Rajgir, Nalanda - Remnants of a Buddhist Empire in India

by Peter

We left wonderful, magnificent Bodhgaya this morning to visit the holy sites of Rajgir and Nalanda. Our first stop for the day was the hilltop of Rajgir to a Japanese Peace Pagoda and caves that duirng the lifetime of the Buddha.

Rajgir is encircled by five holy hills. It lies at a distance of approximately 34 km from the city of Bodhgaya. The name of the town is derived from the words 'Raj Griha', meaning 'the abode of the king'. During the lifetime of Buddha, Rajgir served as the capital city of the Magadh Empire. The city hosted Buddha during the reign of rule of Bimbisara who was overwhelmed, along with many citizens, by the charm and grace of Lord Buddha. Here the two rock-cut caves were the favourite retreats of the Buddha and it was on this hill that he preached two of his most famous sermons.

Built on a hallowed site where the Buddha had often stayed, Nalanda is one of the world's oldest living cities. The Buddhist University of Nalanda, once the most prestigious center of learning in Asia, was built here. The evocative ruins of its monasteries and temples still convey a vivid impression of the serene and ordered life of contemplation and learning that prevailed here. Nalanda is located 14 kms. from Rajgir.It is well known as the ancient centre of learning which has the remains of the great Nalanda University and several monasteries and temples. Both Lord Buddha and Mahavira visited this place and it remained a renowned learning centre till 12th century when Muslims raiders destroyed it. Kings of Gupta, Kushan and Palva dynasties were the chief patrons of the centre, who built several monasteries and temples. The famous Chinese traveller Hieun Tsang studied here and his documents provide details about the university. Ayuverdic and Tibetan Medicine can also trace part of their roots here. In fact, most of the Ayuverdic practiced today was developed at Nalanda.

On an interesting side note, Nalanda was a flourishing University by 1st Century BCE. It is wispered that men from the west came and studied here. I can think a pretty well known Hebrew who lived in that time and was said to have traveled east. Comment on who I am thinking of.