Patna and Rajgir – Two Historical cities of Bihar

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Patna and Rajgir – Two Historical cities of Bihar

Posted On : Jul-19-2011 | seen (227) times | Article Word Count : 711 |

Patna is the capital of the Indian state of Bihar and the second largest city in terms of population in eastern India.

Patna is the capital of the Indian state of Bihar and the second largest city in terms of population in eastern India. The ancient Patna, known as Pataliputra, was the capital of the Magadha Empire under the Haryanka, Nanda, Mauryan, Sunga, Gupta, Pala and Suri dynasties. It is located on the south bank of the river Ganga.
There are several theories regarding the source of the name Patna:
It is etymologically derived from Patan, the name of the Hindu goddess, Patan Devi.
It comes from Pattan (meaning “port” in Sanskrit), since the city, located near the confluence of four rivers, has been a thriving river port.
It may be a short form of Pataliputra, one of the most ancient names of this city.
The Greeks called it Palibothra. Megasthenes (350-290 BCE), the Greek historian, referred to it in Greek as Palibothra or Palimbotra.
The city has been known by various names during its more than 2,000 years of existence – Patligram, Patliputra, Kusumpur, Pushpapura, Azimabad, and the present-day Patna.
Patna received its current name during the reign of Sher Shah Suri, whose tomb is at Sasaram, near Patna.
Patna is a major transport hub for the state and a useful base for visiting the Buddhist sites of Vaishali, Kesariya and Rajgir. The natives of Patna are called Patnaites.
The cuisine of Patna is very unique and has a real mouth watering taste. “Khichdi”, the broth of rice and lentils, seasoned with spices, and is served with several accompanying items like curd, chutney, pickles, papads, ghee (clarified butter) and Aloo Chokha (boiled mashed potatoes, seasoned with finely cut onions, green chillies) is a common meal. Khichdi is a staple food and considered auspicious when consumed on Saturdays. Afternoon meals mostly consist of rice and vegetables while the dinner will consist of rotis (flatbread) and lentils. The desserts includes the sweets which are mostly dry like Khaja, Ladoo, Kala Jamun, Khubi ka Lai, Kesaria Peda and Chena Murki.
Places to Visit:
Patna Museum
Golghar
Kumrahar Excavations
Har Mandir
Qila House
Khuda Baksh Oriental Library
Mahaveer Mandir
Sher Shahi
Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park
Bihar Institute of Handicrafts and Designs
Birla Mandir
Nawab Shahid-Ka-Maqbara
Pachim Darwaza
Padri-Ki-Haveli.
Rajgir:
Rajgir is located in the Nalanda district of Bihar is the first capital kingdom of Magadha. The name Rajgir is derived from Sanskrit word Tajagraha which means “house of the king” or “royal house”. It might have its origin from the literal meaning, “royal mountain”.
Rajgir was the ancient capital city of the Magadha kings until the 5th century BC when Ajatashatru moved the capital to Pataliputra. In those days, it was called Rajgrih, which translates as “the home of Royalty”. Rajgir is located in a valley surrounded by rocky hillocks. One can see many Buddhist monks meditating at a place called Vultures Peak. Lord Buddha is said to have delivered many sermons at the town of Rajgir. Lord Mahavir is also said to have to spend some amount of time at the town of Rajgir. The serenity of Rajgir revitalizes both the mind and spirits.
Rajgir is in a valley surrounded by seven hills namely Vaibhara, Ratna, Saila, Sona, Udaya, Chhatha, and Vipula. Rajgir has also developed as a health and winter resort due to its warm water ponds. These baths are said to contain some medicinal properties that help in the cure of many skin diseases. The Saptparni cave is also the source of the Rajgir Hot Water Springs that have curative properties and are sacred to the Hindus, Buddhists and Jains.
From March to May summer prevails. The monsoon in Rajgir occurs from June to August and plenty of rain is experienced making the climate pleasant. The winters are very pleasant during December to February with a moderate temperature. Tourists must carry warm and woolen clothes while visiting Rajgir during December-January.
Places to Visit:
Gymnasium of Jarasandh
Ajatshatru Fort
Shanti Stupa
Cyclopean Wall
Sonbhandar Caves
Venu Vana
Bimbisar Jail
Jain Temples
Chariot Route Marks
Pippala cave
Hazaribagh National Park
Chhota Nagpur Plateau
Parasnath Hill
Bus booking is fairly easy nowadays on internet. If you plan early you’ll get budget tickets online. For online bus booking you can check different OTA’s website. Search best bus service, compare and buy cheap tickets.

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<h1>Patna and Rajgir – Two Historical cities of Bihar</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_wejai.aspx'>wejai</a> Patna is the capital of the Indian state of Bihar and the second largest city in terms of population in eastern India. The ancient Patna, known as Pataliputra, was the capital of the Magadha Empire under the Haryanka, Nanda, Mauryan, Sunga, Gupta, Pala and Suri dynasties. It is located on the south bank of the river Ganga.
There are several theories regarding the source of the name Patna:
It is etymologically derived from Patan, the name of the Hindu goddess, Patan Devi.
It comes from Pattan (meaning “port” in Sanskrit), since the city, located near the confluence of four rivers, has been a thriving river port.
It may be a short form of Pataliputra, one of the most ancient names of this city.
The Greeks called it Palibothra. Megasthenes (350-290 BCE), the Greek historian, referred to it in Greek as Palibothra or Palimbotra.
The city has been known by various names during its more than 2,000 years of existence – Patligram, Patliputra, Kusumpur, Pushpapura, Azimabad, and the present-day Patna.
Patna received its current name during the reign of Sher Shah Suri, whose tomb is at Sasaram, near Patna.
Patna is a major transport hub for the state and a useful base for visiting the Buddhist sites of Vaishali, Kesariya and Rajgir. The natives of Patna are called Patnaites.
The cuisine of Patna is very unique and has a real mouth watering taste. “Khichdi”, the broth of rice and lentils, seasoned with spices, and is served with several accompanying items like curd, chutney, pickles, papads, ghee (clarified butter) and Aloo Chokha (boiled mashed potatoes, seasoned with finely cut onions, green chillies) is a common meal. Khichdi is a staple food and considered auspicious when consumed on Saturdays. Afternoon meals mostly consist of rice and vegetables while the dinner will consist of rotis (flatbread) and lentils. The desserts includes the sweets which are mostly dry like Khaja, Ladoo, Kala Jamun, Khubi ka Lai, Kesaria Peda and Chena Murki.
Places to Visit:
Patna Museum
Golghar
Kumrahar Excavations
Har Mandir
Qila House
Khuda Baksh Oriental Library
Mahaveer Mandir
Sher Shahi
Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park
Bihar Institute of Handicrafts and Designs
Birla Mandir
Nawab Shahid-Ka-Maqbara
Pachim Darwaza
Padri-Ki-Haveli.
Rajgir:
Rajgir is located in the Nalanda district of Bihar is the first capital kingdom of Magadha. The name Rajgir is derived from Sanskrit word Tajagraha which means “house of the king” or “royal house”. It might have its origin from the literal meaning, “royal mountain”. 
Rajgir was the ancient capital city of the Magadha kings until the 5th century BC when Ajatashatru moved the capital to Pataliputra. In those days, it was called Rajgrih, which translates as “the home of Royalty”. Rajgir is located in a valley surrounded by rocky hillocks. One can see many Buddhist monks meditating at a place called Vultures Peak. Lord Buddha is said to have delivered many sermons at the town of Rajgir. Lord Mahavir is also said to have to spend some amount of time at the town of Rajgir. The serenity of Rajgir revitalizes both the mind and spirits.
Rajgir is in a valley surrounded by seven hills namely Vaibhara, Ratna, Saila, Sona, Udaya, Chhatha, and Vipula. Rajgir has also developed as a health and winter resort due to its warm water ponds. These baths are said to contain some medicinal properties that help in the cure of many skin diseases. The Saptparni cave is also the source of the Rajgir Hot Water Springs that have curative properties and are sacred to the Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. 
From March to May summer prevails. The monsoon in Rajgir occurs from June to August and plenty of rain is experienced making the climate pleasant. The winters are very pleasant during December to February with a moderate temperature. Tourists must carry warm and woolen clothes while visiting Rajgir during December-January.
Places to Visit:
Gymnasium of Jarasandh
Ajatshatru Fort
Shanti Stupa
Cyclopean Wall
Sonbhandar Caves
Venu Vana
Bimbisar Jail
Jain Temples
Chariot Route Marks
Pippala cave
Hazaribagh National Park
Chhota Nagpur Plateau
Parasnath Hill
Bus booking is fairly easy nowadays on internet. If you plan early you’ll get budget tickets online. For online bus booking you can check different OTA’s website. Search best bus service, compare and buy cheap tickets.
About the Author: Via.com is a leader in travel automation and technology. Now <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.via.com/bus-tickets" title="bus booking">bus booking</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.via.com">cheap Air tickets</a> Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Patna-and-Rajgir-–-Two-Historical-cities-of-Bihar_67360.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Patna and Rajgir – Two Historical cities of Bihar_67360.aspx</a>

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