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| Gridhakuta |
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History
Gridhakuta is a hill located at Rajgir, Bihar where Lord Buddha carried out many dialogues with his disciples after he achieved enlightenment. It is the place where Lord Buddha started his second helm of commandment and preached many inspiring teachings and sermons to his disciples. Gridhakuta hill is also known as Vulture’s Peak. It was at Gridhakuta hill that Lord Buddha gave his two significant sutras the Lotus Sutra and the Prajnaparamita.
He spent three months during the rainy season in retreat at the Gridhakuta hill, meditating and sermonising some of his most important discourses. The Buddha Sangha of Japan has raised a huge Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda), at the summit of the Gridhakuta hill in honour of Lord Buddha. This stupa is the central point of Rajgir, enclosing beautiful statues of Buddha outside and within.
A stone path leads to up to the hill; though one can also avail the (gondola) aerial chairlift ride which is much more enjoyable. A one-way chairlift ride takes approximately 7 minutes and the view over the hills of Rajgir is fantastic!
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Best time to visit
Though one can visit the Gridhakuta hill throughout the year, the best time to visit the place is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and at its best.
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Trivia
It is believed that one of the cousins of Lord Buddha had made an attempt to take his life at this place.
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Timing
Gridhakuta hill is open to everyone. The aerial chairlift operates every day except on Thursdays.
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Travel Tools
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