Rajgruhi Nalanda Pavapuri Vaishali Buaddgaya

The provided text is a Jain travel guide and historical overview of several important pilgrimage sites in India: Rajgir, Nalanda, Pawapuri, Vaishali, and Bodh Gaya. The book, titled "Rajgruhi Nalanda Pavapuri Vaishali Buddhagaya," published by Jainko Prakashan, aims to provide a "new path-guidance" with illustrations and maps.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the content, organized by location and themes:

I. Rajgir (Rajgruhi)

• Historical Significance:
  • Rajgir is an ancient city, once the capital of Magadha, surrounded by five hills.
  • It has had multiple names throughout history, including Vasumati, Grihadrapur, Girivraja, and Rajagriha.
  • The names are linked to mythological figures like King Vasu and King Brihadhrath, and the city's geographical feature of being enclosed by hills (Girivraja means "king of mountains").
  • It was a powerful capital during the reign of emperors like Jarasandha and Bimbisara.
• Key Rulers and Events:
  • Jarasandha: A powerful Mahabharata-era king whose capital was Rajgir. His story involves his daughters marrying Kamsa and his eventual defeat and death by Bhima.
  • Bimbisara: A significant Magadha king who ruled before Buddha became enlightened. He was one of the four most influential rulers in North India.
  • Ajatashatru: Bimbisara's son and successor, who is said to have imprisoned and killed his father. He later embraced Buddhism. He is credited with building the outer city of Rajgir. The text also mentions his repair of the city walls due to the threat of the Avanti king Pradyota.
  • Udayin: Ajatashatru's son, who reportedly killed his father and shifted the capital from Rajgir to Pataliputra, leading to Rajgir's decline in political importance.
• Jain and Buddhist Significance:
  • Rajgir is considered a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists due to its association with the preachings and lives of their respective religious figures.
  • Jainism:
    • Rajgir has a connection to Jainism even before Lord Mahavir. Lord Munisuvratnath's birth, initiation, and enlightenment occurred here.
    • Jarasandha was an important figure in Jain literature.
    • All 24 Tirthankaras, except Adinath and Vasupujya, are said to have visited Rajgir.
    • Lord Mahavir's first sermon (Samavsarana) took place on Vipulachal hill.
    • Numerous Jain monks attained nirvana from Rajgir, including Gautam Swami, Sudharmaswami, Jakkhswami, Gandhar, Samundar, and Megharatha.
    • A Jain ascetic practiced severe penance and renounced their life here.
    • The text describes the grandeur of Rajgir in Jain literature, mentioning lush gardens, towering structures, and skilled inhabitants.
    • It highlights that Lord Mahavir and Lord Parshvanath spent time in Rajgir and nearby Nalanda.
    • Modern Jain temples are often built on hilltops, with many new temples built on the ruins of ancient ones.
  • Buddhism:
    • Rajgir was a major center for Buddhism, and Lord Buddha spent many years here, delivering sermons and residing in various places, with his favorite being the Gandhakuti on Gridhakuta hill.
    • Buddha admired the natural beauty of Rajgir, as reflected in his sayings quoted in Pali literature.
    • After Buddha's parinirvana, Ajatashatru brought his relics to Rajgir and built a stupa.
    • Ajatashatru also commissioned a large pavilion for the first Buddhist council.
• Places of Interest in Rajgir:
  • Venooan (Bamboo Grove): A grove dedicated to Lord Buddha by King Bimbisara, where he gave discipleship to Sariputra and Maudgalyayana.
  • Karand Nivap: A lake where Buddha used to bathe.
  • Mahavir Charan Chauraha: A place east of Venooan where Lord Mahavir and his disciples rested after giving sermons.
  • Stone Pipala Cave on Vaibhar Hill: Believed to be the abode of Pipala or Jarasandha's seat, mentioned in ancient texts and Chinese traveler accounts.
  • Saptaparni Cave: Located near Pipali Cave, this is where the first Buddhist council was held. It's known as Rahaniya Chauraha Cave in Jain history.
  • Ancient Jain Temple: Ruins of an ancient Jain temple found near a modern one, with inscriptions dating back to the 5th century CE.
  • Mahadev Temple: A ruined Shiva temple.
  • Manihar Math: Also known as Rani Chanda or Shalibhadra's Nimol, it's associated with the serpent deity Maninaga. Excavations revealed serpent figurines and other ancient artifacts.
  • Sen Bhandar Caves: Believed to be King Bimbisara's prison or a meditation center for Jain monks, with inscriptions in Shankh lipi and Jain images.
  • Ranbhoomi (Battlefield): Site of Jarasandha's wrestling match with Bhima.
  • Bimbisara's Jail: Believed to be the prison where Ajatashatru held Bimbisara.
  • World Peace Stupa: Built on Ratnagiri hill by the Japanese Buddhist organization.
  • Ropeway (Aerial Ropeway): A modern attraction connecting to the Stupa.
  • Rath Chakra and Sankh Lipi: A place with ancient writings and markings possibly from chariot wheels.
  • Jain Monk's Penance and Culture Land: The penance land of Muni Shri Jagjivan.
  • Bhanganga: A place with watchtowers on the hills and a resting place.
  • Hot Springs (Kund): Numerous hot springs with medicinal properties, including Saptadhara Kund, Brahmakund, and Suryakund.
  • Cyclopean Wall: Ancient city walls built with large stones.
  • Ajatashatru's Fort: Remains of a fort built by Ajatashatru.
  • Makhdum Kund: Associated with a Sufi saint who meditated there.
  • Other Temples: Various Jain, Buddhist, Vishnu, and Kali temples are mentioned.

II. Nalanda

• Historical Significance:
  • Nalanda is located southeast of Patna and 11 km north of ancient Rajgir.
  • It was a renowned center of learning and a major Buddhist monastic university.
  • Its history dates back to the 5th century BCE, during the time of Mahavir and Buddha.
  • Jain texts mention it as a suburb of Rajgir, where Lord Mahavir spent fourteen Chaturmasas.
  • Buddha often visited Nalanda, which was a prosperous city with a garden called Varika.
  • It was the birthplace of Buddha's chief disciples, Sariputra and Maudgalyayana.
  • Emperor Ashoka is considered the founder of Nalanda Vihara, having built a temple and stupa over Sariputra's relics.
  • Nagarjuna, a famous Mahayana philosopher, began his studies and became the head of Nalanda in the 2nd century CE.
  • It received significant patronage from various rulers, including Kumaragupta and King Harsha of Kannauj.
  • Nalanda was a prestigious institution, with scholars like Acharya Nagarjuna, Shilabhadra, Shantarakshit, and Dipankar imparting knowledge to students from across the world.
  • Tibetan emperors also studied here, and some scholars became founders of Lamaism in Tibet.
• Decline and Destruction:
  • The decline of Buddhism in India coincided with Nalanda's decline.
  • The final blow came from Muslim invasions, particularly by Ikhtiyaruddin Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khilji, who attacked and destroyed Nalanda, its viharas, and its main library (Ratnodadhi), causing immense loss.
  • Later, due to a fire set by Brahmin students who were angered by Buddhist monks, the library was destroyed.
• Excavation Sites:
  • The text details the excavation sites, describing the layout of monasteries (Viharas) and temples, with specific mentions of Monastery No. 1 and Monastery No. 3 (Main Temple).
  • It describes the architectural features, stages of construction, and the artifacts found, including coins, pottery, and sculptures.
  • Highlights include a metal assay furnace, a fire altar, and detailed descriptions of the main temple, Stupa, and various Vihara complexes.
  • The art and craftsmanship of the sculptures, particularly those from the Gupta period and later, are discussed.
• Nearby Places:
  • Nitaivati Sthan (Sun Temple): Located in Surya-pur Mehu village, featuring a collection of Brahmanical and Buddhist sculptures.
  • Kundalpur: Historically considered Lord Mahavir's birthplace by some, though Vaishali is the accepted site.
  • Huen Tsang Memorial Hall: A memorial dedicated to the Chinese traveler.
  • New Nalanda Mahavihara: The modern institution established near the ancient site.
  • Shali (Kandgram): Another location associated with Lord Mahavir's birth, though the primary claim is to Vaishali.

III. Vaishali

• Significance:
  • Vaishali is renowned as the birthplace of Lord Mahavir.
  • Siddhartha, Mahavir's father, was a king of the Shakya clan and the head of the Jnatri clan.
  • Trishala, Mahavir's mother, was the daughter of King Chetaka of Vaishali, making Mahavir related by marriage to the important Lichchhavi republic.
  • Vaishali was a prosperous city divided into three parts based on the wealth of its inhabitants.
  • The text also mentions a town named Fedgram outside Vaishali.

IV. Pawapuri

• Significance:
  • Pawapuri is a famous pilgrimage site for Jains, where Lord Mahavir attained parinirvana (final liberation) in 490 BCE.
  • A marble temple (Jal-Mandir) built on an island in a lotus pond marks the spot of his cremation.
  • The presence of a pond is attributed to devotees continuously bringing holy soil to the site.
  • The Jal-Mandir is a significant destination for Jain pilgrims, especially during Diwali.

V. Bodh Gaya

• Significance:
  • Bodh Gaya, anciently known as Uruvela, is a supremely sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists.
  • It is where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
  • The Mahabodhi Temple is a major pilgrimage destination for Buddhists worldwide.
  • Hindus also revere the site, considering Buddha as an avatar of Vishnu.
  • The temple's architecture is described as being in the Gupta style.
  • Emperor Ashoka built a temple and monastery here in the 3rd century BCE.
  • The site has seen multiple reconstructions and destructions throughout history, including by King Shashanka and later by Muslim invaders.
  • The current temple was rebuilt over the ruins of the ancient one.
  • The text mentions the imposing seated Buddha statue within the temple.
• Places of Interest:
  • Bodhi Tree: The sacred tree under which Buddha meditated and attained enlightenment.
  • Brahmasana: A throne associated with Buddha's meditation.
  • Various Sites of Buddha's Meditation: The text lists seven weeks of meditation sites around the Bodhi tree, including places associated with his gaze, footsteps, and dwelling.
  • Muchalinda Lake: A lake mentioned near the Mahabodhi Temple.
  • Bodhi Sarovar: A sacred lake south of the temple where Buddha bathed.
  • Animesh Lochana: The spot where Buddha gazed at the Bodhi tree.
  • Ajapala Nigrodha Tree: Another location associated with Buddha.

In essence, the book serves as a detailed guide for Jain pilgrims, highlighting the historical, religious, and cultural significance of these ancient Indian sites, with a particular emphasis on their connection to Jainism while also acknowledging their importance to Buddhism and Hinduism. It aims to inform and guide visitors, providing historical context and descriptions of key landmarks.