The Ancient Geography of India. I. The Buddhist Period, including the Campaigns of Alexander, and the Travels of Hwen-Thsang c6.s3.t34.11

c6.s3.t34.11

Ratnagiri is due east, one mile distant from the Son Bhândâr Cave. This situation corresponds exactly with Fa-Hian's position of the "Pippal-tree Cave," in which Buddha after his meals was accustomed to meditate. It was situated at 5 or 6 li (about one mile) to the east of the cave of the first Synod. The hill of Ratna-giri is therefore identical with the Pandao Mountain of the Pali annals, in which Buddha dwelt, and which in the Lalita-Vistâra is always styled the “King of Mountains.” A paved zigzag road now leads from the eastern side of old Râjagriha to a small Jain temple on the top of Ratna-giri, which is frequently visited by Jains. I would identify it with the Rishigiri of the Mahâbhârata.