Religious/ Spiritual

4 km. It is believed that the Jain Tirthankar, Lord Mahavir was born over 2550 years ago. Mahavir is said to have spent the first 22 years of his life here.

An old temple built in the Pala period stands on the northern bank of a tank known as Bawan Pokhar and enshrines beautiful images of several Hindu gods.

The Buddha Stupas here were created for the second Buddhist council that happened here in the 383 BC. Although the exteriors of Buddha Stupa I is not in a great condition, but tells us a lot about the architecture during that period. It is also famous as one eighth of the sacred ashes of Lord Buddha were found here. Another casket was found at the site of Buddha Stupa II, which contained the sacred ashes of Lord Buddha.

History records that after the cremation of Lord Buddha by the Mallas of Kushinagra, his ashes were divided among the six heads of state (Ajatashatru of Magadha, Shakyas of Kapilavastu, Bulis of Alikappa, Koliyas of Ramagrama, Brahmin of Vethadipa and Lichchhavis of Vaishali) and the two mallas of Kushinagra and Pawa. The Lichchhavis received 1/8 of his ashes and they buried it here under the mud stupa which was later enlarged by the Mauryas, Sungas and Kushans.

Kutagarasala Vihara is the monastery where Buddha most frequently stayed while visiting Vaishali. It is located 3 kilometres from the relic Stupa, and on its ground can be found the Ananda Stupa, with an Asokan pillar in very good condition (perhaps the only complete Asokan pillar left standing), and an ancient pond.

The Sita Temple, dedicated to Goddess Sita, was constructed around 100 years ago. The stone statues of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita and Lord Lakshman are enshrined in the temple. A spring located close to this temple is believed to be the place where Goddess Sita was found in a furrow. It is believed that Birbal Das, a Hindu ascetic, visited the site and discovered the temple. The city has its footing on Hindu Mythology which teaches that goddess Sita devi was obtained to King Janaka while he was ploughing the fields.

This is a Jain Temple, which also has a Museum in it.

On hillcrests 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.

This was the place where the Lord Buddha set in motion his second wheel of Law and for three months every year during the rainy season, preached many inspiring sermons to his disciples. The Buddha Sangha of Japan have constructed a massive modern stupa, the Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda), at the top of the hill in commemoration. A bridle path leads up to the hill but it is much more fun to take the Aerial Chairlift which operates every day except Thursday. One way ride takes 7.5 minutes and the view is splendid over the hills of Rajgir.

Vulture Peak (Grdhrakuta) in Rajgir where the Buddha inspired Avalokiteshvara to give The Heart Sutra - the Prajna Paramita Hridaya Sutram requested by Sariputra, rock that looks like a vulture; upper right, facing left.