RAJGIR

Nestled in a verdant valley guarded by five hills, and hot springs with medicinal properties, Rajgir is a scenic town located in the modern-day Nalanda district of Bihar. This naturally fortified destination is one of the most ancient sites of learning in India and finds a mention in Mahabharata too. Legends say it was here Lord Buddha set in motion his second wheel of law and spent several seasons meditating and preaching. Just 15 km from Nalanda city, the temples and monasteries in and around Rajgir, tell the story of Lord Buddha’s life.   

During the time of Lord Buddha, Rajgir was the capital of the flourishing Magadha empire under the reign of the noble king Bimbisara. It was renowned before as place for congregation of spiritual leaders and scholars. So when prince Siddhartha renounced his royal life to become an ascetic, he too came to Rajgir. It is said that here he met king Bimbisara, who was so impressed by the young man that he offered him half his kingdom. But Siddhartha left the city, promising the king to return after he had found the answers to his questions.