Rajgir (
Hindi:
राजगीर,
Urdu:
راجگیر) is a city and a notified area in
Nalanda district in the
Indian state of
Bihar. The city of Rajgir (ancient Rājagṛha;
Pali: Rājagaha) 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, as one of the favorite places for
Gautama Buddha and the well known
"Atanatiya" conference was held at Vulture's Peak mountain.
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.
Indian Railways run trains directly from Rajgir to
New Delhi,
Shramjeevi Express.
Vishwa Shanti Stupa at Rajgir, one of the 80 Peace Pagodas around the world.
Bamboo Grove in Venu Vana. Historically, Rajgir has been a very important place, as capital to many empires. Main tourist attractions are the Bimbisar's Jail, the Ajatshatru's Fort, and the Jarasandh's Akhara.
History
The name Rajgir came from Rājagṛiha 'house of the king' or "royal house", or the word rajgir might have its origian in its plain literal meaning, "royal mountain". It was the ancient capital city of the
Magadha kings until the 5th century BC when
Ajatashatru moved the capital to
Pataliputra. In those days, it was called Rajgrih, which translates as 'the home of Royalty'.
Picture Gallery
Buddhist monks meditating on Pipphali Cava Venuvana Monastery
Vulture's Peak, Remains of the monastery Bimbisara's jail
view from a nearby hill. The called Jivakambavana
place where was the
"Atanatiya"conference held.
