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Rajgir

RajgirRajgir, meaning " the Royal Palace", (Raja Griha ) lies 12kms south of Patna. Rajgir is a site of great sanctity and significance for Buddhists.

The gridhakuta Hill, in Rajgir, was the seat from where Buddha delivered many of his sermons. It was here that the teachings of Buddha were recorded in writing for the first time. An aerial fopeway takes visitors up the hill where the Japanese have built a beautiful Stupa.

Many sites of historical and archaeological significance surround the holy city of Rajgir. Bimbisara Jail reminds one of the devoted Mauryan Kind Bimbisara (5th - 6th Century B.C.) who, being a Buddhist, choe this as a place to spend his last days. From here he could see Buddha climbing up the Grihakuta Hill to do his meditation.



Rajgir Ajatashatru's Fort is another place of tourist attraction The sculpture which depicts the 'Parinirvana' or the 'great cessation' of Buddha is another monument of artistic and historical improtance. It shows the Buddha lying on his right side with the right forearm resting under his head to commemorate the final salvation or 'Mukti', of the great founder of Buddhist Faith.

Other prominent sites of improtane at Rajgir include Saotdhara, the hot springs which supposedly have healing powers; Venuva Vihara, the residence built by the king Bimbisara for Buddha ; Jivaka's Mango grove, residence of an ardent Buddhist follower, Jivak who was a surgeon ; and the Karanda Tank, bathing site of Lord Buddha. Also the first Buddhist Council was convened here, at the Saptaparni Cave, after the Mahaparinirvana of Buddha.

Patna lies 102 kms from here and 34kms from here is Gaya.