Vulture's Peak)
The rocky outcrop where the Buddha spent rainy seasons and, by tradition, delivered the Lotus Sutra and the Heart Sutra. Bimbisara, king of Magadha, had the stone path up built so he could visit, and you still climb it: about twenty minutes of steps past small caves used by Ananda and Sariputra. There is a brick platform on top and nothing else, which is the point. Pilgrims from Japan, Thailand and Sri Lanka chant here at dawn.
What to see and do
- Site of the Lotus Sutra and Heart Sutra teachings
- Bimbisara's stone road, still the way up
- Caves of Ananda and Sariputra on the way
- Chanting pilgrims at dawn
- Shanti Stupa ropeway on the same ridge
Opening status, best time and closures here are estimates from usual seasons and past patterns, not live information. Confirm with the local authority before you go. Terms of use
More places in Nalanda
- Nalanda MahaviharaNalanda, Bihar · Monuments & HeritageThe red-brick ruins of the great Buddhist university that taught 10,000 students. UNESCO site.
- Vishwa Shanti Stupa, RajgirNalanda, Bihar · Pilgrimage RoutesA Japanese peace pagoda on a Rajgir hilltop, reached by a 1969 chairlift or the new ropeway.
- KundalpurNalanda, Bihar · Pilgrimage RoutesThe Digambar Jain site claimed as the birthplace of Mahavira, next door to Nalanda.
- Pawapuri Jal MandirNalanda, Bihar · Pilgrimage RoutesThe marble temple in a lotus tank where Mahavira attained nirvana in 527 BCE.
- Rajgir Hot Springs (Brahmakund)Nalanda, Bihar · Pilgrimage RoutesHot springs at the foot of Vaibhava hill that have been bathed in since the Buddha stayed here.
- Son Bhandar Caves and Cyclopean WallNalanda, Bihar · CavesJain rock-cut caves with a treasure legend, near the pre-Mauryan stone wall of old Rajgriha.
- Ghora Katora LakeNalanda, Bihar · Lakes & DamsA horseshoe lake in the Rajgir hills with a 70-foot Buddha on an island, reached by tonga.
- Nalanda Archaeological MuseumNalanda, Bihar · MuseumsThe ASI museum of finds from the Nalanda ruins. Closed Fridays.
All places in Nalanda · All places in Bihar
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Jagah Pedia is a free travel guide by Santosh Pandey. Status, timings and closures are estimates from usual patterns, so confirm locally before you travel.