Rajgir

When you reach Rajgir, you walk through one of the oldest and holiest towns of India. Long ago this was Rajagriha, the grand capital of the Magadha kingdom. Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira both spent time here and gave many teachings on these very hills. Warm springs flow from the rocks, and a peaceful white stupa crowns the hilltop. For pilgrims and history lovers, and for our guests from abroad tracing the path of the Buddha, Rajgir is a deeply special place.

Rajgir is a small town in the Nalanda district of Bihar, set in a valley surrounded by low green hills. In ancient times people called it Rajagriha, and it served as the first capital of the powerful Magadha kingdom. It is holy to both Buddhists and Jains. The Buddha taught here for many years, and Lord Mahavira also stayed here. The town is famous for its warm water springs and its many old sites, and it lies close to the ruins of Nalanda University.

October to March

The Vishwa Shanti Stupa, a shining white peace pagoda, sits on Ratnagiri hill. A ropeway carries you up, and from the top the view over the valley is wonderful. Griddhakuta, or Vulture Peak, is the quiet hill where the Buddha gave many teachings, and pilgrims climb it with great feeling. At the warm springs of Brahmakund, hot water flows all year, and many believe it to be holy.

Rajgir was the great capital of Magadha under kings like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru, who met and honoured both the Buddha and Lord Mahavira. Because of them, this town holds a special place in the history of two great faiths of India. Its hills, caves and springs have seen more than two thousand five hundred years of prayer and teaching. As you walk here, you feel that long and living history all around you.

Rajgir serves simple and pure vegetarian food, which suits its holy nature. You get fresh rotis, dal, rice, seasonal vegetables and Bihari dishes such as litti chokha, which you should try. Many dharamshalas and hotels near the pilgrim sites offer clean and plain meals. Carry water when you climb the hills, as the walk can make you thirsty.

Rajgir is a pilgrim town, so shopping is simple and devotional. You can buy prayer beads, small idols, religious books and holy pictures near the temples. Local honey and cotton clothes are also sold in the market. Handmade items from the nearby villages make honest and simple gifts to carry home.

Rajgir has its own small railway station with trains from Patna and other towns. The nearest airport is at Patna, about 100 km. away, and Gaya airport is also close. Within the town you travel by tonga, auto rickshaw and taxi. The tonga, a horse cart, gives you a slow and pleasant way to move between the springs, the ropeway and the old sites.

The Saptaparni Caves, where monks held the first Buddhist council after the Buddha, are an important site for pilgrims. The old Cyclopean Wall, made of huge stones, once guarded the ancient city. Jain temples on the surrounding hills draw many devotees, as Rajgir is sacred in the Jain faith too. Venuvana, a calm garden gifted to the Buddha, is a peaceful place to rest.

Nalanda (about 12 km.): The ruins of the world famous ancient university, now a protected heritage site. Pawapuri (about 35 km.): A very holy Jain place where Lord Mahavira attained nirvana. Bodh Gaya (about 70 km.): The most sacred Buddhist site, where the Buddha gained enlightenment. Patna (about 100 km.): The capital city of Bihar.

Some sites in Rajgir need a climb, so wear comfortable shoes and carry water. Dress modestly, as this is a holy town for many faiths. The ropeway to the peace pagoda is easy and suits elders well. During the winter Rajgir Mahotsav festival, the town fills with music and dance, which makes a colourful time to visit.