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Information about
Rajgir |
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Rajgir or Rajgriha is easily accessible from Bodh Gaya and Patna. Rajagriha means the Royal Palace. Rajgir was the ancient capital city of the Magadha kings before Pataliputra, from around 800 B.C. Rajgir is surrounded by the hills and lush green forests in a valley. Lord
Mahavir spent 14 rainy seasons in Rajgir and the 20th century Tirthankara was also born here. This place is a sacred pilgrimage centre for both the Buddhists and Jains as it is associated with the Buddha and Lord Mahavir,
who taught here for many years. Rajgir has also become a
popular health resort due to the natural hot springs. |
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History of Rajgir |
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The Buddha liked Rajgir and often came here to retreat at the Jivakamaravana monastery in a beautiful orchard. One of his most devoted and prosperous devotees and surgeon Jivaka also lived here. The rich merchant community also soon became the Buddha’s followers and built many structures of typical Buddhist architecture in Rajgir. The Buddha also converted the great Mauryan king Bimbisara, one of his most celebrated followers at the Griddhakuta
hill, where he delivered many of his sermons as well. The
Buddha also spent most of his summers on one of its hills
which is now the main pilgrimage centre. After the Buddha
reached ‘parinirvana’ his followers met at the first Buddhist
Council ever held. It was here that the teachings of the
Buddha were written down for the first time. |
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Tourist Attractions in
Rajgir |
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The various tourist attractions in Rajgir are Bimbisara Jail, Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Saptaparni Cave and Griddhakuta hill. |
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Griddhakuta Hill
Griddhakuta Hill, the Hill of Vultures is the place where the Buddha converted the great Mauryan king Bimbisara, one of his most celebrated followers and delivered many of his sermons. He also spent most of his summers on this hill. The old stone leading up the hill is attributed to Bimbisara. It was also used by the Hiuen-Tsang in the 7th century and still provides the best access. There are rock-cut steps which leads to the two natural caves, several plaques and the Buddhist shrines.
Saptaparni Cave
Saptaparni Cave is situated on the Vaibhara Hill. It is the place where the first Buddhist council was held after the 6 months of Buddha's death and his teachings were written down for the first time. |
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Vishwa Shanti Stupa
Vishwa Shanti Stupa is the stupa which was built by the Japanese on the top of the Ratnagiri hill. This stupa can be reached by an aerial ropeway and dedicated to the world peace. This large white monastery has four golden statues of the Buddha representing his birth, enlightenment, preaching and death. The Japanese also built a large temple, known as the Nipponzan
Myohoji.
Bimbisara Jail
Bimbisara Jail reminds one of the devoted Maurayan King Bimbisara, who, being a Buddhist, chose this as a place to spend his last days. From here he could see Buddha climbing up the Grihakuta Hill to do his meditation. |
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Other Places
The other places of tourist interest in Rajgir are Saptdhara, the hot springs which is believed to have healing powers; Venuvan Vihara, the residence built by the king Bimbisarra for Buddha; Jivaka’s Mango grove, residence of an ardent Buddhist follower, Jivak who was a surgeon; Karanda Tank, the bathing place of Lord Buddha and Jivakamarvana momastery, the place which contains the ruins of Buddha's favourite retreat within the valley. The Ajatashatru’s Fort is another place of tourist attraction. The sculpture which depicts the ‘Parinirvana’, or the ‘great cessation’ of Buddha is another monument of artistic and historical importance. It shows the Buddha lying on his right side with the right forearm resting under his head to commemorate the final salvation or Mukti, of the great founder of Buddhist Faith. |
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Festivals |
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Maker Mela Fair is the main festival which is celebrated in the month of January for 7 days at Rajgir. |
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How to get
there |
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By Air:
The nearest airport is located in Patna, about 102 kms. away.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is also located in Patna. Rajgir is also connected by rail with Patna and Bakhtiarpur on the main line of the eastern railway.
By Road:
Rajgir is connected by road to Bodh Gaya, Patna, Nalanda and
Gaya.
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