|
Rajgir, the land of temples and monasteries lies in the eastern part of India, in the present state of Bihar. It is a well known area in the district of Nalanda and was the first capital of the kingdom of Magadha, which was later developed into the Mauryan Empire. The exact date of its origin is still vague.
Location
Rajgir is situated 15 kilometers from Nalanda. You can easily reach Rajgir from Patna and Bakhtiarpur through railways and roadways. It is spread around 100 kilometers from Patna and Mokameh. Bakhtiarpur falls in between Patna and Mokameh.
History
Like many other places in India, Rajgir too has its own historical background. The word ‘Rajgir’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘rajagrha’ means ‘royal home’. Rajgir was the capital city of the Magadha kings before Pataliputra until the 5th century BC.
|
According to the epic Mahabhartha, it is called girivraja and it recalls the tale of a battle fought between the Pandav brothers and their friend Krishna with
Jarasandha. There was duel between Bhima, one of the
Pandavas, and Jarasandha, the king of Rajgir.
Based on the work of the Chinese Buddhist pilgrim, Xuanzang, the site was divided into old Rajgir and new
Rajgir. The low lying hills surround the old Rajgir. Gautam Buddha spent his few years at new Rajgir meditating and preaching. It was at Rajgir where the teachings of Lord Buddha were written down and the first Buddhist council was also set up. It is one of the most important pilgrimage centres both for the Buddhist and the
Jains. |
 |
Attraction
Rajgir is surrounded by the hills and green forests in a valley. Not only is this place famous for its temples and monasteries but there are other places that are worth seeing. King Bimbisara was imprisoned by Ajatshatru at Bimbisara jail and the dedicated Mauryan king chose to spend the few days of his life in the jail. The Vishwa Shanti Stupa was constructed by the Japanese on top of the 400 meter high Ratnagiri hill. This monastery represents the birth, enlightenment, preaching and death of Gautam Buddha.
At the Griddhakuta hill, Lord Buddha converted the great Mauryan king, Bimbisara, one of his most celebrated followers to Buddhism. The Cyclopean wall, once 40 kilometers long built of massive stone structure encompassed the old Rajgir. Jarasandh Ka Akhara is the place where the combat between Bhima and Jarasandh took place. Apart from all these tourist spots, other famous places are Sonbhandar caves, Pippala cave, Hot Springs, Chariot Route Marks, Venu Vana and Jain temple. Rajgir also has resort with warm water ponds which is said to contain skin-curing medicinal properties.
|
