Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s2.t10.1

v1.c7.s2.t10.1

Famous as a favourite rainy season retreat of Gautam Buddha, Griddhkuta Hill (Vulture's Peak) is one of the five large hills that surround the ancient capital of Magadh, Rajagriha or Giribraja (see the entry). GriddhkutaIt was so named because it resembled the beak of a vulture. In Pali texts, Attakatha, the other four hills are known as Pandava, Vemar, Isigili and Vupullu. The Jain text, Vividhatirthkalpa, refers to Griddhkuta as Ratnagiri and other hills have been mentioned as Vipulgiri, Udayagiri, Sonagiri and Vaibhargiri. These hills had connections with Gautam Buddha and Lord Mahavir. As such both Buddhist and Jain texts had accorded it a sacred status, declaring it an important pilgrimage centre for their respective followers.