Rajgir is a city located in the state of Bihar in India. Rajgir isn’t just a cultural center in Bihar: it’s also filled with ancient Buddhist temples that have existed for hundreds of years. Some of these magnificent temples and monasteries were built more than two millennia ago, while others were built recently by people who love Buddhism.
1. Jivakarama Vihara
Found on the outskirts of Rajagriha, the Jivakarama vihara is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries around, established way back during the time of Gautama Buddha himself. The site was originally a mango orchard, which was then given to the sangha by a doctor in the employ of King Bimbisara. As the legend goes, the Buddha himself received treatment at the monastery himself after an injury.
Unlike viharas built later on, the Jivakarama vihara does not have a stupa. It first features two long halls for monks to eat and sleep in, which resembled early Buddhist architecture in the absence of private rooms or cells.
2. Mahabodhi Temple Complex
The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is one of the most inspiring Buddhist pilgrimage sites. However, it’s located a ways away from Rajgir, in Bodhgaya. This temple is one of the four holy sites or Dharma-Kshetras, which are the main pilgrimage centers for devotees of Buddhism. The first temple in the complex was built by the Mauryan King Ashoka, with other temples and places of worship later added all the way to the fifth and sixth centuries. However, since then, it has been much-reconstructed.
3. Nalanda Mahavihara
The Nalanda Mahavihara was established by Emperor Asoka in 250 BC at Rajgir as a university for Buddhist monks from all over India and other countries. It remained active until its destruction by Mahmud Ghazni in 1187 AD following his invasion of India; however, fragments have survived up until today.
Nalanda Mahavihara is considered one of the most important monuments from ancient times in the Indian subcontinent. Some scholars believe that it was built on the site of an older Buddhist temple called Nalanda Jetavaniketa Temple, which was built by Maharaja Sushima during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya.
The ruins at Nalanda are situated about 5 kilometers away from Rajgir town on National Highway 2 (India). You can reach it from most major cities like Patna, Delhi, and Kolkata by roadways or railways.
4. Gridhakuta Hill
Called the favorite place of the Buddha himself for meditation, Gridhakuta Hill is also called Vulture Peak. The Gridhakuta Hill is an important part of Buddhist lore, as it was the place where he gave his first sermon after attaining true enlightenment. It was here that Buddha gave up his body, soul, and mind to become a Buddha. The Gridhakuta Hill is also called the “Garden of Awakening”.
5. Vishwa Shanti Stupa
A magnificent stupa built by Fujii Guruji, the main attraction of this stupa is its stunning architecture and design. The stupa stands 28 meters tall on a 400-meter tall hill and is a magnificent white color you can see for miles around. You won’t be alone here either: this site is a famous pilgrimage site for Buddhist devotees.
6. Venu Vana Bamboo Forest
As per the legends, Venu Vana was a gift given to Lord Buddha by King Bimbisara of Magadha. It was purchased from the King’s treasury by Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who later donated it to the Buddhist religion. The forest is in Rajgir, Nalanda district of Bihar state, India.
It’s on the bank of the River Churni and is home to many rare species of flora and fauna such as pythons, crocodiles, and monkeys. It also has some rare species of birds like hornbills, kingfishers, woodpeckers, etc.
The Takeaway
As Lord Buddha is considered the prophet of peace, love, and compassion, his lifestyle and teachings are extremely important to understand for anyone who wants to be liberated from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
One of the main reasons to visit Rajgir is its rich Buddhist history. Rajgir is a historic place that most Indians are aware of; however, very few can name these sites of importance. This list will help you avoid embarrassing situations and let you spend your time more wisely by focusing on what’s important.