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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.
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