The
name of the place Rajgir has been derived from the Sanskrit word “Rajgriha”
which means 'abode of the King' which seems just right for the place
considering its history. The place was once the capital of the Magadha
Kings, in fact, Rajgir was the first recorded capital of India. It is
located in the rocky hills about 46 km away from Bodhgaya and has many
attractions in its lap that are important to the Buddhists as well as the
Jains.
Via Buddhist circuit train tour, Mahaparinirvana Express or Sakyamuni rail tours (Buddhist Circuit Special Train Tours), you need not go far to seek the reason why Rajgir is important to the Buddhists as Lord Buddha spent 12 important years in the place. It was in Rajgir at the Griddhakuta Hill where King Bimbisara was converted to
Buddhism by Lord Buddha. The Saptaparni caves was the location in Rajgir
where the first Buddhist council after Buddha was held. Rajgir was also the
witness to many of the sermons of Lord Buddha. Though Buddhist Circuit Special Train Tour Rajgir is just 10 km
away from Nalanda, it is no more the city it once used to be as it has
turned into almost a village. You can still see the remains of its glorious
past here.
Rajgir Attractions
Jarasandh Ki Baithak - You'll find a foot track that has
already been made at the Vaibhara hill and to reach the Jarasandh ki Baithak
all you've to do is follow the track. According to the historians the place
used to be a military outpost earlier. There is another nearby tourist
attraction here which is known as Jarasandh Ka Akhada.
Amravan or Jivaka – Mango Garden - The royal
physician Jivaka used to treat his patients from Amravan as this used to be
his dispensary. Once Lord Buddha was injured by his unfriendly cousin and
his wounds were dressed at this place by Jivaka. Lord Buddha lived in this
Amravan for a while when Ajatshatru used to see him here for spiritual
guidance. Later, the place was gifted to the Buddhist order by Jivaka.
Pipali Cave - Lord Buddha used to meditate in the Pipali
cave after his mid day meal and this fact has also found mention in the
ancient Pali literature. You just have to go a little up in the Vaibhara
hill to located this cave. The hilltop is no less interesting as you can see
the panoramic views of the surrounding areas as well as lush fields. The
name of the cave has been derived from a peepal tree that was present at the
entrance of the cave where Lord Buddha used to meditate.
Topada, the hot water springs - Rajgir is also known for
its hot water springs, called Topada. You can also find a mention of these
springs in the Mahabharata. People still flock to these hot water springs
located at the base of the Vaibhara hills which are believed to have
curative properties.
Nalanda
Nalanda
as a place is famous all over for its ancient International monastic
university which once used to be the hub of educational and intellectual
activity. It is believed that the Gupta emperors established this university
here in the 5th century BC which grew in importance in due course of time.
Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira are also believed to have taught here. At the
time when the university was at its peak, there were 9 million volumes in
the library here. The ruins of the university are scattered in the area of
about 14 hectares. The university was so large that it could accommodate
about 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers in its campus.
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