Vulture Peak (Rajgir)
EasternBuddhistmountainSouth Asia500 BCE - present
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Location
Modern Name
Rajgir
Country
India
Region
South Asia
Coordinates
25.0259, 85.4236
Era
500 BCE - present
Site Type
Mountain
About
Gridhrakuta (Vulture Peak), a rocky summit above Rajgir where the Buddha delivered key sutras including the Lotus Sutra and Heart Sutra.
Significance
One of the Buddha's most important teaching sites; deeply revered in Mahayana Buddhism as the setting for the Prajnaparamita discourses.
History & Historical Arc
The ancient city of Rajagriha (Rajgir) served as the capital of Magadha and the Buddha's primary residence for many rain…
Archaeological Notes
Remains of the Jivakambavana monastery, Bimbisara's Jail, and cyclopean stone walls of ancient Rajagriha are preserved i…
Key Features & Structures
- Gridhrakuta summit
- Vishwa Shanti Stupa (Japanese)
Visitor Information
A ropeway connects the valley to the peace pagoda near Vulture Peak; open year-round, best October–March.
Related Figures
Siddhartha GautamaKing BimbisaraAnandaShariputra
In the Bible
Source References
- Archaeological Survey of India, Rajgir
- Lotus Sutra prologue