Saptaparni Cave Bihar

A 40-minute uphill hike from the back of the Lakshmi Narayan Temple takes you past Jain and Hindu temples to this atmospheric cave and natural rock platform, where Buddha is said to have meditated. Literally meaning 'seven leaves', Saptaparni cave is the likely location for the First Buddhist Council, held six months after Buddha's death to define the direction of the new faith.