Rajgir
is located in the eastern Indian state of Bihar. It is at a distance of 102
kms from capital city Patna and 34 kms from Gaya. Rajgir is a place of great
historical importance and a pilgrimage centre sacred to Hindus, Buddhists
and Jains. There is mention of Rajgir in the epic Mahabharata as well as
Buddhist and Jain texts. Lord Buddha lived here in the sixth century BC and
delivered some of his famous sermons at this place. Vardhman Mahavir also
spent 14 years of his life here. The monuments of Rajgir are reminders of
the religious significance this place had in history.
Best Season to Visit : February-April and August-November
Sightseeing at Rajgir -
Griddhakuta (Vulture's Peak) : A Peace Pagoda at the top of
Ratnagiri hills in Rajgir is a major attraction.This is the place where Lord
Buddha had delivered many important sermons. The Pagoda has been built by
the Buddha Sangh of Japan. Another attraction of the place is the presence
of a roapway which takes around 8 minutes to take tourists to the hill top.
From the top of the hill, a splendid view of Rajgir town is also available.
Swarna Bhandar : The twin rock-cut caves in Rajgir also attract
tourists in large numbers. It is believed that one of the cave was the
doorway to the treasury of King Bimbisara while another was the guard room.
According to folklore, the treasury is still intact but nothing has been
found by archeologists till now.
Jain Temples : Rajgir has over 25 Jain temples that were built in
different periods of time in history by the devotees of Lord Mahavir. The
temples are situated on top of mountains and look very beautiful from below.
Hot Springs : There are many hot water springs in Rajgir visited by
large number of tourists. It is believed that bathing in the springs can
cure diseases. The hot water springs are located at the foot of the Vaibhava
hills. Brahmaputra is the hottest spring where water temperature is 45
degrees. Separate bathing places have been built for the convenience of men
and women.
Some
of the other attractions of Rajgir are Ajatashatru's Fort, Bimbisara's Jail
and Jarasandha Ka Akhada.
Reaching Rajgir -
Air : The nearest landing facility is Loknayak Jai Prakash
International Airport of Patna at a distance of 100 kms.
Rail : Bhakhtiyarpur at a distance of 54 Kms from Rajgir is the
nearest railway station.
Road : There is a good road network to Rajgir from other important
destinations of Bihar like Patna and Bodh Gaya.
STD/ISD Codes -
if dialing from India to Rajgir : 06119 (number)
if dialing from outside India to Rajgir : +9106119 (number)
Shopping in Rajgir -
Though there is nothing unique to buy in Rajgir, the local handicrafts of
the place can be purchased. Many tourists also buy small religious items
like beads, incense sticks etc. Small vendors could be seen putting up
stalls near the many tourist attractions of the place.
Rajgir Attractions
Temples in Bihar
