Rajgir
About Rajgir
Surrounded by five holy hills, the picturesque little town of Rajgir is
important for Buddhists as well as Jains. Here the two rock-cut caves were
the favourite retreats of the Buddha and it was on this hill that he preached
two of his most famous sermons. The nearest airport is in Patna (115 kms)
and the railhead is in Bhakhtiyarpur (54 kms). Rajgir is well connected
by good roads to Patna, Gaya, Delhi and Kolkata (Calcutta).
Literally, Rajgir has got the name from Raj Griha meaning the abode of
the king. The city was the capital of the mighty Magadha Empire during
the period of Lord Buddha's lifetime. The city has hosted Lord Buddha
during the reign of rule of Bimbisara who was overwhelmed, along with
many citizens, by the charm and grace of Lord Buddha. Siddhartha, after
his renouncement of luxurious life cane to Rajgir to seek the path of
salvation.
Rajgir is equally important for the Jain as well as Hindu pilgrims, for
Lord Mahavira (the founder of Janism) resided here for some time and the
place finds its reference in Hindu epic - Mahabharata. The historic sites
of Rajgir associated with Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism attract pilgrims
from all over world.
Facts About the City :
State : Bihar, in east of India.
Significance : A Buddhist, Jain and Hindu Pilgrimage Site
Best time to visit - October to March
Tourist Attractions in Rajgir
Shanti Stupa - This is an immence white structure situated on the top
of the hill Ratnagiri and is the main Buddhist attraction at Rajgir. This
houses four gold statues representing Buddha's birth, enlightenment, teaching
and death.
Gridhakuta Hill - Gridhakuta Hill was the favourite place of Lord
Buddha, where he delivered many discourses after he attained enlightenment.
It was here that he gave two important sutras the Lotus Sutra and the
Prajnaparamita.
Ancient Ruins - There are many sites including ruins of the ancient
city, caves, and places associated with Ajatasatru and king Bimbisara
can be seen here. Here one can see the Ajatasatru's fort built in 5th
century BC where the emperor had imprisoned his father. The 1.5-km long
outer wall was built by stone blocks.
Saptparni Cave - It was here, where the first Buddhist council
was held after Buddha attained Nirvana. Also a Burmese temple, and a modern
Japanese temple can be seen here.
How to reach Rajgir
Air - The nearest airport is at Gaya but Patna Airport, in the state capital,
is better than Gaya in terms of infrastructure and connections.
Rail - Though Rajgir has a railway station, Gaya is a more convenient
railway station, which is 78 km from Rajgir and connects all the major
cities of India.
Road - Excellent motorable road network connects the town to some of
the major cities of Bihar and India. Some of the major road distances
are Patana-102 km, Nalanda - 12 km and Gaya - 34km.
Excursions :
Nalanda - It is 15 km away and houses the ruins of the famous ancient
Nalanda University founded in 5th century AD. Several monasteries and
temples can be seen here.
Swarajpur - Swarajpur lake with its temple is a famous Hindu pilgrim
destination which is popular for its Sun Worship festival and is 18 kms
from Rajgir.
Pawapuri - It is a great Jain pilgrimage centre, 35 kms from Rajgir
where Mahavira the greatest profounder of Jainism attained Mahaprinirvana.
Rajgir, Buddhist Major Destinations Reservation Form
