Sonabhandara Caves/ Swarna Bhandar

Sonabhandara Caves aka Swarna Bhandar is historic rock cut caves at Rajgir of Bihar.  The existence of these caves dated back to the 3rd and 4th century for the Jain ascetics. The caves see their place is serene and beautiful surroundings, and thus makes a perfect place for the tourists to visit and explore. One can see the Mauryan style of carving of the caves and also the sacred inscriptions from Buddhism. These caves hold many mythological and historical stories. There are many sayings recorded for the existence of these caves. Some believe that to be a huge temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The broken idol of Lord Vishnu found in the caves proves this hypothesis. Other say it to be a treasure chest. As the name ‘Sonabhandara’ and Swarna Bhandar means ‘collection of gold’. Numerous efforts were made by the Britishers to discover the hidden gold but all went into vain, rather they destroyed major part of these ancient caves.