46 km from Bodhgaya, Rajgir is sacred to the memory of the
founders of both Buddhism and Jainism. Rajgir today is
vestiges of a legendary and historical remains like the
cyclopean wall and the marks engraved in rocks.
Rajagriha in Patna district was the ancient capital city of
the Magadha kings. The Buddha often came here to retreat at
the Jivkamaravana monastery in a beautiful orchard. One of his
most devoted and prosperous devotees, surgeon Jivaka also
lived here. The rich merchant community here soon became the
Buddha's followers and built many structures of typical
Buddhist architecture.
The
Buddha converted the Mauryan king Bimbisara, one of his most
celebrated followers at the Griddhakuta hill, where he
delivered many of his sermons as well. The Japanese have built
a Stupa on top of the Ratnagiri hill, linked by a ropeway.
After the Buddha reached 'parinirvana' his followers met at
the Saptaparni cave in Rajagriha, the first Buddhist Council
ever held. It was here that the teachings of the Buddha were
penned down for the first time. Rajgir is also an important
place of pilgrimage for the Hindus and Jains.
How
to get there
Air
The
nearest airport is at Patna 101 km. Connected with Calcutta,
Bombay, Delhi, Ranchi and Lucknow
Rail
Though
Rajgir itself is the railway station yet the nearest
convenient railhead is at Gaya 34 km.
Road
Rajgir
is connected by road to Patna 102 km, Nalanda 12 km, Gaya 34
km, Pawapuri 38 km, Bihar Sharif 25 km etc.
In
and around
Ajatashatru's
Fort
Built
by Ajatashatru (6th century BC.), the king of Magadha during
the Buddha's time. The 6.5 sq. m Ajatashatru's stupa is also
believed to have been built by him.
Amaravana
(Mango Garden)
Site of the royal physician's dispensary where the Lord Buddha
was once brought to have wound dresses by Jivaka, the royal
physician during the reign of Ajatashatru and Bimbisara.
Venuban – site of the monastery
Venuvana Vihar built by king Bimbisara for Lord Buddha to
reside. This was the king's first offering to Lord Buddha.
Bimbisara's
Jail
King Bimbisara was imprisoned here by his impatient son and
heir, Ajatashatru. The captive king chose this site for his
incarceration. Far from this spot, he could see Lord Buddha
climbing up to his mountain retreat atop the Griddhakuta hill.
Swarna
Bhandar two rather strange cave chambers were hollowed out of
a single massive rock. One of the chambers is believed to have
been the guard room, the rear wall has two straingh vertical
lines and one horizontal line cut into the rock; this
'doorway' is supposed to lead to king Bimbisara treasury.
Cyclopean
Wall
Once 40 km long, it encircled ancient Rajgir. Built of massive
undresses stone carefully fitted together, the wall is one of
the few important pre Mauryan stone structers ever to have
been found.
Jain
temples 
On hill crests around Rajgir, far in the distance one can see
about 26 Jain temples. They are difficult to approach for the
untrained, but make exciting trekking for those in form.
Pawapuri
Pawapuri is also known as Apapuri, is a sacred Jain pilgrim
centre. Jalmandir, a marble temple in the centre of a big
lotus tank, is the biggest attraction here. Other places of
interest here are Samosaran and Naya mandir. It was here thet
Mahavir delivered his last sermon and was also cremated
