|
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 ropeway 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 King Bimbisara (5th-6th
Century B.C.) who, being a Buddhist, chose this as a place to spend his lat days.
From here he could see Buddha climbing up the Grihakuta Hill to do his meditation.
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
importance. It shows the Buddha lying on his right resting under his head to
commemorate the final salvation or ‘Mukti’, of the great founder of the
Buddhist Faith.
Other prominent sites of
importance at Rajgir include Saptdhara, the hot springs which supposedly have
healing power; Venuvan 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.
| Excursion
Pawapuri: ( 35
km. )
Pawapuri is also known
as Apapuri, is a sacred Jain pilgrim centre. Jalmandir, a marble temple in
the centre of a big lotus tank, is the biggest attraction ... The temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavir,
the last and 24th Tirthankar of the Jain religion. There is a long bridge
(over 40 ft long and 4 ft in width) inside the tank for reaching the temple.
The surroundings of the temple are furnished by a well-kept garden. |
 |
Bihar
Sharif: ( 25
km. )
Bihar Sharif was once the capital
of the Muslim Governors of Bihar between 13th and 16th centuries & is famous
Makhdum Shah Sharif-ud-din,tomb a Muslim saint of 14th century.
when the city was an active
cultural center and an important seat of Muslim thought and learning.
Nalanda
( 10 km. )
Where
ruins of the great ancient centre of learning which reached its zenith between 5th
and 12th
|
The best time to visit :- The best
time to visit Rajgir is between October
to March
|
|
|
| By
Air |
|
The nearest airport is
Patna
(90 kms). |
|
| By
Train |
|
The
nearest railhead is
Gaya
|
|
| By
Road |
|
Well connected , Patna
lies 102 kms &
Gaya
34 kms from here is
|
|
|
