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/67

Rh The Nâgârjuni cave is traditionally ascribed to Nâgàrjuna, the famous Buddhist teacher. Hitherto no confirmation of this tradition has been found, but I find from “Sagas of the far East” a collection of Mongolian and Kalmak traditions that, among them, tradition ascribed to Nâgârjuna a residence in Magadha in this cave. I quote the part (page 2):

The cave of Nâgàrjuna is here called the “Giver of Rest.” Let us see how far this name agrees with the actual name of the cave now known as the cave of Nâgârjuna.

This cave, in its inscription, is named Gopi-ka-kubha. The word Gopa means preserver, protector; Gopi-ka-kubha can therefore mean the “Cave of the preserver,” or the “Cave of rest.”

I accordingly consider that the Mongol legend does really refer to this cave, and as both in their traditions and in Indian traditions the cave is stated to have been the residence of Nâgârjuna, I think it extremely probable that he really did reside here some time. We know from other sources that Nâgârjuna came to Magadha to study. What more probable than that either during or after his studentship lie resided some time in this cave?