Origin of the Name “Rajgir”
The name Rajgir comes from the Sanskrit words:
“Raja” (राजा) meaning king
“Griha” (गृह) meaning house or home
So literally, Rajgir means “the home of kings.”
In ancient texts, it was called Rajagaha (Pali) or Rajagriha (Sanskrit).
It was the capital of the kingdom of Magadha long before Pataliputra (modern Patna) became the capital. Many kings, including King Bimbisara and Ajatashatru, ruled from here.
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Historical and Cultural Background
Rajgir was a major political, spiritual, and cultural center around the 6th century BCE.
The Magadha Kingdom, which later became a powerful empire under the Mauryas and Guptas, started here.
The place is surrounded by five hills — Vaibhara, Ratna, Saila, Udaya, and Vipula — giving it natural protection and scenic beauty.
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During Lord Buddha’s Time
Rajgir is one of the most important sites in Buddhism, as it played a central role during the lifetime of Lord Buddha.
1. Buddha’s Early Visits:
Lord Buddha often visited Rajagaha during the reign of King Bimbisara, who became one of his earliest royal followers.
Bimbisara offered him a beautiful bamboo grove called Venuvana, which became Buddha’s first monastery.
2. Teachings at Rajgir:
Buddha delivered many important sermons here —
At Griddhakuta Hill (Vulture’s Peak), he preached several significant discourses, including the Lotus Sutra (Saddharma Pundarika Sutra) and parts of the Heart Sutra tradition.
This hill later became a sacred place for Buddhist pilgrims from around the world.
3. First Buddhist Council:
After Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana (passing away), the First Buddhist Council was held in a cave near Rajgir — the Saptaparni Cave.
It was led by Mahākāśyapa with 500 monks to compile Buddha’s teachings — the Vinaya Pitaka (discipline) and Sutta Pitaka (teachings).
4. Ajatashatru and the Buddha:
King Ajatashatru, the son of Bimbisara, initially opposed the Buddha but later became a devoted follower.
He constructed the first stupa in Rajgir to enshrine Buddha’s relics.
Today
Rajgir is now a peaceful pilgrimage and tourist site.
Important places to visit include:
1. Venu Vana
2. Gridhakuta Hill
4. Ajatshatru Fort
5. Cyclopean Wall
6. Karanda Tank
7. Sonbhandar Caves
8. Jarasandha’s Akhara
9. Swarna Bhandar
10. Vipula Hill
11. Bimbisara’s Jail
12. Pippala Cave
13. Hot Springs
14. Griddhakuta Peak
15. Jivakameavan Gardens
16. Ajatashatru’s Stupa
17. Bimbisara’s Prison
18. Bimbisara’s Court
19. Bimbisara’s Hospital
20. Veerayatan Museum
21. The Cyclopean Wall
22. Maniyar Math
23. Rajgir Dance Festival
24. Makhdum Kund
25. Veerayatan
26. Pippala Cave
27. Bimbisara’s Jail
28. Saptaparni Cave
29. The Great Stupa
30. Chariot Route
