Q. Which of the following statements with regard to Rajgir and its associated historical sites is/are correct?
1.Vishwa Shanti Stupa was initiated in 1947 by Nichidatsu Fujii, founder of the Nipponzan-Myohoji Buddhist sect.
2.Saptaparni Cave served as the historic venue for the First Buddhist Council.
3.Lord Mahavira never visited Rajgir during his lifetime, as it was strictly a center of Magadhan Buddhist patronage under King Bimbisara.
Select the answer using the code given below:

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 1 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A
Notes:

Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is correct: The Peace Pagoda at Rajgir was established under the guidance of Japanese Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fujii, founder of Nipponzan-Myohoji.
  • Statement 2 is correct: Saptaparni (Sattapanni) Cave in Rajgir hosted the First Buddhist Council under King Ajatashatru’s patronage, presided over by Mahakasyapa.
  • Statement 3 is incorrect: Rajgir is equally sacred to Jainism; Lord Mahavira spent 14 rainy seasons of his monastic life at Rajgir, securing key royal converts in Magadha.
Blog
Academy
Community