Rajgir (Bihar, India)

A mixture of natural beauty and spiritual significance, Rajgir is closely connected to the life of Buddha. Rajgir, which means royal mountains, is a beautiful town enveloped in emeralds of seven hill locks. The town is located in the Nalanda district and has two parts, the ancient Rajgir surrounded by hilltops and the other part founded in the Magadha empire. The serenity and peace while in Rajgir on the Buddhist tour package make perfect sense in its connection with lord Gautam Buddha. The perfect picture of Buddhist nature and ideology attracts hundreds of thousands of people here throughout the year. Rajgir is mentioned in the scriptures of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain scriptures and also mentioned in the writings of Mauryan Empire travellers.

Rajgir is known as Rajagriha and has a history deeply rooted and intertwined with Buddhism. The city is ancient and has a noted history. However, the exact year of Rajgir's origin is not known but evidence suggests the city to be at least 3000 years old. It was the first capital of the Magadha empire which reigned somewhere between 7th and 4th century BCE and was even mentioned in Mahabharat. Along with Buddhism, Rajir is also closely associated with Jainism. Both Gautam Buddha and Lord Mahavir shared their teachings in Rajgir. Even on the Gridhakuta hill, Buddha gave some of his most renowned teachings including the heart sutra and fire sutra. Rajgir also has witnessed pivotal moments of Buddha's life. King Bimbisara of the Magadh empire offered the Veluvana Monastery, a retreat for rains, to Gautam Buddha. Saptaparni cave near Rajgir is the place where the first Buddhist council after the death of Gautam Buddha was held. There are various stupas, monasteries, and caves associated with Buddha's life that attract countless devotees from all around the world.

Mythology mentions Rajgir in the kingdom of Jarasandh, a powerful ruler of Magadh and a nemesis of Krishna. King Jarasandh was killed in an epic wrestling match with Bhima, one of the Pandavas in Mahabharat. There is a place named Jarasandh's Akhada, which is believed to be present at the place where he was believed to be killed. The city remained the capital of Magadh till the 5th century BCE when Ajatshatru made Patliputra (Now Patna) the new capital of his kingdom.

Surrounded by emerald green hills, Rajgir is pulsating with history, spirituality, and the life and legacy of Buddha's life. The varied attractions make it ideal for pilgrims and history buffs. The most significant destination, Vulture Peak (Griddhakuta hill), was the most favoured spot for Buddha's discourse. He delivered his essence of enlightenment under the shades of the ancient trees on this hill. One can take the scenic ropeway to witness the natural calmness of the place. Take a walk on the serene grounds of Venuvana vihara which permeates Buddha's wisdom. It was a gift to him by King Bimbisara and one can transport back to the time in the peaceful atmosphere of the monastery. The chambers of Saptaparni Cave, the first Buddhist council site, are the place where some crucial decisions for Buddhism religion were taken. Also, one can take the holy dip in the hottest Rajgir hot spring, Brahmakund, near the cave. The spring is revered in Hinduism and Jainism as it is in Buddhism. Other than these, there are some other historical attractions in Rajgir. Bimbisara Jail where King Ajatshatru imprisoned Bimbisara depicts the complex impact of power on human relationships. The ruins of Ajatshatru Fort signify the political struggles through this weathered fortification. Rajgir also has the Pandava Caves, the alleged hideout of Pandavas mentioned in Mahabharat, 40 kilometres long Cyclopean Wall encircling the ancient Rajgir city, and Swarna Bhandar, a royal treasury of King Bimbisara.

To experience Rajgir in the pleasant weather visit the place between the months of October and March. Also, Rajgir Railway station is well connected to all major cities of India making it easily accessible. To travel to Rajgir by air one can take a flight to Patna airport which is 90 kilometres from Rajgir.