Rajgir Important information

Rajgir

Rajgir, the capital of the Magadh Mahajanpad (State) before the foundation of Patliputra is named after Raj Griha, literally meaning the "Royal Palace". The town sprawls in a valley amidst scenic surroundings and is one of the most important tourist and Buddhist pilgrim centres in India. Lord Buddha is said to have spent several years here. During his stay, he delivered sermons and proselytized Mauryan emperor Bimbisar, at the Griddhakoota hill. Rajgir is reverently mentioned in great epics - Ramayana and Mahabharta. It is also a sacred site for the Jains and Hindus. Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain tirthankara and founder of Jainism, meditated and delivered his first sermon here. The hills around Rajgir are dotted with beautiful Jain shrines. The town is also an excellent health and winter resort. The hot water ponds here possess curative properties, which help in the cure of many skin diseases.

Tourist Acctration in Rajgir

• Amaravana  /Jivekarmavan Gardens
• Ajatasatru's Fort
• Bimbisara Jail
• Chariot Route Marks
• Griddhakuta Hill & Shanti Stupa
• Hot Sulphur Springs (Saptdhara) 

Amaravana  /Jivekarmavan Gardens : It was the seat of the royal physician Jivaka,who is said to have treated the wound of Lord Buddha here.

Ajatasatru's Fort : It was built during 6th century B.C. by Ajatasatru, the king of Magadha. The 6.5 sq. metre stupa is also believed to have been built by him.

Bimbisara Jail : King Bimbisara was imprisoned here by his son Ajatashatru. Bimbisara is said to have chosen the site for his incarceration, as from here he could see Lord Buddha climbing atop the Griddhakuta hill to do his meditation.

Chariot Route Marks: The strange marks cut deep into rock are believed to be of Lord Krishna's chariot, when he visited Rajgir during the epic Mahabharata period. Cyclopean Wall: The relics of the wall, which once encircled the town can be seen at the exit of Rajgir to Gaya. It is one of the few remnants of pre-Mauryan structures.

Griddhakuta Hill & Shanti Stupa: Lord Buddha set in motion his second wheel of law at Griddhakuta Hill. He delivered many sermons from here and his teachings were first recorded in writing at this sacred site. The Buddha Sangha of Japan built a huge Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda), atop the hill to commemorate the event. The stupa can also be reached by an aerial ropeway.

Hot Sulphur Springs (Saptdhara) : It lies at the base of the Vaibhava hills and has separate bathing places for men and w omen. The water is said to have curative powers. Above the springs are Pippala Cave, also known as "Jarasandh ki Bajthak". Saptaparni Cave : The first Buddhist Council was convened here after the Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha.

Other places of interest are - Jarashand ka Akhara, Karanda Tank, Swarna Bhandar, Veerayatan Jain Temple and Venuvan Vihar etc.

REACHING THERE

Airport: Gaya (34 kms.) and Patna(101 kms.).

Railhead: Gaya (78 kms.).

Road: Well connected