Introduction: Rajgir literally means
"the house of kings". It was also the ancient capital
of king of Magadha. Rajgir is just 46 km far from Bodhgaya and it
important as the holy land where Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavir once
Resided. Rajgir is popularly known for Buddhist faith. Tourist mainly
lingers in this city for the history, myths and legends of Lord
Buddha. Lord Buddha resided here in this place for a long period
of time and preached many sermons. Another historical importance
of Rajgir is that this is the land where Lord Mahavir was born.
History: Rajgir from the historical point of view is a prominent
place in Bihar a state of India. It is the sacred place of both
Buddhism and Jainism. It is the place where Lord Buddha preached
his valuable sermons also the Birth Place of Lord Mahavir. The people
of Bihar passed through both the saints. Rajgir is 10 km in the
south of Nalanda. Buddha preached and meditated Grodhkuta, the "Hill
of the Vultures" and Lord Mahavir spent 14 years in Rajgir
and Nalanda. It is in the sermon of Rajgir that the king of Magadh,
Bimbisara got converted. It was once a city but now a village with
its historical values.
Place of interest: The place of Buddha's retreat is known as
Venuvana Vihara. The king Bimbisara offered this site to Lord Buddha.
It is the most tourist-attracting place of Rajgir. Griddhakuta is
another major tourist center of Rajgir. Buddha executed his second
wheel of law and also preached many sermons in this place during
the rainy season. There is a big stupa named shanti stupa built
by the Japanese sangh of Buddha. The Fort of Ajatashatru is also
an interesting place to see in Rajgir. Ajatashatru the king of Magadha
is believed to have built this fort. There is his stupa inside the
Fort.
Travel information: Patna is the nearest airport at 107 km from
Rajgir. Patna is well connected with the major cities of the country.
Bhaktiyarpur is the nearest railhead from Rajgir at a distance of
54 km. All the cities of Bihar and the neighboring states are comfortably
connected with Rajgir via Bhaktiyarpur. Roadways are the most convenient
source of local as well as interstate transportation. State buses
as well as private deluxe and air-conditioned buses are in service
for the travelers. Considering the climatic condition the best time
to visit Rajgir is between October and March. There is proper lodging
and dining facilities.
