Identification of Dakkhinagiri and Monastic Cave of Bhikkhu Purāṇa at Rājagīra: Archaeology Substantiating Buddhist Scriptures

By : Anand Singh

Page No: 23-49

Abstract:
Dakkhinagiri was an important monastic settlement in the southern vicinity of Rājagṛha, the first capital of Magadha. The Buddhist landscape of the region exhibits fascinating historical traditions and the transformation of Buddhism after the mahāparinibbāna of the Buddha. Its rich ethos and unique identity are shaped by engrossing ecclesiastical activities during the age of the Buddha and the historical happenings of the first Buddhist Council. The Pali sources mention that the vihāra of Dakkhinagiri was situated in the southern ranges of the hills just outside Rājagṛha and here Bhikkhu Purāṇa resided with his vast retinue of followers. The term ‘giri’ suggests hill and the word ‘dakkhina’ means south. It indicates that the monastic area was in the southern hillocks of Rājagṛha i.e., one kilometer away from the river Banganga (also referred as Bāngaṅgā) towards district Gayā. Dakkhinagiri was frequently visited by the Buddha, and the suttas like the Kasi Bhāradvāja Sutta, were preached in this region. The scope of the study focuses on the identification of the Dakkhinagiri monastic settlement and one of the cave shelters as an abode of Bhikkhu Purāṇa. The structural morphology of the cave proposes that it may be natural but later on, chiseled out to habitat and meditate. The literary evidence suggests that the cave might also be visited by the Buddha. The adjacent smaller caves and the shape of the hillocks suggest the possibility of a vihāra as mentioned in the Pali literature.  

Authors
Anand Singh: Department of History, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow