Rajgir is an ancient city in the northeast state of Bihar, India. The name Rajgir came from Rājagṛiha, meaning “house of the king” or “royal house”, or the word Rajgir might have its origin in its plain literal meaning, “royal mountain”. The city of Rajgir was the first capital of the kingdom of Magadha, Surrounded by hills, it’s known for its holy sites. he city finds mention in India’s greatest literary epic, the Mahabharata, through its king Jarasandha. Its date of origin is unknown, although ceramics dating to about 1000 BC have been found in the city.
The 2,500-year old remains of the Cyclopean Wall, which encircled the city centuries ago, still stand in the center. Close by, Venu Vana park was once home to a monastery built for Buddha. The shield-shaped Japanese Temple contains a huge Buddha statue. Nearby there are hot springs believed to have medicinal properties. This area is also notable in Jainism and Buddhism.[5] It was the birthplace of the 20th Jain Tirthankar Munisuvrata, and is closely associated with the arihant Mahavira and Gautama Buddha.[6] Both Mahavira and Buddha taught their beliefs in Rajgir during the 6th and 5th century BC, and the Buddha was offered a forest monastery here by king Bimbisara. T
he ancient Nalanda university was located in the vicinity of Rajgir, and the contemporary Nalanda University named after it was founded in 2010. On one of the hills is the Saptaparni Cave where the First Buddhist Council was held under the leadership of Maha Kassapa. There are numerous places worth visiting in and around Rajgir, these include the renowned Son Bhandar Caves. There are two caves known as eastern and western cave concerned with Jainism and considered to belong to 3–4 century AD.
Rajgir has been a very important place in Jainism, as capital to many empires. The main tourist attractions include the ancient city walls from Ajatshatru’s period, the Bimbisar’s Jail, Jarasandh’s Akhara, Gridhra-kuta, (‘Hill of the Vultures’), Son Bhandar Caves and the Jain temples on the five peaks.Rajgir is famous for its hot water springs, locally known as Brahmakund, ta a sacred place for Hindus where water from seven different springs (Saptarshi) merge and is notable for its healing effects. Another major attraction is the peace pagoda, Vishwa Shanti Stupa, built in 1969, one of the 80 peace pagodas in the world, to spread the message of peace and non-violence.
It is the oldest peace pagoda in India. One of the latest attractions is the 200 ft glass bridge which is set amid five hills, the bridge will offer adventure seekers the much-needed thrill. The bridge in Bihar is built in line with China’s Hangzhou glass bridge. This 85 ft long and 6 ft wide bridge which is set to boost #tourism will be able to accommodate 40 visitors at a time. Another attraction is rope-way that leads to it is another attraction, which was gifted by Japanese spiritual leader Fuji Guruji in the 1960s.
The Japanese temple beside the Venu Vana is also worth visiting.Venu Vana is an artificial forest, where one can enjoy Eternal peace and was used by Budhha for meditation, and meditate and famous Makhdoom Kund. Sri Ramakrishna Math. Rajgir Heritage Museum is another place of Interest, The newly developed spot of Pandu Pokhar is worth visiting. The Sariputta Stupa located on the Peak Of Giriyak Hills, at some distance from Ghora Katora Lake.
Other places worth visiting are Pant Wildlife Sanctuary, Swarn Bhandar, Psndu Pokhar, Ghorakatora lake, Jivakameavan garden, Ajatshatru fort, Msaniyar mat\h, Pippala cave, and Karanda tank. The Rajgir Mahotsav is held every year from October 24 to 26. Classical dance, folk dance, music, and art performances are organized during this festival is worth a watch. The best time to visit Rajgir is from July to October although it is open to visit throughout the year. well connected by road and rail and air through Gaya there are several hotels and lodges that provide budget accommodation for tourist.
