Rajgir

Rajagriha in Patna district was the ancient capital city of the Magadha kings. The Buddha often came here to retreat at the Jivkamaravana monastery in a beautiful orchard. One of his most devoted and prosperous devotees, surgeon Jivaka also lived here. The rich merchant community here soon became the Buddha's followers

And built many structures of typical buddhist architecture. The Buddha converted the Mauryan king Bimbisara, one 3f his most celebrated folowers at the Griddhakuta hill, where he delivered many of his sermons as well. The Japanese have built a stupa on top of Ratnagiri hill and have linked it with a ropeway. After the Buddha reached 'parinirvana' his followers met at the Saptaparni cave in Rajagriha . This was the first Buddhist Council ever held . It was here that the teachings of the Buddha were penned down for the first time. Rajgir is also an important place of pilgrimage for the Hindus and Jains.