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

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:—

"On the completion of the repairs of the sacred edifices they thus addressed the monarch: 'Now we will hold the convocation on religion.' To him (the king) who inquired what is requisite, they replied a session hall; the monarch inquiring 'where,' in the place named by them, by the side of the Webhára mountain at the extrance of the Sattapanni cave, he speedily caused to be built a splendid hall like unto that of the devas.

"Having in all respects perfected this hall, he had invaluable carpets spread there corresponding to the number of the priests, in order that being seated on the north side the south might be faced; the inestimable pre-eminent throne of the high priest was placed there. In the centre of that hall facing the east the exalted preaching pulpit fit for the deity himself of felicitous advent was erected."

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

"One of their first acts was to request a suitable place for the holding of the convocation from the monarch of that city, Ajasat, now in the 8th year of his reign, who appointed for this purpose the cave Saptaparni near the rock Webhára. This cave was painted in a beautiful manner, representations of various kinds of flowers and creepers appearing upon its sides, whilst many parts were inlaid with gold and silver and gems. The floor was sprinkled with perfumes, and curtains of many colours were hung round. There were 500 seats covered with cloth for the priests, and in the centre, looking towards the east, a throne for the person who recited the bana, with an ivory fan placed near it."

(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,