Indashala Cave is located close to the Rajgir at the base of a cliff, almost halfway up the Giriyek Mountain. It can be visited by undertaking a half day trip from Rajgir. The significance of the cave for the Buddhist lies in the fact that it was here that Sakka approached the Buddha to answer his eight questions which ultimately resulted in the Buddha delivering one of His most important discourse, the Sakkapanha Sutta. Also, during His stay here, the Buddha delivered verses 206, 207 and 208 of the Dhammapada. For Tibetan Buddhists, the cave holds signifcance because it served as the residence for the Buddhasrijnana, the renowned commentator on the Guhyasamaja Tantra.

In close vicinity of this cave, there are a couple of other attractions as well. A cave at the end of the mountain is home to an aged swami who, though not comfortable with English language, is still very happy to receive guests. Moving further up, you will find a stupa at the very top of the mountain which is known as Hansa stupa. It is considered one of the most complete stupa that still exists in India. Reaching the stupa is quiet difficult because of the throny bushes that invariably hurt you, however, once you reach the top, the surrounding views will mesmerise you almost immediately. Mention about this stupa can be found in the travel details of the Chinese traveller, Hieun Tsang who also gives a very fascinating story behind its construction.

For those interested in knowing more about the Sakkapanha Sutta, Walshe's The Long Discourses of the Buddha is just the right choice.

It is advisable for you to round off your visit well before it gets dark since after that it is little less safe to be in the arrea.


Other Attractions

• Rajgir : Rajgir is one of the most important pilgrimage destinationfor the Buddhists around the world. Here, the Buddha spent a number of years of His life and proselytized Emperor Bimbisara. Rajgir also became the place where the Buddha’s preachings were penned down and the first Buddhist Council was held. For visitor’s major Buddhist attractions include Jivakameavan Gardens, the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Venu Vana, Karanda Tank, Sonbhandar Cave and Gridhakuta. Other attractions of this pretty town are New Rajgir Walls, Bimbisar Road, Maniyar math, Saptarni Caves, Poppala Stone, Bimbisar jail, Veerayatan, Jain Temple and Chariot Route Marks.
  
  

Quick Getaways

• Nalanda : Situated at a distance of 10 km from Rajgir, Nalanda is home to the ruins of one the world’s greatest Universities of the 5th century, the Nalanda University. Nalanda was a great seat of learning and housed 2000 teachers and around 10,000 students in its heydays. A number of kings also constructed temples and monasteries here.
  
  
• Pawapuri : Pawapuri is located 35 km from Rajgir and is also known as Apapuri which means a sinless city. Pawapuri is extremely significant for the jain community since it was here that the Mahavira Tirthankar attained mahaparinirvana and was cremated. Worthseeing here are two temples – Jalmandir and Samosharan.
  
  
• Kundalpur : Kundalpur, around 18 km from Rajgir, is yet again a place significant for the jaon community. The Digambar sect of the Jains believe that Kundalpur was the place where Lord Mahavira was born. Of special significance here are a Jain temple and two lotus pond - The Dirga Pushkarni and Pandava Pushkarni.
  
  
• Swarajpur-Baragaon : This place is 18 km from Rajgir and has a lake with a temple honouring the Sun God. Every year, during the month of Vaisakha (April- May) and Kartik (October- November), the place attracts a number of pilgrims from all over the country. At these two times, Chhat puja is celebrated to offer prayers to Lord Surya.
  
  
• Bihar Sharif : 25 km away from Rajgir, Bihar Sharif was the erstwhile capital of the Muslim Governors of Bihar between 13th and 16th centuries. Today, devotees of all religion flock to the town to pay obeisance at the tomb of Makhdum Shah Sharif-ud-din, a Muslim saint of 14th century.
  
  
• Bodh Gaya : 46 km from Rajgir, Bodh Gaya figures high in the list of a Buddhist tourists wishing to undertake a pilgrimage. It was here that Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha or the enlightened one. Of immense significane in this town are the Bodhi tree, Mahabodhi temple and a number of monasteries.
  
  
• Gaya : 12 km from Bodh Gaya, Gaya is the place where the Buddha preached His famous fire sermon. Gaya is also significant for the Hindus all over the country since it is believed to be the perfect place to perform the last rites of a dead person. The Gaya Museum has a whole lot of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures to see. Gaya is also the base to undertake a trip to the Barabar caves, yet another Buddhist attraction