Rajgir is situated 10 kms South of Nalanda. Rajgir was the capital of the Magadh Mahajanpad (State) when Patliputra was not formed. In those days it was called Rajgrih. Rajgir or Rajgrih means the home of Royalty. This place has been associated with Lord Buddha and Budhism for ages. LORD BUDDHA spent many months of retreat during the rainy season here meditating and preaching on GRIDDHKUTA, the Hill of vultures as it was not near to the city and was free from biting insects and had mild climate. Buddha deliveblack many of his sermons here. It was here that the teaching of Buddha were recorded in writing for the first time. It is said that when Gautama first visited Rajgir on his way to Bodhgaya he met King Bimbisara who was so impressed by him that he tried to persuade him to stay. Failing in this, he received a promise that Gautama would return to Rajgir after his enlightenment. King Bimbisar gave Venuvan Vihar to Budha for his residence. It is said that it was at Rajgir that Budha was treated by physician, Jivak after he was injueblack by his cousin Devdatta.Accordingly, after teaching in Sarnath, the Buddha travelled to Rajgir, the royal capital of Magadha. After the Buddha reached 'parinirvana', his followers held the first Buddhist council at the Saptaparni cave. It was here, that His teachings were penned down for the very first time.

Ajatashatru (6th cent. B.C.), King of Magadha built a fort. He is reported to have built the 6.5 sq. metre stups named after him.

When Hsuan Chwang visited Rajgir he saw a monastery and the Kalanda tank, where Shakyamuni bathed and which still exists. Close to this stood an Ashoka Stupa and a pillar surmounted by an elephant. Not far away King Ajatasatru had built two stupas, one over the portion of the Buddha's relics that he had received, the other over half of Ananda's body. Later Ashoka unearthed the first of these to obtain relics for his 84,000.

Some very beautiful Hindu as well as Jain temples adorn this place. Not only as a place for worship, Rajgir has come up as health and winter resort with its warm water ponds. These hot springs are said to contain some medicinal properties which help in curing many skin diseases.

The Ratna Girl Hill above the Vulture's Peak is now crowned by the beautiful Vishwa-Shanti Stupa, built recently by Japanese buddhists. On four sides golden statues of the Buddha depict his four great actions: birth, enlightenment, teaching and passing away. In a nearby temple, Japanese monks continue their strident practice of resounding sutra and drum.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Temperature (deg C): Summer- Max. 45, Min. 20; Winter- Max. 28, Min. 6. Rainfall : 186 cms (Mid-June to Mid-September) Best Season : October to March. WHAT TO SEE

VISHWA SHANTI STUP
The Vishwa Shanti Stup is located on a 400 meter high hill. The stupa has been built in marble and on the four corners of the stupa are four glimmering statues of the Lord Buddha. To reach the top of this hill one has to come through the rope ways. This place is also called the GriddhKoot.

Gridhra Kuta, the Hill of the Vultures, is a hermitage of the Buddha; from this hill, the Buddha propounded his second Wheel of Law. An aerial ropeway with chairlift links the hilltop stupa (called Shanti or Peace Stupa) built by the Japanese.

The Fort of Ajatsatru : The Emperor of Magadh, Ajatsatru had built during fort in the sixth century. There is also a stupa of Ajatsatru built in 6.5 square meter area. This fort is important as a historical monument and for the archeological students. The ruins of a fort built by Ajathashatru in the 6th century BC can also be seen here.

Kundalpur : The common belief goes that Gautam Budha was born in this village. Kundalpur is located 18 kms from Rajgir. This beautiful place has two lakes which are famous for being picnic spots.

Bihar Sharif : This place has the tomb of 14th century Muslim Saint Makhdoom Shah Sharifudin. In those days this place was an important center for Muslim culture and Islamic studies. During the 13th and the 16th century this place was the capital of many Muslim rulers. Today this town is an attraction for the followers of every religion. Bihar Sharif is 25kms from Rajgir.

Pawapuri : It is at Pawapuri that Vardhaman Mahavira attained salvation. Hence is place developed as a Jain Pilgrimage and has many Jain temples. Pawapuri is 38 kms from Rajgir. At Pawapuri is the Jalmandir where Jain teerthankar Mahavira was cremated. Then there is Samosharan where lord Mahavira deliver his last sermon. A white marble temple has been constructed at the place.

Venuvana Vihara : A Japanese shrine where a monastery was built for the Buddha to live. Other places of interest are Bimbisara ki Jail, Jarasandha ka Akhara, Karand Tank, Maniyar Math, Swarnabhandar Cave, Pippala Cave and ruins of an ancient fort.

HOW TO GET THERE

· Air : The nearest airport is at Patna 101 kms. Indian Airlines connect Patna to Calcutta, Bombay, Delhi, Ranchi and
Lucknow.
Fare: Calcutta-Patna Rs.1697 (C), Rs.1370 (Y).

· Rail: Though Rajgir itself is the railway station yet the nearest convenient railhead is at Gaya 34 kms.

Fare: Calcutta-Rajgir Rs.564 (AC-2A), Rs.425 (I), Rs.159 (II). Calcutta-Gaya Rs.485 (AC-2A), Rs.375 (I), Rs.142 (II).

· Road: Rajgir is connected by road to Patna 102 kms, Nalanda 12 kms, Gaya 34 kms, Pawapuri 38 kms, Bihar Sharif 25 kms etc.

· Bus : Regular buses are available from all the above said points to Rajgir.

· Local Transport: Taxis and Buses and Tongas are available.

EXCURSIONS
Bihar Sharif- 25 kms, Nalanda- 12 kms, Sawarajpur Baragaon, Gaya- 34 kms, Bodh Gaya- 50 kms, Kundalpurr- 18 kms.