Rajgir

Introduction
When Buddha and Mahavira were preaching their respective agog-disciples centuries ago, this place- known as 'Rajagriha'( Place of Royalty) or 'Girivajra' then- was also an eye-witness to the golden moments. Lord Buddha spent many Vassavasa (monsoon retreat) here. He used to dive into meditation and preachings on 'Griddhakuta' or 'The Hill of Vultures'. This was the site where he returned just after the attainment of enlightenment. Lord Buddha converted king Bimbisara among many others to his sect at Rajagriha itself. The teachings of Buddha were also collected here after Buddha's demise. This first Buddhist council was held in the Saptaparni Cave, oldest in the Rajgir.

Lord Mahavira, the great Jain leader, also spent 14 monsoon retreats here and at Nalanda during his entire missionary life of 32 years. He delivered his first sermon on Vipulachala Hill at Rajgir. Everyone of the 11 chief disciples of Mahavira is said to have died on the Rajgriha hills.

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Location & Climate
Enveloped by green-covered hills, Rajgir is just 15 kms from Nalanda, another famous tourist place in the Indian state of Bihar. The climate is almost soothing here. The temprature varies from 40 degrees C to 20 degrees C during summers and 28 degrees C to 6 degrees C during winters. Approximate rain fall during monsoons (Mid-June to Mid-September) is 186 cms. The most suitable time to visit the place is between Octobar to March.


Sightseeing
This Buddhist pilgrimage can make you cry... like Fa Hein. The Chinese scholar 900 years ago, literally wept that he had not been fortunate enough to listen to the sermons of Lord Buddha! Lest you regret more for delaying the trip to Rajgir so far. So, plan earliest possible and witness the unwavering and still-thriving curiosity for the unknown.

» Vishva Shanti Stupa : This ancient jewel of marble is placed on a 400-meter-high hill. The four shining Buddha statues are placed at the four corners of the Stupa.

» Ajatshatru's Fort : This objet d'art of Buddha period is 6 kms from Rajgir railway station. This fort, as it is also evident from its name, was built by king Ajatshatru. It is believed that he imprisoned king Bimbisara in the jail housed in it.

» Venu Vana Monastry : This residential complex was the first gift of king Bimbisara to the Lord. Its artistic perfection is awe-inspiring.

» Griddhakuta Hill : Lord Buddha professed his law of motion or Dharma Pravartana Chakra on its peak. He is said to have continued his sermons to his followers even during monsoon. Buddhists of Japan have built a Shanti Stupa or Peace Pagoda at the very place.

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This first recorded capital of Indian history is just a village now. The cyclopian wall encircling the village and the marks engraved in the rock (linked with the Lord Krishna's chariot) include the precious historical remains. So, this place is also a testimony to the chronicle described in Mahabharata.


Accommodation Options
One can avail world-class accommodation facilities at Rajgir. The names of some hotels are given below. Hotel Indo Hokke is a Japanese hotel and the last three hotels are being managed by B.S.T.D.C. or state tourism department.

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Accessibility
You can travel by air upto its nearest airoport Patna, 100 kms from here. If you prefer train journey, then the nearest convenient railway station is Gaya, 78 kms. Although Rajgir itself is connected by railways. It is also well-connected with Patna by road.

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