Vulture Peak (Gridhakuta), Rajgir
Rajgir, Bihar
Vulture Peak, called Gridhakuta in Pali and Sanskrit, is a rocky hill near Rajgir that holds a very special place in Buddhism. The Buddha is remembered to have spent a good deal of time here, giving many of his teachings, including important discourses of the Mahayana tradition such as the Lotus Sutra, according to Buddhist tradition. Pilgrims climb a stone path to the top, where there are the remains of a small shrine and the cave where the Buddha is said to have meditated, with wide views over the valley.
What to see and do
- Walk up the old stone path to the top of the hill, with views over the Rajgir valley
- See the remains of the shrine on the summit, and sit quietly where the Buddha is remembered to have taught
- Look at the rock and caves on the hillside
- Join the monks and pilgrims who chant here, often at sunrise and sunset
Ideal for
- Buddhist pilgrims and followers of the Buddha's teachings
- Travellers who like a quiet hill walk with a view
- Visitors combining Rajgir with Nalanda and Bodh Gaya
Good to know
- The climb is short but steep, over uneven steps, so wear comfortable shoes and carry water
- A chairlift to the nearby Shanti Stupa runs close by, but this hill itself is reached on foot
- Timings are not confirmed, so check locally, and go in the morning for cooler weather
- Dress modestly, and keep quiet near the shrine, as pilgrims meditate here
- Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours
Spiritual significance
Gridhakuta is one of the best-loved places in Buddhism, a quiet hilltop where the Buddha is remembered to have taught for many years. For many pilgrims, sitting at the summit is the high point of a visit to Rajgir.
Why it matters
- A place of the Buddha's teaching: he is remembered to have taught here for many years
- A hilltop of meditation: the cave and the summit shrine
- Wide views of the valley: a calm, open setting