Rajgir

The complex of temples and monasteries, Rajgir, Bihar is situated at a distance of 15 kms. from Nalanda. The place being located in a valley has a wonderful scenic beauty & charm. When Pataliputra was not established, Rajgir was the capital of Magadh Mahajanpad & it was then called as Rajgrih which means the home of Royalty. The place is encircled by five holy hills. It lies at a distance of approximately 34 km from the city of Gaya.

  -   Chief Attractions:

  -   Shanti Stupa:
The Vishwa Shanti Stup, located on a 400 meter high hill, is built in marble & there are four sparkling statues of Buddha in the four corners. There is the   -  Ropeways  -   to reach the top.
  -   Venu Vana:
The monastery of Venuvana Vihar was built by king Bimbisara. This was his first offering to Lord Buddha. .

  -   Sonbhandar Caves:
Two strange cave chambers were hollowed out of a single massive rock. It is one of the most-visited tourist spots in Rajgir.
  -   Bimbisar jail:
King Bimbisara here imprisoned Ajatashatru.

  -   Veerayatan:
There is a Jain Temple and Museum.

  -   Jarashand ka Akhara:
According to a legend, this is the place where Bhima and Jarasandh fought one of the Mahabharat battles.

  -   Jivakameavan Gardens:
It was the seat of the Royal Physician's dispensary where Lord Buddha was once looked after by Jivaka.

  -   Jain Temple:
One can see about 26 Jain Temples on the hilltop around Rajgir.

  -   Pippala cave:
Above the hot springs on the Vaibhava Hill, there is a cave called Pippala Cave.

  -   Swarn Bhandar:
It is said that it was a store of Gold of King Jarashandh. It is heard that a script is written on a stone which is the code to unlock the door.

  -   Chariot Route Marks:
Here are the marks of the chariot when Lord Krishna entered the city of Rajgir during the epic Mahabharata times.

  -   Hot Springs:
At the foot of Vaibhava Hill, there are separate bathing places for men and women. The hottest of the springs is the Brahmakund with a temperature of 45 degree Centigrade.

  -   Saptparni Cave:
Saptparni Cave is the place of the first Buddhist council, which was held after the attainment of Nirvana by Lord Buddha.

  -   Gridhakuta Hill:
After his enlightenment, Lord Buddha delivered many discourses here, of which the two most important are the Lotus Sutra and the Prajnaparamita.