RAJGIR

• ABOUT

History

The name Rajgir came from Rājagṛiha, meaning "house of the king" or "royal house", or the word Rajgir might have its origin in its plain literal meaning, "royal mountain". It was the ancient capital city of the Magadha kings until the 5th century BC when Udayin(460–440 BC), son of Ajatshatru, moved the capital to Pataliputra.^[10] In those days, it was called Rajgriha, which translates as 'the home of Royalty'.

The epic Mahabharata calls it Girivraja and recount the story of its king, Jarasandha, and his battle with the Pandava brothers and their allies Krishna. Jarasandha who hailed from this place, had fought Krishna 17 times. The 18th time Krishna left the battlefield without fighting so as to prevent further loss of life on both sides.^[8] Because of this Krishna is also called 'ranachorh' (one who has left the battlefield).^[9] Mahabharata recounts a wrestling match between Bhima (one of the Pandavas) and Jarasandha, the then king of Magadha. Jarasandha was invincible as his body could rejoin any dismembered limbs. According to the legend, Bhim split Jarasandha into two and threw the two halves facing opposite to each other so that they could not join. There is a famous Jarasandha's Akhara (place where martial arts are practiced).

Tourisme

japanese stupa

Also known as the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, this pillar is situated atop the Gridhakuta hill at an altitude of 400m. It was built as a symbol of world peace by the Japanese.

This marble pillar also showcases four golden statues of Buddha depicting different stages of his life - birth, enlightenment, preaching and death. This location can be accessed by an aerial ropeway.

 

 Vuluture peak or griddhakuta.

Another top attraction in Bihar, located in Rajgir, Vulture peak, also known as Griddhakuta is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. It is one of the top 3 places where Shakyamuni Buddha or the Gautama Buddha preached for many years. Located on a small hill, just outside of Rajgir, Griddhakuta is a popular sightseeing location perched at an altitude of 400 m. This peak is known as the Vulture's Peak as it is shaped like a vulture and also provides frequent sightings of the bird. It is said to be the place where Lord Buddha resided for many years. Vulture peak also offers a brilliant 360 degree view of the entire surroundings and can be an interesting thing to do for half a day.

Tapodharma or the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Rajgir

An ancient Buddhist monastery was once present at Tapodharma. The Lakshmi Narayan Mandir has been built here now. There are a few hot springs found at the place and it is believed that these hot water springs have curative properties.

The Brahmakund here is a popular spring and its temperature is generally around 45 degree Celsius.

Veerayatan Museum

Veerayatan Museum is a fascinating Jain museum showcasing history of each of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras. It features ornate dollhouse like 3-D panel depictions made from wood and metal.

One will also see a lot of amazing arts on display here by an artist Arharya Shri who resides here and are a must watch.

And Many More

Transportation

 Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation provides travel facility from state capital Patna to visit Bodh circuit (Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, Kesaria, Lumbini, Kushinagar, Sarnath), Jain Circuit (Rajgir, Pawapuri) and Sikh Circuit in Bihar.

• Air: The nearest is Gaya International Airport, Gaya which is 78 km which is connected to International Destinations like Bangkok, Columbo, etc. Another airport is at Patna 101 km. Air India, Indigo, Jet Airways and Go Air connect Patna to Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Ranchi and Lucknow.
• Rail:Rajgir railway station connects the city to other parts of country yet the nearest convenient railhead is at Gaya Junction railway station 78 km. The Bakhtiyarpur-Gaya line provides improved rail connectivity to many places. It is one of the destination of the prestigious Buddhist pilgrimage train of Indian Railways-Mahaparinirvan Express.
• Road:Rajgir is connected by road to Patna – 110 km, Nalanda – 12 km, Gaya – 78 km, Pawapuri – 19 km, Bihar Sharif – 25 km, etc. NH 120, transverses the city of Rajgir, connecting it with Bodhgaya, Gaya, Nalanda, Bihar Sharif and further to Patna. State Highway 71 also passes through Rajgir connecting it with Giriyak, Islampur and Jahanabad.
• Bus:Regular buses are available from all the above said points to Rajgir.
• Local Transport: Taxis and Buses and Tongas are available.

Economy

Economy[edit]

The economy of the city mainly depends upon tourism and supplemented by agriculture. A large number of luxurious resorts and hotels are located in Rajgir to serve the tourists. In addition, Rajgir is located near the tourism spots like Nalanda, Pawapuri and Kundalpur.

Rajgir ranks top in Bihar, in reference to revenue collected by tourism

An ordinance factory of Indian Defence Service, only of its kind in Bihar is located in the city.

• Rajgir is also home to Bihar Police Academy.

Nalanda International University

Nalanda University, a modern university that is based on the famous university and Buddhist monastery of ancient India, has been established with its campus in Rajgir. It began its first academic session on 1 Sept, 2014.