Son Bhandar Caves, Rajgir

Name: Son Bhandar Caves
Address: Rajgir, India

#2 among attractions in Rajgir

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Facts and practical information

The Son Bhandar caves, also Sonebhandar, are two artificial caves located in Rajgir in the state of Bihar in India. They belong to the Jains. The caves are generally dated to the 3rd or 4th century CE, based on the dedicatory inscription found in the largest cave which uses Gupta script of the 4th century CE, although some authors have suggested the caves could actually go back to the period of the Maurya empire from 319 to 180 BCE. The main cave is rectangular with a pointed ceiling, and the entrance is trapezoidal, reminiscent of the structure of the Barabar Caves. The quality of the polish and the finish are nevertheless much inferior ot that of the Barabar Caves. The stone of Son Bhandar is also much less hard than the granite of the Barabar caves, and therefore did not require the same degree of effort and technique. ()

Coordinates: 25°1'48"N, 85°25'12"E

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Rajgir India

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Day trips

Son Bhandar Caves – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Vulture Peak, Jivakarama vihara, Saptaparni Cave, Peace Pagoda.

2.6 miSE
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Vulture Peak, Rajgir
66 min walk • The Vulture Peak, also known as the Holy Eagle Peak or Gridhakūta, was the Buddha's favorite retreat in Rajagaha. It was the scene for many of his discourses. Rajgir is located in Bihar, India. It is so named because it resembles a sitting vulture with its wings folded.
2.5 miS
Archaeological site, Buddhist architecture
Jivakarama vihara, Pant Wildlife Sanctuary
65 min walk • The Jivakarama vihara, also Jivaka Amravana vihara, Jivakamravana, Jivakamrabana or Jivakavanarama, is an ancient Buddhist monastery, or vihara, established at the time of the Buddha.
1.7 miS
Nature, Natural attraction, Cave
Saptaparni Cave, Rajgir
44 min walk • Saptparni Cave, also referred to as Sapta parni guha or sattapaṇṇi guhā, literally Seven-leaves-cave, is a Buddhist cave site about 2 kilometres southwest from Rajgir, Bihar, India. It is embedded in a hill.
2.3 miSE
Pagoda
Peace Pagoda
60 min walk • A Peace Pagoda is a Buddhist stupa; a monument to inspire peace, designed to provide a focus for people of all races and creeds, and to help unite them in their search for world peace.
4.8 miE
Lake
Ghora Katora, Pant Wildlife Sanctuary
123 min walk • Ghora Katora which means "Horse Bowl" is a natural lake near the city of Rajgir in the Indian state of Bihar. The shape of the lake resembles that of a horse and is surrounded by mountains on three of the sides. The lake attracts migratory birds from Siberia and central Asia during winter.
3.1 miE
Nature, Natural attraction, Hill
Rajgir hills
79 min walk • The Rajgir Hills, also known as "Rajgriha" hills, lie near the city of Rajgir in central regions of the Indian state of Bihar. It is surrounded by five hills named Ratnagiri, Vipulachal, Vaibhavagiri, Songiri and Udaygiri.