All About Rajgir | राजगीर

Rajgir is an ancient city in Nalanda district about 100 km Patna Airport. It finds mention in the Mahabharata as the kingdom of Jarasandha, the arch nemesis of Krishna and his Yadava clan. While the exact date of Rajgir’s foundation is not known, the city is believed to be about 3000 years old. The city of Rajgir was the first capital of the kingdom of Magadha, a state that would eventually evolve into the Mauryan Empire. The city finds mention in India's greatest literary epic, the Mahabharata, through its king Jarasandha. King Jarasandha was slain by Bhima in an epic wrestling match. An arena known as Jarasandha’s Akhada stands at the place where it is believed the wrestling match took place.

Besides the Mahabharata, the city has also been mentioned in ancient scriptures of the Jains and Buddhists as well as in diaries of Buddhist travelers who visited the region during the Mauryan era. Its date of origin is unknown, although ceramics dating to about 1000 BC have been found in the city. The 2,500-year old Cyclopean Wall is located in the city.

The area around Rajgir is also notable in Jainism and Buddhism. It was the birthplace of the 20th Jain Tirthankar Munisuvrata, and is closely associated with the Arihant Mahavira and Gautama Buddha. Both Mahavira and Buddha taught their beliefs in Rajgir during the 6th and 5th century BC, and the Buddha was offered a forest monastery here by king Bimbisara. As such, the city of Rajgir became one of the Buddha's most important preaching locations.

History

King Bimbisara welcomes Buddha in Rajgir (Rajagriha)

Rajgir is also famous for its association with Haryanka dynasty Kings Bimbisara (558–491 BC) and Ajatashatru (492–460 BC) as their capital city. Ajatashatru kept his father Bimbsara in captivity here. The sources do not agree which of the Buddha's royal contemporaries, Bimbisara and Ajatashatru, was responsible for its construction. Ajatashatru is also credited with moving the capital to Pataliputra (modern Patna).

The name Rajgir came from Rājagṛiha, meaning "house of the king" or "royal house". It was the ancient capital city of the Magadha kings until the 5th century BC when Udayin (460 to 440 BC), son of Ajatshatru, moved the capital to Pataliputra. In those days, it was called Rajgriha, which translates as 'the home of Royalty'.

According to Mahabharta Jarasandha who hailed from this Rajgir, had fought Krishna 17 times. The 18th time Krishna left the battlefield without fighting so as to prevent further life loss on both sides. Because of this Krishna is also called 'Ranachorh' (one who has left the battlefield). Mahabharata recounts a wrestling match between Bhima (one of the Pandavas) and Jarasandha, the then king of Magadha. Jarasandha was invincible as his body could re-join any dismembered limbs. According to the legend, Bhim split Jarasandha into two and threw the two halves facing opposite to each other so that they could not join. There is a famous Jarasandha's Akhara (place where martial arts are practiced).

Gautama Buddha spent several months meditating, and preaching at Gridhra-kuta, ('Hill of the Vultures'). He also delivered some of his famous sermons and initiated king Bimbisara of Magadha and countless others to Buddhism. It was here that Budhha delivered his famous Atanatiya Sutra.

Rajgir is a very important religious place for Jains. The twentieth Jain Tirthankara, Munisuvrata is supposed to have been born here. An ancient temple(about 1200 years old) dedicated to Munisuvrat bhagwan is also present here along with many other Jain temples. This temple is also a place for four Kalyanakas of Bhagwan Munisuvratnath.

Places to see in Rajgir/Things to do in Rajgir

Historically, Rajgir has been a very important place in Jainism, as capital to many empires. The main tourist attractions include the ancient city walls from Ajatshatru's period, the Bimbisar's Jail, Jarasandh's Akhara, The Krishna Charriot wheel mark, Rajgir Hot Spring / Brahmakund, Gridhra-kuta, ('Hill of the Vultures'), Son Bhandar Caves & Vishva Shanti Stupa & Ropeway.

Son Bhandar Caves/Swarn Bhandar

Son Bhandar Rajgir image

The Son Bhandar caves, also Sone bhandar, are two artificial caves located in Rajgir. They belonged to the Jains. The caves are generally dated to the 3rd or 4th century CE, based on the dedicatory inscription found in the largest cave which uses Gupta script of the 4th century CE, although some authors have suggested the caves could actually go back to the period of the Maurya Empire from 319 to 180 BCE. The main cave is rectangular with a pointed ceiling, and the entrance is trapezoidal, reminiscent of the structure of the Barabar Caves (the first artificial caves of India, dated the 3rd century BCE). The quality of the "Mauryan polish" and the finish are nevertheless much inferior. The stone of Son Bhandar is also much less hard than the granite of the Barabar caves, and therefore did not require the same degree of effort and technique.

It is believed that there are hidden gold treasures behind the stone walls. The Secret Password is lies in Script written on the wall, it’s not decoded till now. Its people belief and we respect their belief.

According to this inscription these caves were built by inspiration of a Jain Muni Vair for Jain ascetics. Sculptures of Teerthankaras were also carved in these caves. From architectural aspect; these caves are analogous to Nagarjuni cave and Barabar Caves caves of Mauryan era. Therefore, it can be concluded that construction time should not be much differ from above mentioned caves.

Rajgir Hot Spring / Brahmakund

Hot Spring Rajgir Brahmakund Rajgir hd image download

Rajgir Hot Spring / Brahmakund

Rajgir Hot Spring / Brahmakund is at a distance of 3 km from Rajgir Railway Station, Rajgir Hot Springs are the sacred natural water springs in Rajgi, Situated near Pandu Pokhar, it is one of the popular hot water springs in Bihar and among the prominent places of pilgrimage in Rajgir.

Situated at the foot of the Vaibhava Hill, Hot Water Springs are one of the most popular attractions of Rajgir. There are around seven Hot Springs in Rajgir which are considered to be sacred places for Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The water comes from the seven streams known as Saptadhara that are believed to originate from the Saptaparni Caves at the top of the hill. The Brahmakund Spring is regarded as the most sacred one as well as the hottest one with a temperature of around 45 degrees Celsius.

The Hot Springs are also known for their medicinal values which help to cure many skin ailments. The water from the spring is collected in an enclosure, which is accessible by a stairs.

Above the Brahma Kund leads to Pippala cave, a massive stone structure with grottos on all sides. It has been identified as the Pippala stone house, which was frequented by Buddha and later his disciples. It is named after the Pipal tree at the cave's entrance that is said to have been occasionally visited by the Buddha for meditation after his midday meal. The structure is popularly known as 'Jarasandh ki Baithak' after King Jarasandh who figures in the text of the Mahabharata. One can also visit Lakshmi Narayan Temple located beside the hot spring.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free

Bimbisara's Jail

According to the Buddhist literature, King Bimbisara’s impatient son and heir Ajatashatru, after become King had imprisoned his father King Bimbisara here. The captive king chose this site for his incarceration, for, from this spot he could see Lord Buddha climbing up to his mountain retreat atop the Griddhakuta hill. There is a clear view of the Japanese Pagoda. The stupa of peace was built on the top of the hill.

Jarasandh Ka Akhara

Magadh’s great majestic king Jarasandha’s capital was Grivarj which is known today by the name of Rajgir. According to the Mahabharta, this is where Bhima fought Jarasandha and Bhima rips apart Jarasandha’s body into two and threw in two opposite directions to prevent it from re-joining and hence successfully killing Jarasandha in the process.

Chariot Route Marks /Krishna Chariot Wheel Marks Rajgir

Chariot Route Marks is located at a distance of 6 Kms from Rajgir railway station. It takes around 14 minutes to reach this place by road from there.

Chariot Route Marks are also known as Chariot wheel marks as it is believed to be made by the chariot’s wheels of Lord Krishna during Mahabharata times. According to the legend, when he arrived in Rajgir, these 30 feet long deep marks were formed over rocks on his way due to the high speed and power of the Chariot.

Adding to the mystery, an engraved and still to be decrypted script around the Chariot route marks make this spot in Rajgir a must visit for tourists. This engraved script is estimated to be written between 1AD and 5AD. This makes this place one of the mysterious places in India and important tourist attraction in Bihar.

Gridhrakuta, ('Hill of the Vultures') Rajgir

The Vulture Peak also known as the Holy Eagle Peak or Gádhrakúta, was the Buddha's favourite retreat in Rajgir and the scene for many of his discourses.

Vulture Peak Mountain is, by tradition, one of several sites frequented by the Buddha and his community of disciples for both training and retreat. Its location is frequently mentioned in Buddhist texts in the Pāli and in the Mahayana sutras as the place where the Buddha gave certain sermons. Among the sermons are the Heart Sutra, the Lotus Sutra and the Śūraṅgama Samādhi Sūtra as well as many prajnaparamita sutras.

Vishwa Shanti Stupa & Ropeway

Ropeway & Vishva shanti Stupa Rajgir

Ropeway at Rajgir: Bihar’s only ropeway is said to be the oldest in the country. It is a single-person ropeway that runs at the top of Ratnagiri Hill. It leads to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda), Makhdoom Kund and monasteries built by Japanese devotees of the Buddha on top of the Ratnagiri Hills. Treat yourself to the scenic views of Rajgir city when you are enjoying the ropeway ride.

Timings for Ropeway Open now

January to March: 08:00 am - 05:00 pm

October to December: 08:00 am - 05:00 pm

8:15 am to 1: 00 pm, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Ticket: 80 Indian Rupees

The Japanese temple

The Japanese temple is beside the Venu Vana. Venu Vana is an artificial forest, where one can enjoy Eternal peace and was used by Budhha for meditation, and meditate and Surya Kund, which is famous for Chhath festivities. Sri Ramakrishna Math is a non-political spiritual organization which have been engaged in various forms of humanitarians, social service activities.

Other Attractions in Rajgir

Naulakha Jain Mandir

Rajgir Heritage Museum is another place of Interest, recently inaugurated by CM Nitish Kumar.

The newly developed spot of Pandu Pokhar is worth visiting. The Sariputta Stupa is located on the Peak Of Giriyak Hills, at some distance from Ghora Katora Lake.

Glass Floor Bridge in Rajgir

One can experience the thrill of sky walking, a glass bridge is being laid amidst five rocky hills in Rajgir in Bihar. Estimated to be 85 feet long and 6 feet wide, this bridge will have the capacity to accommodate a total of 40 tourists at a single time. it is the first glass bridge of Bihar will also come accompanied with a number of other adrenaline-fueled attractions. It will let tourists enjoy nature safari within the 500-acre Budh Marg. A new and advanced ropeway is on its way, which will feature 18 glass cabins. Each cabin can accommodate 8 tourists and traverse 750 meters within 5 minutes.

Walking on Suspension Bridge is a great experience with natural view.

Where to stay in Rajgir

There are some good hotels are available in Rajgir, Visitors can explore the same through travel website.

How to Reach Rajgir

Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation provides travel facility from state capital Patna to visit Bodh circuit (Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, Kesaria, Lumbini, Kushinagar, Sarnath), Jain Circuit (Rajgir, Pawapuri) and Sikh Circuit in Bihar.

By Air: The nearest is Gaya International Airport, Gaya which is 78 km & 100 Km from Patna Airport

By Rail: Rajgir railway station connects the city to other parts of country yet the nearest convenient railhead is at Gaya Junction railway station 78 km. The Bakhtiyarpur-Gaya line provides improved rail connectivity to many places. It is one of the destinations of the prestigious Buddhist pilgrimage train of Indian Railways Mahaparinirvan Express.

By Road: Rajgir is connected by road to Patna 110 km, Nalanda 12 km, Gaya 78 km, Pawapuri 19 km.

Bus: Regular buses are available from all the above said points to Rajgir.

Local Transport: Taxis and Buses and Tongas are available.