Rajgir, literally the Abode of Kings, is a small town situated to the east of Patna, in the Indian state of Bihar. It is a place that concurs with the Buddhist expedition. It is also well known for its Jain temples that are crowned over its many picturesque hills. It was this city that had embraced the young prince Siddhartha who had renounced materialism in a bid to seek the Higher Truth.
Rajgir, which means 'house of the king', was the ancient capital city of the Magadha kings until the 5th century BC when Ajatashatru moved the capital to Pataliputra. In those days, it was called Rajgrih, which translates as ‘the home of Royalty’ It is sacred to the memory of the founders of both the religions: Buddhism and Jainism. It was here that Gautam Buddha spent several months meditating, and preaching at Griddhkuta, (‘Hill of the Vultures'). He also delivered some of his famous sermons and converted King Bimbisara of Magadha and countless others to his religion. Lord Mahavira spent fourteen years of his life at Rajgir and Nalanda, spending chaturmas (i.e. 4 months of the rainy season) at a single place in Rajgir (Rajgruhi) and the rest in the places in the vicinity. It was the capital of his favourite shishya (follower) king Shrenik. Thus Rajgir is a very important religious place for Jains also. Rajgir is also famous for its association with Shishunaga Kings Bimbisara and Ajatashatru. Ajatashatru kept his father Bimbsara in captivitiy here.
Source: wikipedia
A tourist visa applicable for the entire country (India) is sufficient.
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the acceptable form of currency here. There are no foreign exchange facilities here so its best to get your money changed at Patna or other major cities before arriving here.
By Air: The nearest domestic airport is at Patna (100 kms away).
International Flight:
There are no direct connecting international flights to Rajgir. The nearest international airport is Kolkata [500 kms approx.]
By Road: Rajgir lies about 100 kms east of Patna. The National Highway Number 82 passes through Rajgir and one needs to take a diversion. While continuing ahead on that National Highway,one can reach Bodh Gaya. There are regular buses from Gaya and Patna to Rajgir.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is at Gaya, about 16 kms away from Bodh Gaya. It is about 70 kms away from Rajgir. Another station is Bhaktiyarpur about 54 kms away from Rajgir. There are 2 daily trains from Rajgir to Patna with stops at Nalanda and Pawapuri.
Gridhakuta: Also known as the Vulture's Peak, is mentioned in Buddhist literatures as one of the places where Buddha stayed when he was at Rajgir. It is now crowned by the Japanese-built Shanti Stupa and has a chairlift to the top.
Pipphali House or Cave: This is a place mentioned in the Pali Canon. The Pali Canon is the standard scripture collection of the Theravada Buddhist tradition as preserved in the Pali language. This is where Maha Kassapa is recorded to have stayed a few times when he was ill. Mah%u0101k%u0101%u015Byapa or K%u0101%u015Byapa was a brahman of Magadha who became one of the principal disciples of Buddha and who convened and directed the first council. He is one of the most revered of the Buddha's early disciples. He is often depicted in statuary together with Ananda, each standing to one side of the Buddha.
Venuvana: King Bimbisara gave a bamboo grove (Venuvana) to Lord Buddha which was the first Buddhist monastery ever. It was given to Buddha so that he and his monks could take rest here and give discourses to people.
Jivakarama: Here are the remains of the monastery called Jivakambavana. It is named after Jivaka, the greatest physician of Buddha's time, was from Rajgir.
Saptaparni Cave: This is the place where the First Buddhist Council was held under the leadership of Maha Kassapa. Also Buddha sometimes stayed here and it was used as an accommodation for visiting monks.
Lakshmi Narayan Mandir: This temple is known for its ancient hot springs. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort, Goddess Lakshmi. In more ancient times, hot springs used to be the site of the Tapodarama, a Buddhist monastery at the time of Gautama Buddha. Also King Bimbisara used to take his bath here sometimes
Ruins of an Old Fort and 40 km long and 12 ft wide 2500 year old cyclopean walls.
Bimbisara's Jail, ancient Chariot Tracks, the Karnada Tank where Lord Buddha used to bathe
The performances and shows depend on the festivals, and other traditions of the localities in the region. Buddha Jayanti and Mahavir Jayanti are celebrated with much fanfare in Rajgir and Bodh Gaya.
Where To Eat:
There are a lot of eateries and joints in and around Rajgir where one can enjoy the local cuisine.
Where To Stay:
Many people prefer making Patna as their base. But since Bodh Gaya is a popular destination for Buddhist pilgrims and even Rajgir has a large number of Jain and Buddhist travelers, a lot of hotels and boarding and lodging centers are easy to find.
One can collect a lot of books on Buddhism, Jainism and Lord Buddha in local shops around Rajgir.
Rajgir is one of the most culturally rich places in India. It is also home to two of the most revered religions in the world, namely, Buddhism and Jainism. If you are a devout follower of these faiths then Rajgir is one place that one cannot afford to miss.
