| FACTS
& FIGURES
Population
: 200,000
Languages : Hindi & English
Best Time to Visit : October to March
STD Codes : 06119
LOCATION
It is located in the Indian state of
Bihar about 60 km southeast of the capital Patna. Rajgir
is famous for rock-cut caves, forts, Buddhist ruins,
shell inscriptions, Hindu and Jain temples and Muslim
tombs. The place is well connected to other parts of
Bihar and eastern India through railway and roads.
CLIMATE
The climate of Rajgir like the other
parts of the Gangetic plains is extreme. The summer
months from April to July are hot and humid here and
the average temperature can reach approximately 45°C
and the relative humidity can go up to around 80 percent.
Winters are cold with the average night temperature
at around 10°C. Normally, the average temperature
stays around 20°C. Monsoon touches this region in
July/August and continues till September.
PAST
Now a small town, Rajgir was once the
capital of the kingdom of the mighty Magadh empire and
was known by various names such as Vasumati, Barhdrathpura,
Girivraja, Kusagrapura, and Rajgriha. The great Hindu
epic Ramayana says that the mythical king Vasu, a son
of Lord Brahma, founded this town and named it Vasumati.
According to the Mahabharata, Jarasandha who was killed
by Bhima in a duel, ruled over this area and his capital
was at Barhdrathpura. Though nothing is known about
the other names Kusagrapura, Girivraja and Rajgriha,
they figure regularly in Buddhist and Jain texts. The
last Rajgriha is the one from which the present name
Rajgir has been derived.
During the sixth century BC, Rajgir was the capital
of the powerful kingdom of Magadh. It was also the centre
of great religious and intellectual activity. The Buddha
made several visits to this town and stayed here for
a considerable time to propagate his doctrine. Jain
texts, on the other hand, say that their last apostle,
Mahavira, passed 14 rainy seasons in Rajgir and Nalanda.
It was also the birthplace of Muni Suvrata, a predecessor
of Lord Mahavira and the center of the Ajivika sect.
SITES TO VISIT
Rajgir, though small area wise, is an
important pilgrimage center for three of the great religions
of India, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. There are
pilgrimage sites of each of these religions in the town.
On the Vaibhava hill are the Saptkarni caves where
the first Buddhist Council was held. The Saptkarni cave
is also the source of the Rajgir hot Sulphur springs
that have curative properties and are scared to the
Hindu's.
From the foot of the Vaibhava Hill, a staircase leads
up to the various temples. Separate bathing places have
been organized for men and women and the water comes
out from spouts through the Saptadhara or seven streams
believed to find their source behind the Saptkarni Caves
up in the hills. The hottest of the springs is the Brahmakund
with a temperature of 45°C.
On the Griddhakuta or Vultures Peak, the Buddha set
in motion his second Wheel of Law and for three months
every year during the rainy season preached his disciples
about it. The Buddha Sangh of Japan has constructed
a massive modern stupa, the Shanti (peace) stupa at
the top of the hill. One can climb up to the top along
a bridle path but the aerial chairlift is far more exciting.
Ajatshatru's Fort, built in sixth century BC, is situated
around six km from the Rajgir railway station. The fort
was. Bimbisara's jail is also situated here where, according
to the legends, he was imprisoned by Ajatshatru.
Above the hot springs on the Vaibhava Hill is a rectangular
stone sculpted by the forces of nature, which appears
to have been used as a watchtower. It later become the
resort of hermits and is popularly known as Jarasandha
Ki Baithak after the nameof the King Jarasandha, a contemporary
of Lord Krishna described in the epic Mahabharta.
The Swarna Gufa is around six km from the railway station.
It is believed that there is a treasure house of gold
still hidden here. It is said that if one can decipher
the inscription engraved here, the doors to the golden
vaults would open.
SITES NEARBY
Bodh Gaya, the place where Buddha got
enlightenment is around 34 km off Rajgir and connected
through a good network of roads. Major tourist attractions
here are the Maha Bodhi Temple, the place where under
a pipal tree, Buddha got his enlightenment, and monasteries
built by different Buddhist countries.
Twelve kilometers from Rajgir is Nalanda, which was
a resort for saints and ascetics. It was made into a
university in fifth century AD and remained the greatest
seat oflearning for over 700 years.Pawapuri is situated
some 35 km from Rajgir and believed to be the place
where Lord Mahavira died.Patna, the capital of Bihar
and a great historical city is situated around 60 km
northeast of Rajgir.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
The Rajgir Mahotsav is held every year
from October 24 to 26. Classical dance, folkdance, music,
and art performances are organized during this festival.The
Malamasa Mela is celebrated in Rajgir every three year
and a large fair is held here. According to the Indian
solar calendar, every third year has 13 months, which
is called Malamasa.Another festival specific to Rajgir
is the Makar Sankranti Mela, held on the last day ofthe
lunar calendar month of Paus, in mid-January. Devotees
offer flowers to the deities of the temples at the hot
springs and bathe in the holy water.
SHOPPING
Small stone idols of Buddha and other
Indian gods and goddesses are main items of shopping
at Rajgir. One can also look for shops selling items
of Sikki (a local grass).
WHERE TO STAY
There are many hotels in Rajgir that
offer moderate and budget accommodation to the travelers.
It is difficult to get proper accommodation during the
tourist season-October to March-and it is advised to
have prior accommodation arrangements done. Some of
the hotels offer European and Japanese cuisine to cater
to the tastes of tourists from other countries.
HOW TO REACH
By Air
The nearest airport for Rajgir is Patna.
There are regular flights for Delhi, Calcutta, Varanasi,
Lucknow, Mumbai, and Katmandu from this airport. The
nearest international airport is Calcutta.
By Rail
Rajgir is on a branch line of Eastern
Railway and there are daily trains to Patna and other
places nearby.
By Road
There are regular buses from Patna,
Nalanda, Gaya, and Bodhgaya to Rajgir. One can arrange
for guided tour packages to Rajgir from Patna.
|
