Page:Report of a Tour Through the Bengal Provinces of Patna, Gaya, Mongir and Bhagalpur; The Santal Parganas, Manbhum, Singhbhum and Birbhum; Bankura, Raniganj, Bardwan and Hughli in 1872-73.djvu/117

Rh a steep scarped face of the rock extending a long way on both sides, the hill here appearing to rise in ledges over each other; the entrances of the caves or cave face west, so that going from east to west no cave is seen at all.

In position, the cave corresponds to Fa-hian's Cheti cave. I have now to establish its identity with the Sattapanni cave.

For this purpose I quote various writers:—

(1) First, from "the sacred and historical books of Ceylon" we learn that the true name of the cave was "Sapta Parnna."

(2) From the Mahâwanso, page 12:—

(3) Spence Hardy, Eastern Monachism, p. 175:—

(4) Bigandet's Gandama, p. 354:—

"Adzatathat joyfully assented to the proposal and demands of the Buddhists' Patriarch. He gave full liberty for the holding of the council, saying: 'my power and that of the law are now at your command.' He gave immediate order for putting in perfect order the dwelling place of the Rahans. On the southern face of Mount Wehbára there was a cave, which had been a favorite place of resort with Buddha during the season that he spent at Radzagio in the Weloowon or bamboo grove monastery. That spot was fixed upon as the fittest for the holding of the assembly. Adzatathat summoned in his presence the most skilful workmen, and commanded them to exert all their skill and talents in erecting a hall,