Saptparni Cave, also referred to as Sapta parni guha(Skr.) or Sattapanni guha(Pali), literally Seven(cognate with sapta, sept)-leaves-cave , is a Buddhist cave site about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) southwest from Rajgir, Bihar, India. It is embedded in a hill. The Saptaparni Cave is important in the Buddhist tradition, because many believe it to be the site in which Buddha spent some time before his death,[3] and where the first Buddhist council was held after Buddha died (paranirvana). It is here that a council of few hundred monks decided to appoint Ananda (Buddha's cousin) and Upali, believed to have a good memory and who had accompanied the Buddha when he gave sermons in north India, to compose Buddha's teachings for the future generations. The Buddha never wrote down his teachings. After the Saptaparni Caves meeting, Ananda created an oral tradition of Buddha's teaching from his memory, prefacing it with "Thus have I heard on one occasion". Upali is credited with reciting the Vinaya (discipline), or "rules for the Bhikshus". This tradition is found in Vinaya Pitaka

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.
The caves are believed to be once meditation place for the Buddha. The first Buddhist Council lead by Mahakashyapa, one of Buddha’s main disciples, was held here and the texts on Buddha’s teachings were put to writing. This event took place after about six months of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana.
There are important Jain Temples on the way to the Saptaparni caves. A partially ruined ancient Shiva temple is also found here. There are signs of unexcavated mounds nearby. The pillars of the temple are plain and octagonal. The front roof had been destroyed and the Shiva lingam is enshrined in the inner chamber.
Saptaparni Cave or Sattapani Cave is a historical site in Bihar. Located 2 km from the main town of Rajgir, it is a hill cave that was acclaimed to be the place where Buddha spent a year or two here before ascending to the heavenly abode. Saptaparni Cave is an important site for the followers of Buddhism.
Why Is It Famous?
1) Saptaparni Cave is the place where the first Buddhist Council was held when Buddha was alive
2) The council of monks appointed Ananda (Buddha's cousin) and Uppali to deliver the sermons after Buddha attained mahaparinirvana
3) Uppali was claimed to have a great memory. Since Buddha never wrote what he taught, Uppali had a complete account of his sermons
4) Some of the greatest sermons of Buddha were inscribed inside the cave by Uppali & Ananda together. Each sermon begins with 'Thus Have I Heard on One Occasion'.
Best Time To Visit:-
October-March is the suitable time for visiting Saptapar