Situated in the heart of Bihar, Rajgir is a very important city not only historically but also spiritually and naturally. This ancient city is associated with the lives of great religious leaders like Buddha and Mahavira. The beauty of the hills, caves, ancient forts and natural waterfalls of Rajgir mesmerizes every visitor. If you want to explore the cultural and historical sites of India, then Rajgir is a precious destination for you. In this article, we will tell you about the ten major sites and attractions of Rajgir, which are a must for every traveler to see and experience.
Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Rajgir
Vishwa Shanti Stupa has a special place in the fame of Rajgir, which is located at a height of about 400 meters on the Gridhakut mountain. It is a modern white stupa, which was built by the Japanese people to symbolize world peace. The biggest feature of this stupa is the four golden Buddha statues installed in it, which represent important stages of Lord Buddha’s life. This place is not only a center of devotion and peace, but also an exciting place to reach via cable car. There is also a temple near the stupa where prayers are offered for world peace. Coming here gives peace to the mind and you become a part of a spiritual experience.
Sciopean Wall
This ancient wall of Rajgir is considered to be one of the longest and ancient stone walls in the world. About 40 kilometers long and 4 meters wide, this wall is made of huge stone rocks without any cement. It is called the Sciopean Wall and it was built to protect the city of Rajgir (old Rajgir). Both its construction technique and age make it a unique heritage of the world. This wall gives us a glimpse of the craftsmanship and architectural ability of that era, when modern equipment was not available, yet people built such a huge and strongly built fort.
Venu Forest (Bamboo Forest)
Venu Forest, located near the famous hot springs of Rajgir, is a calm and green park. It is also known as the Bamboo Forest. This is the place where Lord Buddha meditated and spread his teachings after attaining enlightenment. The greenery, ponds, and trees here give a feeling of peace and relaxation. Walking in Venu Van is like finding yourself amidst nature. This place is not only important from a religious point of view, but is also extremely attractive from the point of view of natural beauty.
Rajgir Ropeway
Rajgir Ropeway is a must-visit experience for every traveler visiting Rajgir. It is one of the oldest cable car systems in India that takes you to the top of Ratnagiri Mountain, which is about 1000 meters high. During this journey, you can enjoy the dense greenery of the Pant Wildlife Sanctuary and the gorgeous views of the surrounding mountain ranges like Udayagiri, Vaibhagiri, Songiri and Vipalachal. The ropeway ride is not only exciting but also gives you a wonderful view of the natural beauty of Rajgir.
Saptaparni Cave
Located in the lush green mountains of Rajgir, Saptaparni Cave is an important cave of historical importance. It is believed to be the place where Lord Buddha and his disciples rested and meditated many times. This cave is a memory of ancient times and reflects the religious heritage of Rajgir. The natural peace and historical background here makes it a unique tourist destination.
Ajatashatru Fort
Located in the Bengali Para area of Rajgir, Ajatashatru Fort is a precious heritage of Indian history. This fort dates back to the 6th century BC and was built by King Ajatashatru. The history of this fort is about 2500 years old and it is counted among the best forts of India. King Bimbisar, who was the father of Ajatashatru, was also imprisoned here as he had deep devotion towards Lord Buddha. The walls of this fort are full of stories of history and even today the echoes of that time can be heard in its walls.
Rajgir Hot Springs
The famous hot water wells of Rajgir, known as Saptarishi, are sacred places for the followers of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. These seven hot water springs together form a large pond ‘Brahmakund’. They have religious and medicinal significance, as the water here is considered to be disease-preventive and refreshing to the body. This place is not only important for pilgrims but is also famous for history and naturopathy.
Veerayatan Jain Museum, Rajgir
Veerayatan Jain Museum, also known as Kala Mandir, is an important place in Rajgir that showcases the rich cultural and historical heritage of Jainism. Established in 1982, this museum is a repository of many artifacts, sculptures, paintings, manuscripts and traditional clothing related to Jainism. The peaceful and gentle atmosphere here attracts tourists and devotees. This museum is a wonderful source to know the history and culture of Jainism.
Pandu Pokhar
Pandu Pokhar is a place full of entertainment and adventure activities. Here you can enjoy many indoor and outdoor sports including boating, horse riding, cycling, zip line, bungee jumping. This place is suitable for children, families and friends. The natural beauty and entertaining atmosphere here attracts tourists for a long time. You can also enjoy horse carriage ride on the road in Rajgir.
Makhdoom Kund
Makhdoom Kund is a famous dargah located in Rajgir, also known as Dargah-e-Makhdoomiya. There is also a hot water pond here, which is important from both scenic and religious point of view. This place is very clean and beautiful. Makhdoom Kund is about 3 km from the railway station and vehicles are also available at reasonable rent to reach here. There are many shops below the dargah where prasad and food items are available. There are separate bathing ponds for men and women, where people come for holy bath. This place is a center of religious faith and peace.
Conclusion
A trip to Rajgir is not just a tourist trip, but a spiritual and cultural experience. Everywhere here one can find stories of history, peace hidden in the lap of nature, and deep messages of religion. From Vishwa Shanti Stupa to Saptaparni Caves, Rajgir fills you with peace, knowledge and inspiration at every step. If you want to understand the rich heritage of India, then a trip to Rajgir will be a lifelong memorable experience for you. Every street of this beautiful city has the smell of history and spirituality, which gives new energy and knowledge to every traveler. So, the next time you plan a trip, do include Rajgir in your list and experience its rich heritage.
