rajgir

An important destination for Jains and Buddhists, Rajgir is a samll town situated in a green valley and surrounded by hillocks. Having been home to the meditating Gautam Buddha, who later preached at the Vulture's Peak here, Lord Mahavir also spent 14 years of his life in this vicnity. The ropeway leading to Vishwa Shanti Stupa-the peace pagoda and the Venu Vana-residence of Lord Budhdha provides an unadulterated view of the hills and valleys nearby. The epic Mahabharata also notes this place as the home-town of Jarasandha, who had defeated Lord Krishna and Bhim in wrestling matches. Today, there is a famous Jarasandha Akhara here, where martial arts are practised. Also famous are the hot water springs located here, called Brahmakunda, which is a sacred place for Hindus, Jain and Buddhists, and is said to have medicinal, curative properties. Spiritually rich and an aesthetic treat, Rajgir is also full of exciting fables of treasures and mysterious undecoded scriptures.