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):
“In the kingdom of Magadha there once lived seven brothers who were magicians. At a distance of a mile from their abode lived two brothers, Sons of a Khan * * * * * The magicians at once recognised that it was a magic horse, and they said among themselves, ‘If our art is to become thus common and everybody can produce a magic horse, no one will come to our market for wonders; we had best buy the horse up and destroy it.’ Accordingly they paid the high price required, and took possession of the horse * * * * When the Khan’s son, who was transformed into the horse, had learnt what was the intention of the magicians, he said, ‘Would that any sort of living being would appear into which I might transfer myself.’
"Hardly had he formed the wish, when a little fish was seen swimming down the stream, into which the Khan transferred himself. The seven magicians knew what had occurred, and immediately transformed themselves into seven larger fish and pursued it. When they were very close to the little fish with their gullets wide open, the Khan said, 'Would that any soft of living being would appear into which I might transform myself.' Immediately a dove was seen flying in the heavens, and the Khan transferred himself into the dove. The seven magicians seeing what was done, transformed themselves into seven hawks, pursuing the dove over lull and dale. Once again they were near overtaking him, when the dove took refuge in the land of Bede. Southward in Bede was a shining mountain and a cave within it called the Giver of Rest. Hither the dove took refuge, even in the very bosom of the great master and teacher, Nâgârjuna.”
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?
