|
Rajgir
Population : 200,000
Languages : Hindi & English
Best Time to Visit : October to March
STD Codes : 06119
It is located in the Indian state of Bihar about 60 km southeast
of the capital Patna. Rajgir is famous for rock-cut caves,
forts, Buddhist ruins, shell inscriptions, Hindu and Jain
temples and Muslim tombs. The place is well connected to other
parts of Bihar and eastern India through railway and roads.
The climate of Rajgir like the other parts of the Gangetic
plains is extreme. The summer months from April to July are
hot and humid here and the average temperature can reach approximately
45°C and the relative humidity can go up to around 80 percent.
Winters are cold with the average night temperature at around
10°C. Normally, the average temperature stays around 20°C.
Monsoon touches this region in July/August and continues till
September.
Places of Interest
Rajgir, though small area wise, is an important pilgrimage
center for three of the great religions of India, Hinduism,
Buddhism, and Jainism. There are pilgrimage sites of each
of these religions in the town.
On the Vaibhava hill are the Saptkarni caves where
the first Buddhist Council was held. The Saptkarni cave is
also the source of the Rajgir hot Sulphur springs that have
curative properties and are scared to the Hindu's.
From the foot of the Vaibhava Hill, a staircase leads up to
the various temples. Separate bathing places have been organized
for men and women and the water comes out from spouts through
the Saptadhara or seven streams believed to find their source
behind the Saptkarni Caves up in the hills. The hottest of
the springs is the Brahmakund with a temperature of
45°C.
On the Griddhakuta or Vultures Peak, the Buddha
set in motion his second Wheel of Law and for three months
every year during the rainy season preached his disciples
about it. The Buddha Sangh of Japan has constructed a massive
modern stupa, the Shanti (peace) stupa at the top of the hill.
One can climb up to the top along a bridle path but the aerial
chairlift is far more exciting.
Ajatshatru's Fort, built in sixth century BC, is situated
around six km from the Rajgir railway station. The fort was.
Bimbisara's jail is also situated here where, according to
the legends, he was imprisoned by Ajatshatru.
Above the hot springs on the Vaibhava Hill is a rectangular
stone sculpted by the forces of nature, which appears to have
been used as a watchtower. It later become the resort of hermits
and is popularly known as Jarasandha Ki Baithak after the
name of the King Jarasandha, a contemporary of Lord Krishna
described in the epic Mahabharta.
The Swarna Gufa is around six km from the railway station.
It is believed that there is a treasure house of gold still
hidden here. It is said that if one can decipher the inscription
engraved here, the doors to the golden vaults would open.
SITES NEARBY
Bodh Gaya, the place where Buddha got enlightenment
is around 34 km off Rajgir and connected through a good network
of roads. Major tourist attractions here are the Maha Bodhi
Temple, the place where under a pipal tree, Buddha got his
enlightenment, and monasteries built by different Buddhist
countries.
Twelve kilometers from Rajgir is Nalanda, which was
a resort for saints and ascetics. It was made into a university
in fifth century AD and remained the greatest seat of learning
for over 700 years.
Pawapuri is situated some 35 km from Rajgir and believed
to be the place where Lord Mahavira died.
Patna, the capital of Bihar and a great historical
city is situated around 60 km northeast of Rajgir.
WHERE TO STAY
There are many hotels in Rajgir that offer moderate and budget
accommodation to the travelers. It is difficult to get proper
accommodation during the tourist season-October to March-and
it is advised to have prior accommodation arrangements done.
Some of the hotels offer European and Japanese cuisine to
cater to the tastes of tourists from other countries.
HOW TO REACH
By Air
The nearest airport for Rajgir is Patna. There are regular
flights for Delhi, Calcutta, Varanasi, Lucknow, Mumbai, and
Katmandu from this airport. The nearest international airport
is Calcutta.
By Rail
Rajgir is on a branch line of Eastern Railway and there are
daily trains to Patna and other places nearby.
By Road
There are regular buses from Patna, Nalanda, Gaya, and Bodhgaya
to Rajgir. One can arrange for guided tour packages to Rajgir
from Patna.
|
|
|
|
|
