Rajgir, Bihar
Been there recently?
Rajgir is one of the oldest inhabited lands in India, which despite looking obscure today, has such a great place in the ancient history of India that it raises eyebrows. It has Cyclopean walls that date back 2500 years. In the Mahabharata, it is mentioned as the place from where King Jarasandha hailed, and it takes the place further back, 2500 years. It was the capital city of 4 dynasties, and Buddha as well as Mahavira visited this place. Historical facts keep tumbling out when we talk about Rajgir. It is a holy place where shrines of three ancient Indic religions —Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism amalgamate. The excavations have revealed a lot, and future excavations will reveal a lot more. It was such a great place of fame during the bygone days, a university like Nalanda was built around Rajgir. August to March is the best time to visit Rajgir. It is about 15 kilometres away from Nalanda, the district headquarters, and about 95 kilometres from Patna. Rajgir has a railway station, and the nearest airport is at Gaya, approximately 70 kilometres away.
Nearby Places to See
Cyclopean Walls
Located in the heart of the town, these 2500 years old walls once encircled the city of Rajgir. Archaeologists opine that this wall was 40 kilometres long. It played a major role in establishing the ancient value of Rajgir.
Located in the heart of the town, these 2500 years old walls once encircled the city of Rajgir. Archaeologists opine that this wall was 40 kilometres long. It played a major role in establishing the ancient value of Rajgir.
Bimbisara’s Jail
Located within the Cyclopean wall, it is the place where Bimbisara was jailed. He was the king of the Magadha kingdom of ancient India, of which Rajgir was the capital. His son Ajatashatru, in his quest for the throne, jailed him. The remains of the fort of Ajatashatru are also found inside the cyclopean walls.
Located within the Cyclopean wall, it is the place where Bimbisara was jailed. He was the king of the Magadha kingdom of ancient India, of which Rajgir was the capital. His son Ajatashatru, in his quest for the throne, jailed him. The remains of the fort of Ajatashatru are also found inside the cyclopean walls.
Jarasandh Ka Akhada (Battleground of Jarasandha)
It is the place where Jarasandha, who had imprisoned 99 kings, was killed in a ferocious duel between him and Bhima.
It is the place where Jarasandha, who had imprisoned 99 kings, was killed in a ferocious duel between him and Bhima.
Swarna Bhandar Cave
These are two man made caves located close to Rajgir on the side face of the Vaibhar range of hills. The caves are dated to the last decades of the 4th century BCE based on the inscription found on the cave walls. Some distance away from these caves are located the Saptaparni Caves where it is believed that the First Buddhist Council was held.
These are two man made caves located close to Rajgir on the side face of the Vaibhar range of hills. The caves are dated to the last decades of the 4th century BCE based on the inscription found on the cave walls. Some distance away from these caves are located the Saptaparni Caves where it is believed that the First Buddhist Council was held.
Veerayatan Museum
This museum which showcases the life of all the 24 theerthankaras was started in the year 1982.
This museum which showcases the life of all the 24 theerthankaras was started in the year 1982.
Buddha Statue
This is a 70 feet tall Buddha statue built in the middle of Lake Ghora Katora, just on the outskirts of Rajgir. The picturesque lake is surrounded by mountains and makes a great place to visit.
This is a 70 feet tall Buddha statue built in the middle of Lake Ghora Katora, just on the outskirts of Rajgir. The picturesque lake is surrounded by mountains and makes a great place to visit.
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