page_title: Rajgir
section_title: Notable places
hierarchical_section_title: Rajgir / Notable places
caption_attribution_description: Hot spring bath at the Laxminarayan temple complex over the remains of ancient Tapodarama Buddhist monastery. The hot springs are situated at the foot of the Vaibharagiri (Vaibhara or Baibhar Hill), Rajgir
context_page_description: Rajgir is an ancient city and a notified area in Nalanda district in the Indian state of Bihar. The city of Rajgir was the first capital of the kingdom of Magadha, a state that would eventually evolve into the Mauryan Empire. The city finds mention in India's greatest literary epic, the Mahabharata, through its king Jarasandha. Its date of origin is unknown, although ceramics dating to about 1000 BC have been found in the city. The famous 2,500-year old Cyclopean Wall is located in the city. This area is also notable in Jainism and Buddhism. It was the birthplace of the 20th Jain Tirthankar Munisuvrata, and is closely associated with the arihant Mahavira and Gautama Buddha. Both Lord Mahavira and Lord Buddha taught their beliefs in Rajgir during the 6th and 5th century BC. The ancient Nalanda university was located in the vicinity of Rajgir, and the contemporary Nalanda University named after it was founded in 2010 at Rajgir. It was also through Rajgir that the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka travelled to Bodh Gaya around 250 BC, when placing the diamond throne at the great temple where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
context_section_description: The renowned Son Bhandar Caves is situated at Rajgir, Nalanda district in Bihar state. Son Bhandar group of caves has two caves known as eastern and western cave. Son bhandar caves are concerned with Jainism and considered to belong to 3–4 century AD. 
  These caves were first inspected by Cunninghum and he concluded to have analogy with Saptaparni Cave of Buddhism creed. After Cunninghum several scholars visited this place and some had opinion to concern with Buddhism. After some time all Buddhism connections were refused because of an inscription found on the southern wall of a cave.
  According to this inscription these caves were built by inspiration of a Jain Muni Vair for Jain ascetics. Sculptures of Teerthankaras were also carved in these caves. From architectural aspect; these caves are analogous to Nagarjuni cave and Barabar Caves caves of Mauryan era. Therefore, it can be concluded that construction time should not be much differ from above mentioned caves.
  These caves should be related to Digambar sect of Jainism as Xuanzang wrote in his book about Vaibhar Hill of Rajgir that the place was occupied by Digambar Jain monks for meditation purpose. After some centuries these caves were converted by Hindus as Lord Vishnu sculpture was also found from mound of a cave.
  Historically, Rajgir has been a very important place in Jainism, as capital to many empires. The main tourist attractions include the ancient city walls from Ajatshatru's period,  the Bimbisar's Jail, Jarasandh's Akhara, Gridhra-kuta, ('Hill of the Vultures'), Son Bhandar Caves and the Jain temples on the five peaks.
  Rajgir is famous for its hot water springs, locally known as Brahmakund, a sacred place for Hindus where water from seven different springs (Saptarshi) merge and is notable for its healing effects.
  Another major attraction is the peace pagoda, Vishwa Shanti Stupa, built in 1969, one of the 80 peace pagodas in the world, to spread the message of peace and non-violence. It is the oldest peace pagoda in India. The rope-way that leads to it is another attraction, which was gifted by Japanese spiritual leader Fuji Guruji in the 1960s.
  The Japanese temple is beside the Venu Vana. Venu Vana is an artificial forest, where one can enjoy Eternal peace and was used by Budhha for meditation, and meditate and famous Makhdoom Kund. Sri Ramakrishna Math is a non-political spiritual organization which have been engaged in various forms of humanitarians, social service activities.
  Rajgir Heritage Museum is another place of Interest, recently inaugurated by CM Nitish Kumar.
  The newly developed spot of Pandu Pokhar is worth visiting.
  The Sariputta Stupa is located on the Peak Of Giriyak Hills, at some distance from Ghora Katora Lake.
  Localities in Rajgir:
  Ashoknagar,
  Bengali Para,
  Chak Par,
  Dangi Tola,
  Dharmashala Road,
  Dhurwa More,
  Gandhi Tola,
  Ganj Par,
  Kali Bari,
  Kailash Ashram,
  Rajgir Kund,
  Mahadevpur,
  Mali Tola,
  Nahi Pokhar,
  Nichli Bazaar,
  Panchmukhi Kuan,
  Panditpur,
  Purvi Bharat,
  Ramhari Pind,
  Sabalpur,
  Sithoura,
  Tulsi Gali,
  Thakurbari,
  Upadhyay Tola.
caption: Hot Springs Bath-Brahmakunda and Laxminarayan Temple Complex
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