Rajgir
Rajgir is a city in the Indian state of Bihar. The name Rajgir came from Rājagṛiha ‘house of the king’ or “royal house”, or the word Rajgir might have its origin in its plain literal meaning, “royal mountain”. The city of Rajgir (ancient Rājagṛha) was the first capital of the kingdom of Magadha, a state that would eventually evolve into the Mauryan Empire. Its date of origin is unknown, although ceramics dating to about 1000 BC have been found in the city. This area also notable in Buddhism and Jainism as one of the favorite places for Mahavira and Gautama Buddha and the well known “Atanatiya” conference was held at Vulture’s Peak Mountain.
Connectivity:
Nearest Airport being Patna (100 Kms) which is connected to all major cities of India.
Rajgir is connected to Patna via Bakhtiarpur by rail and road. Bakhtiarpur lies midway between Patna and Mokameh. Road access is by NH 30A to Bakhtiarpur and NH 31 towards south to reach Bihar Sharif. From Mokameh NH 31 to Bihar Sharif. From there, NH 82 will leads to Rajgir. Rajgir is around 100 KM from both Patna and Mokameh. It is located in a green valley surrounded by rocky hills, Rajgir hills. Indian Railways run trains directly from Rajgir to New Delhi, Shramjeevi Express.
Main tourist attractions include the ancient city walls from Ajatshatru’s period, the Bimbisar’s Jail, Jarasandh’s Akhara, Gridakuta hill, Sonabhandara cave and the Jain temples on the five peaks.
Rajgir is famous for its hot water springs, locally known as Brahmakund, a sacred place for Hindus. Another major attraction is the peace pagoda, Vishwa Shanti Stupa, built in 1969, one of the 80 peace pagodas in the world, to spread the message of peace and non-violence. The rope-way that leads to it is another attraction. The Japanese temple is beside the Venu Vana. Venu Vana is an artificial forest, where one can enjoy Eternal peace, and meditate.And famous Makhdoom Kund. Sri Ramakrishna Math is a non-political spiritual organization which have been engaged in various forms of humanitarians, social service activities.
