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Cyclopean Wall
The cyclopean wall is a 40 Km long wall which encircled
ancient Rajgir. Built of massive undressed stone carefully
fitted together, the wall is one of the few important Pre-Maurayan
stone structures ever to have been found. Traces of wall
still subsist, particularly at the exit of Rajgir to Gaya.
Ajatshatru Fort
Ajatshatru fort was built by Ajatshatru in 6th century
B.C. He was the king of Magadha during the Buddha's time.
The 6.5 sq.meter Ajatshatru's Stupa is also believed to
have been built by him.
ShantiS tupa
The Vishwa Shanti Stupa is located on a 400 meter high
hill. The stupa is built in marble and on the four corners
of the stupa are four glimmering statues of Buddha. To
reach the top of this hill one has to come through the
“Ropeways”. This place is also called the GriddhKoot.
Venu Vana
The Venu Vana Vihar is a site of the monastery built by
king Bimbisara so that Lord Buddha can stay. This was the
king's first offering to Lord Buddha.
Karanda Tank:
It is the tank in which Buddha used to bath.
Bimbisar jail
King Bimbisar was imprisoned here by his impatient son
and heir, Ajatashatru. The captive king chose this site
for his incarceration, for, from this spot he could see
Lord Buddha climbing up to his mountain retreat atop the
Griddhakuta hill. There is a clear view of the Japanese
Pagoda. The stupa of peace was built on the top of the
hill.
Veerayatan:
A Jain Temple and Museum
Jain Temple:
On hill crests around Rajgir, far in the distances one can
see about 26 Jain Temples. They are difficult to approach
for the untrained, but make exciting trekking for those in
form
Hot Springs
The hot springs are located at the foot of Vaibhava Hill,
from where a staircase leads up to the various temples. The
water comes through spouts from Saptdhara, the seven
streams, believed to find their source behind the "Saptarni
Caves", up in the hills. The hottest of the springs is the
Brahmakund with a temperature of 45 degree Centigrade.
Pippala cave
Pippala cave is located above the hot springs on the
Vaibhava Hill. Pippala cave is a rectangular stone sculpted
by the forces of nature which appears to have been used as a
watch tower. Since it later became the resort of pious
hermits, it is also called Pippala Cave and popularly known
as "Jarasandh ki Baithak" after the name of the King
Jarasandh, a contemporary of Lord Krishna described in the
epic Mahabharata.
Gridhakuta
Gridhakuta is a place where the lord Buddha set in a motion
his second wheel of law for three months even during the
rainy season. He preached many inspiring sermons to his
disciples. The Buddha Sangha of Japan has constructed a
massive modern stupa, the Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda), at
the top of the hill in commemoration. A bridle path leads to
up to the hill but it is much more fun to take the Aerial
Chair lift which operates every day except Thursday. One way
ride takes 7.5 minutes and the view is splendid over the
hills of Rajgir.
New Rajgir Walls, Bimbisar Road, Maniyar math, Saptarni
Caves and Poppala Stone house are the sites of tourist
interest |