Pippala cave is a cave situated in Rajgir, in the state of Bihar. This place is renowned for its peace and tranquil atmosphere. In 5th Century BC, Pippala cave was famous for the Buddhists to meditate.
Importance of Pippala Cave
Pippala cave is a place of marvellous historic significance, having served as the abode of the great Lord Buddha when he sat for twelve years, immersed in meditation. Pippala Cave in Bihar was a place for the hermits in the ancient times. It has been seen that this place was chosen by numbers of sages and hermits as a suitable house for their contemplation and penance. Rajgir is known as `the abode of the king.` Rajgir served as the capital city of ancient Magadha Empire till the time of Lord Buddha. In Rajir, the Pippala Cave was believed to be the house the religious hermits of King Jarasandha, who came here from time to time for both spiritual healings and meditation.
Pippala cave in Mythological Era
Pippala cave is also known as "Jarasandh ki Baithak". It is so named after King Jarasandha, a contemporary of Lord Krishna, as described in the ancient Hindu epic of Mahabharata. The cave has been carved out on Vaibhava Hill in Rajgir over the course of thousands of years by natural forces. This cave is carved out in rectangular in shape, geometrically. This appears to have acted as a watch tower for either the military installations posted there, or for the hot springs situated under the Vaibhava Hill.
Attraction of Pippala cave
Pippala cave also attracts throngs of Buddhist followers, as it is believed to have been a centre of sanctity during the time of Gautama Buddha. Pippala cave is also ideal for meditation, primarily due to its tranquillity and peacefulness.
Hot Springs in Pippala Cave
The hot springs near the Pippala Cave are a major tourist destination in Rajgir. The water of the hot springs is supposed to have medicinal properties capable of curing skin diseases.
Climate in Pippala Cave
Pippala Cave witnesses the hot weather season temperatures ranging from 40 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius to 6 degrees Celsius during cold weather season. The ideal time to visit the Pippala Cave is during the months of October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant.
Visiting Information
Pippala Cave also acts as adventure tourism for the tourists. The tourists can go to Pippala Cave by reaching to Patna airport, which is 101 kilometres from Rajgir in Bihar. The Patna Airport is connected with all the metropolitan cities in India. The tourists can reach there by train also. The tourists can reach to the Rajgir railway station. But the nearest major railway station is Gaya which is 78 kilometres away from the place. Pippala Cave is well linked with the roadways to and from Patna, Nalanda, Gaya, Pawapuri, and Biharsarif Sangrahalaya and so on.
