Vulture Peak, also known as Gridhakuta Hill, is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site located near Rajgir, Bihar, India. It is believed to be the place where the Buddha delivered many of his discourses, including the Lotus Sutra. The peak's name derives from its resemblance to a vulture's head, with natural stone formations contributing to this likeness. Visitors can explore caves used by the Buddha and his disciples, such as the Sariputta Enlightenment Cave and the Mogallana Enlightenment Cave. The area offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Ghoda Katora Lake. The site is accessible via a steep path or a ropeway from Rajgir, providing a serene environment for meditation and reflection.
Rajgir was one of the most important teaching sites of Buddha and King Bimbisara built a forest temple for Buddha on the mountain of vultures.
We arrived late in the afternoon, the cable car was no longer working. We had to fight with the soldiers to let us go up the mountain, but thanks to Rinpoche's authority we managed to do so. There is a perfect quality footpath up the mountain, the climb takes about 20 minutes. I would not have thought of taking the cable car. The vendors continued to sell along the footpath without any disturbance, many people came down and even some went up who were let through by the soldiers. There is a significant military garrison who guard the place.
Our late arrival also gave us a great experience because we could watch the fantastic sunset while praying at the holy place at the top. It was an interesting experience to experience that Buddha breathed, taught, prayed, meditated in the same place... we were captivated by the experience.
