Buddhism and Jainism Place – Rajgir

October 8, 2013 by Ajay Kumar 16 Comments

Rajgir is a city located in Bihar, India. It was the first capital of Magadha kingdom. This area is popular as it is one of the favorite places of Gautama Buddha. “Atanatiya” conference was also held there on the Vulture’s Peak Mountain. The name of the place come from the Rajgriha, i.e. royal house or house of the king. It is a sacred place and provides the memories of the founders of both the religions Buddhism and Jainism that means the place is associated historically with both Buddha and Mahavira.

Vulture’s peak mountain, Rajgir

Vulture’s peak mountain view, Rajgir

The place where was the “Atanatiya” conference held

This place is famous in many terms like Gautama Buddha spent several months there in meditation, preaching and in delivering sermons. Similarly, Lord Mahavira spent fourteen years of his life over there and in Nalanda. So, the place has great historical importance for Buddhists as well as Jains.  Many numbers of people belonging to Buddhism and Jainism come to this place.
The climate of the city is very cozy as the place is surrounded by seven hills namely Vaibhara, Ratna, Saila, Sona, Udaya, Chhatha, and Vipula. Natural and cool  air can be felt by anyone. Now-a-days, it has also developed as a healthy and a winter water area due to its warm water ponds. It is said that the water has some medical significance and help in the cure of many skin diseases.

Vishwa Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda)

Other attractions of the region are Vishwa Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda), Makhdoom Kund and Monasteries. These are the worth visiting sites. Tourist attractions of this place are Bimbisar’s Jail, Ajatshatru’s fort, Venuvana Vihara, Cyclopean Wall, Jain temples, Swarna Bhandar, Amaravana Mango Garden, Griddhakuta Peak,  and Jarasandh’s Akhara. Rajgir Heritage Museum is also a great place of interest as it contains all the historical sculptures and paintings belonging to Buddhism and Jainism.

Madhubani paintings

Madhubani paintings, handicraft materials are the most popular items that can be purchased from there to remember the trip in your whole life. The best time to travel to this place is between October and March as the weather is quite pleasant. So, visiting this place makes anyone pleasant. A large number of pilgrims go there every year to provide rituals and prayers to their Lords.