Gurpa is a small village, situated in
the state of Bihar. It lies at a distance of approximately 33 km from
Gaya, a Buddhist pilgrim destination in India. The village is considered
as significant because of its association with Maha Kassapa, the
successor of Lord Buddha. It is believed that Maha Kassapa was on his
way to Kukkutapadagiri, his favorite hill resort. However, enroute he
realized that his life was drawing to its end.
Throughout the way, rocks kept on hampering his progression. With his
staff, he made the rocks open up and give him way. The moment he reached
the top of the mountain, the rocks threw apart. He went inside the
opening and fell into a deep meditative trance and the rocks closed
around him. The legend in Buddhism goes that when Maitreya (the future
Buddha) comes into this world, he will go to Kukkutapadagiri.
There, he will wake up Maha Kassapa and receive Buddha's robe from him.
Only after this, will he start announcing the new dispensation. This
sacred mountain of Kukkutapadagiri is now called Gurpa. A few Hindu and
Buddhist shrines and antiquities are located at the top, near the cave.
How to Reach Gurpa
One can easily reach Gurpa from Gaya, situated about 33 km away.
