Rajgir

History

Pali and Sanskrit sources describe Rajagriha as a royal city of Bimbisara and Ajatashatru. The Buddha spent rainy seasons here; the First Buddhist Council is traditionally associated with the Saptaparni caves near Rajgir.

Jain tradition also sanctifies the Rajgir hills with temples and pilgrimage paths. Modern Bihar Tourism promotes Rajgir on both Buddhist and Tirthankar Swadesh Darshan alignments. Ropeway and road access serve Ratnagiri and neighbouring hills.

Stories

The First Capital of Magadha

Rajgir, the ancient Rajagriha, was the early capital of the kingdom of Magadha, which later grew into the Maurya empire. It was the seat of the Haryanka kings Bimbisara and Ajatashatru, and the capital moved to Pataliputra, modern Patna, only in the generations after them.

Pottery from about 1000 BCE has been found here, and a massive stone wall around the hills is described as some 2,500 years old. Nearby stood the ancient Nalanda learning centre, whose name was revived by a new university founded close by in 2010.

Where the Buddha and Mahavira Taught

Buddhist tradition holds that the Buddha spent long periods at Rajgir, preaching on Gridhrakuta, the Vulture Peak, and that King Bimbisara became his follower. The First Buddhist Council is traditionally said to have met at the Saptaparni Cave under Maha Kassapa.

Jain tradition remembers Mahavira spending fourteen years around Rajgir and Nalanda, and holds that the twentieth Tirthankara, Munisuvrata, was born here. An ancient temple dedicated to him stands in the town, so Rajgir is a rare place sacred to both faiths.

Bhima and the Giant Jarasandha

The Mahabharata calls the city Girivraja and tells of its king Jarasandha, said to be invincible because his torn body could join together again. According to the epic, Bhima wrestled him and split him in two, throwing the halves in opposite directions so they could not reunite.

A wrestling ground at Rajgir, known as Jarasandha's Akhara, is still pointed out to visitors as the place linked with this story. It is a matter of tradition and epic memory, not of historical record.

Good to know

Griddhakuta (Vulture Peak) and Vishwa Shanti Stupa (Buddhist)

Jain hill temples and tirthas on the Tirthankar circuit

Hot springs and historic city remnants

Getting there

Rail: Rajgir station on the Bakhtiyarpur–Rajgir line; also Patna / Gaya hubs. Road: ~70 km from Patna, ~35 km from Nalanda, ~70 km from Bodh Gaya. Air: Patna or Gaya airports.