Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s2.t10.3

v1.c7.s2.t10.3

Pali texts link many of the significant events of Buddha’s life to Griddhakuta Hill. He met and ordained here the Magadh King Bimbisara and his royal retinues. While living at this place, he delivered many of his *sutras* during interactive sessions with monks and disciples. This included the famous *Sadharmpundrika Sutra* (*Lotus Sutra*) and *Mahaprajnaparmita* (*Perfection of Wisdom*) *Sutra*. It is said that Buddha’s cousin, Devdatt, made an attempt on his life by throwing a large slab of stone on him which injured his toes and fell here. When Bimbisar was imprisoned by his son, Ajatsatru, on a hillock, he wanted his prison to be so constructed that he could see Buddha passing by in the morning and evening. This was also the final resting place for Buddha before he departed to Kusinara for his Mahaparinirvana (total liberation).