Ragir Travel Guide
BRajgir, known earlier as 'Rajagriha' or Girivaraja, nestles in the
rocky hills, that witnessed the teachings of both Buddha and
Mahavira.Rajgir is 10km south of Nalanda and sacred to the memory of the
founder of both Buddhism and Jainism. Lord Buddha spent many months of
retreat during the rainy season here, and used to meditate and preach on
Griddhkuta, the 'Hill of the Vultures'. Lord Mahavir spent fourteen
years of his life at Rajgir and Nalanda.
It was in Rajgriha that Lord Buddha delivered some of his famous
sermons and converted king Bimbisara of the Magasha Kingdom and
countless others to his creed. Once a great city, Rajgir is just a
village today, but vestiges of a legendary and historical past remain,
like the cyclopean wall that encircles the town and the marks engraved
in rock that local folklore ascribes to Lord Krishna's chariot. This
legend, like many others associates Rajgir to that distant time when the
stirring events recorded in the epic Mahabharata were being enacted.
Getting There:
By Air : The nearest airport is Patna 100 k.m. away.
By Rail : The nearest mainline is Bhakhtiyarpur, 54
km, though the top line connects Rajgir
By Road: Hundred kilometre southest of Patna, Rajgir
is connected by an excellent road to Patna as well as to Bodh Gaya,
which is 70 kms away. The ancient university, Nalanda, is just 11 km
from here.
Tourist Attractions:
Vishwa Shanti Stupa
The Vishwa Shanti Stupa is on a 400 m high hill and is built in marble.
The four shining statues of Buddha are on the four sides of the stupa.
Venu Vana Monastery
King Bimbisar built Venu Vana Monastery as residential quarters for
Lord Buddha. It was the very first present to Lord Buddha by the king.
Ajatshatru's Fort
Ajatshatru's Fort, built in sixth century BC, is situated around six km
from the Rajgir railway station. The fort was. Bimbisara's jail is also
situated here where, according to the legends, he was imprisoned by
Ajatshatru.
Griddhakoota Hill
At Griddhakoota Hill, Lord Buddha set in a motion his second wheel of
law or Dharma Pravartan Chakra. Continuously for three months, he gave
religious sermons to his followers even during the rainy season. The
Buddha Sangha of Japan has constructed a massive modern stupa, the
Shanti Stupa or the Peace Pagoda at the top of the hill to commemorate
the event.
