Rajgir and It’s Significance to Buddhism, Jainism & The Great Epic of Mahabharata

Rajgir is a historic city in Nalanda district, Bihar, India. It was the capital of the kingdom of Magadha and the Great Mauryan Empire. 1000 B.C. dated ceramics have been found in this ancient city. Jainism and Buddhism have deep roots in this city, as Lord Mahavir and Gautama Buddha stayed here. Vulture’s Peak Mountain on the city outskirts was the venue for the Atanatiya conference.

Vishwa Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda) on Vulture Peak, Rajgir.
Vishwa Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda) on Vulture Peak, Rajgir.

World Peace Pagoda at Rajgir is one of the 80 Pagodas in the world and is a famous tourist spot. The Hot water springs of Rajgir, known as Brahmakund, are well-known and are sacred to Hindus. There is a ropeway to this city, which is another tourist attraction.

This place is a historic site in the Great epic Mahabharata. Mahabharata mentions the battles between Pandavas & Lord Krishna (allies) with Jarasandha, the king of this place. Lord Krishna defeated Jarasandha 17 times. On the 18th occasion, Lord Krishna left the battlefield without going in for a battle. A wrestling match between Bhima (one among the five Pandavas) and King Jarasandha is also mentioned in Mahabharata. ‘Jarasandha’s Akhara’ is a famous martial arts center here.

Jain and Buddhist scriptures also mention this historical place. Lord Mahavira of Jainism spent 14 years at this place and nearby Nalanda. 1200 years old Munisuvrat Bhagwan temple along with the Jain temples are situated here.

Rajgir Glass Bridge or Glass Skywalk

Rajgir Glass Bridge is a new attraction to Rajgir City. It was opened in December 2021.

It is between five hills at 200 feet from the ground level. It has a length of 85 feet and a width of 6 feet. It is open to the public from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm. The Government of Bihar constructed it to promote tourism.

40 people can board the glass bridge at Rajgir at a time.

Rajgir Glass Bridge Charges and Charges for Other Activities

The Glass Skywalk charges are INR 125 per person. The Glass Bridge ticket counter is always crowded. You should book the tickets in advance through the website.

There are many other activities inside the Glass Bridge campus. Charges differ for each activity. You can stay at the Bamboo house, wooden house, or mud house for INR 500 per person. Jeep sky booking, Zipline flying fox and Archery cost INR 100 per person. Wall climbing costs INR 20. , Suspension Bridge charges are INR 10 per person. There is a butterfly park inside the park complex. (INR means Indian rupees)

How Do I Go to Rajgir?

Patna is the nearest major city within 100 kilometers of distance. There is a railway station in this town with daily direct trains to New Delhi.

Mokameh is at a distance of 100 kilometers from Rajgir.

Bakhtiarpur is a city between Patna and Mokameh.

NH82 connects the city with other parts of the country. NH 30A and NH31 are other National Highways of India passing through the nearby towns of Rajgir.