Sariputta Stupa at Griyak Hill, Rajgir , Bihar

                (Source: Author)

     The Griyal Hill is known for having one of the oldest Stupas dedicated to one of the chief disciples of the Buddha, known as Sariputta. He was foremost in intellect and wisdom and was a disciple of Sanjay Bellathiputta, one of the six heretical thinkers. Sanjay Bellathiputta had some two hundred and fifty disciples, along with Sariputta and his closest friend or spiritual companion, Mogallana. 

These two disciples were very curious about finding the higher truths of Life. Buddhist scriptures such as the Jatakas and Pali canon gave a lot of reference for the birth of Sariputta and Moggallana, who later became the two chief disciples of the Buddha.

Sariputta was born in a village called Sarichak in the district of present Nalanda, and Mogallana was also likewise born in Nalanda. The exact birthplace of both is yet to be identified by scholars. The Buddhist traditions speak of these two disciples as the most immanent disciples of the Buddha after elder Mahakassapa. Sariputta was known as Upatissa and Mogallan as Kolita during their early life.

However, texts such as the Jatakas spoke on numerous occasions about their previous life births along with the Buddha, Yashodhara, Ananda, etc. These two disciples were known for their specific skills, such as the intellect and wisdom of Sariputta since he was the first one to receive the teachings of Abhidharma. Likewise, his friend Mogallana was known for having Abhijnna, the supernormal powers. 

Both have been said to take rebirth several times, as per Buddhist scriptures. However, the current lifetime was their eight lifetimes together on Earth. Due to previous karmic dispositions, they have, on one occasion, met with one of the five foremost disciples of the Buddha, through whom both of them got initiated into the Buddhist Sangha along with the remaining disciples of their former guru, Sanjay Bellathiputta.

Thereafter, there was no looking back for these disciples as they had so deeply trained under the profound instructions of the Buddha in the higher teachings. Also, because of their own efforts, they have made themselves so engrossed in the Buddhist fundamental and higher teachings. However, often times they have visited their homeland Nalanda to seek alms and to give discourses to their villagers, which can be found recorded in the Pali canon. 

Regarding their Mahaparinirvana, there is no clear evidence in the Buddhist or any other scriptures. It is just that in the ancient Nalanda University, one can see the remnants of the Sariputta Stupa, which was said to be built by emperor Ashoka and later on was renovated by the Gupta rulers. Similarly, one such stupa can be found on Griyak Hill, located on the back side of the Gridhakuta Mountain, which seemed to be the place where Sariputta attained Mahaparinrivana, as suggested by some Buddhist Scholars. 

If you look at the Stupa, you will find two stupas with a similar square base and cylindrical body, which may be built or renovated later under the guidance of the ASI. 

Thus, every year, the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara University holds an annual festival at this site to commemorate the Mahaparinirvana day of the famous Sariputta, where hundreds of villagers join in celebrating the annual observance, which also helps the institution to get connect with the locals and to make them aware of their own historical figures, long old gone cultures, religion and also about the preservation of natural resources and environment.