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Jain Temples |
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Jain
Pilgiimages |
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| Rajgriha (Rajgir)
Jain Temple |
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 Rajgir is a very ancient place referred to in the mythical period of Ramayana.. In ancient India it was known by several names, one being Rajgriha. The other ancient names were Vasumati, Barhadrathapura, Kusagrapura, Girivraja. Rajgriha (Rajgir) was the capital city of the Magadha empire for many centuries. There are several hills near Rajgriha called the Vaibhara, Ratna, Saila, Sona, Udaya, Chhatha and Vipula. Rajgir is linked with Vasu the fourth son of Brahma (creator) who is considered to have founded the old Girivraja. It is also linked with Brihadratha and Jarasandha. Bimbisara ruled over Magadh from 543-491 B.C, then Ajatasatru (491-459 B.C). The accounts of ancient Rajgir are given by the Chinese travellers and pilgrims Fa-hien and Hiuen Tsang. Buddhaghosha has also given accounts.
Buddha lived in Rajgriha and gave many sermons here. Mahavira the twenty fourth Jain tirthankara also spent a long time here. Lord Mahavir performed Twelve 'Chaturmas' here and sprayed his spiritual ambrosia on this district. Of the Nearly seven lakh hermits and nuns devoted to Lord Mahavir, nearly one-fourth belonged to Rajgriha district. From this viewpoint it can be said that Lord Mahavir had a boundless influence on Rajgriha district.The twentieth Jain tirthankara Muni Suvrata is supposed to have been born here.
Today Rajgir is a centre of Jainism and Jain temples. One can see these temples and in the remains of the glorious past one can see the remains of the fortified walls of the fortifications, stone walls of new Rajgir, stupas(remains), caves, monasteries, religious shrines and especially the Maniar Math and the Sonbhandar caves. The other places a student of ancient Indian History, Jainism, Buddhism and archaeology would like to see are the excavations, antiqities, terracottas, cemetery, Karanda tank, Pippala stone house and cave Saptaparni, ancient jain temple with images of Jain tirthankaras Rishabhadeva and others.
The kings such as Raja Shrenik and Raja Ajatshatru (Kunik) etc. who have been mentioned in Jain scriptures with great veneration, were as a matter of fact, the rulers of this very district. Raja Shrenik is considered to be one of the principal disciples of Lord Mahavir. The famous Jain pilgrimage situated on the hills, besides the renowned Buddhist Stupa, also has a hot-water spring called 'Brahm Kund'. 'Virayatan' has also been constructed here for education, service and art. This pilgrimage has been constructed on five hills. At a little distance away from the Jain Dharmshala built at the first foot-hill is the Vipulgiri hills. After ascending about 2 km. we come across the Vipulgiri 'Toonk'. On the hills are situated the temples of the sects - Shwetambar and Digambar. Near the Vipulachal hill only 2 kms. there is Ratnagiri hill. On this Ratnagiri hill are also situated Shwetambar and Digambar temples. There is a huge temple of Lord Buddha on the Gridhakoot hill just in front of the Ratnagiri hill.
Swarnagiri is the fourth hill also known as Shramangiri. There are two caves on the southern part of this hill. 'Jina' images have been carved on the walls in the caves. Vaibhargiri hill is situated 2 kms. away from here. There is the Shalibhadra temple also besides the 'Jina' temple. On the left of this temple is an ancient dilapidated temple. There are many ancient and artistic idols in it. |
| Location:- |
| Rajgriha or Rajgir is in Patna district of Bihar State of India. It is near Nalanda and Pawapuri. Nearest airport at Patna .By Air The nearest airport for Rajgir is Patna. The nearest international airport is Kolkata. By Rail Rajgir is on a branch line of Eastern Railway and there are daily trains to Patna and other places nearby. By Road There are regular buses from Patna, Nalanda, Gaya, and Bodhgaya to Rajgir. |
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