Rajgir
"House of the King" is an important religious
place for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. This ancient
town has reference in Mahabharata, Buddhist and
Jain texts. Lord Buddha lived here in the sixth
century BC while Vardhman Mahavir spent 14 years
here. It was in Rajgir that Lord Buddha delivered
some of his famous sermons. King Bimbisara of the
Magadha Kingdom got converted here. A small town,
Rajgir is witness to a glorious and legendary past.
The historical monuments here presents the real
scene of the glorious past. The monuments are said
to be built by the business class who devoted themselves
to Buddha. Jivaka, the legendary physician of Magadha
kingdom, also resided here and once served Buddha
for illness. Lately, the Japanese have built a Stupa
on top of the Ratnagiri hill, linked by a rope way.
It was here that the teachings of Buddha were penned
down for the first time. Rajgir also has the Nipponzan
Myohoji, the Japanese temple, and the Centaur Hokke
Club which offers some traditional facilities to
Japanese pilgrims.
Major Tourist Attractions in Rajgir :
Amaravana (Jivaka's Mango Garden)
Jivaka,
the royal physician during the times of Ajatshatru
and Bimbisara used to practice here. It is said
that lord Buddha was also brought here for a cure
of a wound.
Swarna
Bhandar
The twin
Rock-cut caves, are supposed to be the doorway to
the treasury of King Bimbisara. One of the cave
is said to be the guard room. While the other is
supposed to be the passage to king Bimbisara's treasury.
The treasure, according to folklore, is still intact.
The
Cyclopean Wall
The 40 km long wall encircles ancient Rajgir. Built
from massive pieces of stones, it was constructed
before the Mauryan rule.
Griddhakuta
(Vulture's Peak)
At the top of Ratnagiri hill, where Lord Buddha
preached many inspiring sermons, a Peace Pagoda
has been built by the Buddha Sangh of Japan. There
is a roapway which takes around 8 minutes to take
tourists on the top. It gives a splendid view of
Rajgir.
Jain
Temples
There
are more than 25 Jain temples around Rajgir. Situated
on mountains, they are approached easily by those
who love trekking.
Hot
Springs
The hot
springs are a major tourist attractions. They are
at the foot of the Vaibhava Hill. The hot water
is supposed to come from the 'Saptaparni Caves',
situated on top of the hill. Brahmaputra is the
hottest spring with water temperature being 45 degree
C. Separate bathing places for men and women have
been organised.
