The ruins of Rajgir, which have been partly excavated,
cover an extensive area with in and outside the hill enclosure
and include the ancient defenses and remains of habitations,
shrines, stupas and monasteries. A monastery with large
elliptical halls has been recently excavated and identified
as Jeevak Amravan, mentioned in the Buddhist texts as a
favourite retreat of Buddha.
Prime Attractions
Gridhakuta Hill
About 10km from the railway station is Gridhakuta (Vulture's
Peak), the hill from where Gautama Buddha delivered many
sermons, after he attained enlightenment. It was here that
the Buddha delivered two important sutras - the Lotus Sutra
and the Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom Sutra).
Vishwa Shanti Stupa
To mark the holy spot at the Gridhakuta Hill, there stands
today the 38m high Vishwa Shanti Stupa. The awesome modern
stupa can be reached by a chairlift, a fifteen-minute round
trip offering panoramic views.
Ajatashatru's Fort
The ruins of a fort built by the king of Magadha, Ajatashatru,
can be seen here. Built in the 6th century, it was within
these high walls that he imprisoned his father, Bimbisara.
Archaeologists have discovered the remains of Ajatshatru
Stupa, which enshinres Magadha's share of the Buddha's relics.
Lakshmi Narayan Mandir
This pink-hued temple stands beside the hot springs and,
as the name indicates, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his
consort, Goddess Lakshmi.
Venuvana Vihar
It is a Japanese shrine where a monastery was built for
the Buddha to live. It is said that king Bimbisara as an
offering to the buddha, built Venuvana or the Monastery
of the Bamboo Grove. Right next to it is the now-muddy water
tank, Karanda, in which the Buddha bathed.
Saptadhara
Gushing from the base of the Vaibhava Hill are the seven
hot springs, called Saptadhara, that attract the religious
as well as the sick. The hottest of these sulphur springs
is the Brahmakund, where the water is a steaming 45 degrees
centigrade. It is believed that the Buddha used its waters
to heal the ill and the infirm.
How to Get There
Air:
Nearest airport is at Patna.
Rail:
Nearest railhead is Gaya.
Road:
There are good road links to Gaya and Nalanda.
Local Transport:
Unmetered taxis, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, tongas.
