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BUDDHIST DESTINATION |
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BUDDHIST SITES |
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| RAJGIR |
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The ancient Rajgriha or Giriraja � the capital of Magadh was a flourishing city in the days of Lord Mahavira and Lord Buddha in 6th century BC. The sitre is located 21 kms. from Biharsharif district headquarter in the state of Bihar.
The site is actually a valley completely enclosed by the hills which form the northern limit of Gaya range flanking the south of Ganga Plains, with two natural passes serving as gates between north and south. Its physical position pointed to a naturally a fortified area. It was the capital of Magadh in ancient times till about fifth century BC, when the capital was shifted to Patliputra (Modern Patna).
A continuous and bastioned dry stone fortification wall with a circuit of about 40 kms. runs over the top of the each hill and there are the subsidiary partition walls cutting across valley. These ruins of places are associated with Lord Buddha. Religious edifices and places connected with Him have been chiefly identified on the basis of account left by the Chinese pilgrims. Therefore, Rajgir is a site of great sanctity and significance for Buddhists all over the world. |
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| Rajgir Attractions |
Shanti Stupa - This is an immence white structure situated on the top of the hill Ratnagiri and is the main Buddhist attraction at Rajgir. This houses four gold statues representing Buddha's birth, enlightenment, teaching and death.
Gridhakuta Hill - Gridhakuta Hill was the favourite place of Lord Buddha, where he delivered many discourses after he attained enlightenment. It was here that he gave two important sutras the Lotus Sutra and the Prajnaparamita.
Ancient Ruins - There are many sites including ruins of the ancient city, caves, and places associated with Ajatasatru and king Bimbisara can be seen here. Here one can see the Ajatasatru's fort built in 5th century BC where the emperor had imprisoned his father. The 1.5-km long outer wall was built by stone blocks.
Saptparni Cave - It was here, where the first Buddhist council was held after Buddha attained Nirvana. Also a Burmese temple, and a modern Japanese temple can be seen here. |
| How to Reach |
Air - The nearest airport is at Gaya but Patna Airport, in the state capital, is better than Gaya in terms of infrastructure and connections.
Rail - Though Rajgir has a railway station, Gaya is a more convenient railway station, which is 78 km from Rajgir and connects all the major cities of India.
Road - Excellent motorable road network connects the town to some of the major cities of Bihar and India. Some of the major road distances are Patana-102 km, Nalanda - 12 km and Gaya - 34km.
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