Since the inception of its history which dates back to 500 year ago Bihar has been recognized on cradle of movements in the field of art, culture and religion literature & human rights a postles of peace Lord Buddha, Mahavir, Great Guru Govind Singh and Mahatma Gandhi and great sufie saint further heighened with the visit of great chinese tourist Fahien, who has distinctly narrated the attaintments of the University at that time took birth on this land. It is the land on which the earliest seeds of democracy took roots and however hossemed into the form of governence with the advent of Lord, it withessed a cultural renaissance as in the preachings of the Lord Buddha was seen the right answer to the woos & suffering of the rest humanity at the hands of loot, tyranny & boilance. People embraced Buddhism and the echest holiest sermon Buddham Saranam Gachhami sent the air reached beyond the boundaries of our country and seat of leaning at Nalanda, where students outside the boundaries of our country joined the course got acknowledged the world over. Lord Buddha delivered his preachings at this place of learning. The glory of Nalanda gate.
Bihar has basked in the glory of Magadh Empire in the period of Mauryans, Guptas and Pal, Vikramshila University, whose ruins speak of best as this glorious deat of learning was constructed during Pal dynasty.
The state of Bihar lies along the eastern Gangetic Plains in North India, A land that has been the passing of many dynasties of ancient India, Bihar has also been the birth place of two treat theologies -Buddhism and Jainism. As a place of pilgrimage for centuries, even the name Bihar is desired from 'Vihar' as a Buddhist monasteries, Reflecting its ancient history, Bihar has some of the finest monuments of Hindu and Mughal architecture. And through the state flows the majestic river Ganga a saga of events of centuries old civilization. The scenery and climate of the State range from the foot hills of Himalayas, over the vast and fertile plains of the Ganga to the hills, forests and wide plateau. The land and people, fairs and festivals, arts and crafts, flora and fauna of Bihar, are all epitomes of diversity, which enchant and thrill tourists.
SAMETSHIKHARJI JAIN PILGRIMAGE
Day 1 – Arrive Patna by flight and transfer to Rajgiri
After Breakfast transfer to Raj Giri Arrive and check in at Rajgiri, Relax after the journey Overnight in Veerayatan Dharamshala
Day 2 Excursions to Kundalpur,Nalanda,Pawapuri
Visit to Kundalpur a short drive.Shri Kundalpur Jain Tirth is based in
the Vadgam village where it is said that this is the birth place Lord
Gautam Swami,The Jain Idol here is early 25 cms. long black-colored
foot-idols of Ganadhar Gautam Swami.Lord Mahavir swami has done
several preachings here in Jains it is known as (Chaturmas) Several
visits of Bhagawan Mahavir to this place and Bhagawan Mahavir’s
preaching have made this place very important and distinct.Later
proceed to Nalanda University ( 3 hrs sightseeing tour) and
Kundalpur. Nalanda the first Residential International University of the
World. Nalanda,where ruins of the great ancient university have been
excavated, is situated at a Distance of 1 hrs drive from Rajgir.Hieun Tsang, the renowned Chinese traveller of the seventh century, says
that according to tradition the place owed its name to a Naga of the
same name which resided in a local tank. But he thinks it more
probable that Lord Buddha, in one of his previous births as
Bodhisatwa, became a king with his capital at this place and
that his liberality won for him and his capital the name Nalanda or "Charity without intermission". The third theory about the name of the
place is that it derived from Nalam plus da. Nalam means lotus which
is a symbol for knowledge and Da means given the place had many
lotuses.Nalanda has a very ancient history. It was frequently visited by
Lord Vardhamana Mahavir and Lord Buddha in the 6th century BC.
during his sajourns, the Lord Buddha found this place prosperous,
swelling, teeming with population and containing mango-groves. It is
also supposed to be the birth place of Sariputra, one of the Chief
disciple of the Lord Buddha
Pawapuri( 1 hrs drive).Arrive Pawapuri and Lunch.After Bathing proceed to visit the Jain temples of Pawapuri.Pawapuri, which is also known as, Apapuri, the sinless town, is a very sacred Jain Pilgrimage center. It was here that Lord Mahavira, the greatest profounder of jainism, attained salvation. Hundreds and thousands of his disciples and devotees took away the ashes after his cremation here. The rush was so great that even the soil of the areas were taken away and it became a tank. Later on a beautiful temple of white marble was constructed in the center of the tank to consecrate the Lord's Nirvan. It is now known Jalmandir. During ancient times about 2600 year ago, Pawapuri was the part of Magadha Kingdom and was called "Madyama Pawa" or "Apawapuri", Ajatshatru, the son of King Shrenik who was one of the greatest disciples of Lord Mahavira was the King of Magadh during the lifetime of Mahavir. During the reign of Ajatshatru King Hastipal was the King of Pawapuri. When Lord Mahavira came to Pawapuri he stayed in King Hastipal's "Rajikshala".Many Jain temples to be visited in Pawapuri.We begin from Gaon Mandir where we take a bath for performing Pooja. The Gaon mandir or the village temple marks the spot where Lord Mahavira breathed his last. It is said that this temple was built by King Nandivardhan, elder brother of Lord Mahavira. It is at this spot where the Lord addressed his last preachings our "updesha" . This "updesha" was supposed to be attended by many people, from across the country and from different walks of life. Knowing that his end was not far, Mahavira started his last "updesha" . He continued to preach till he gained "Nirvana" . Unable to bear the loss of the Lord all the people present there illuminated "diyas" (lamps) fuelled by ghee to lighten the atmosphere of sorrow. This tradition has continued till day. There are five main temples in Pawapuri - the Jal Mandir,the Gaon Mandir,the Samosaran,the New Samosaran and another temple built by Bibi Mehetab Kumari. Apart from these temples there is a Digamber Mandir near Jal mandir.Return back in evening Overnight in Rajgiri
Day 03: Rajgiri Excursions Early morning proceed for an excursion tour to Kshatriyakund for Pahad Yatra. En-route visit Guniaji temple. Return back late evening. Overnight in Rajgiri
Day 04 Madhuban
Early morning by 5 am proceed to Shree Samet Shikharji by surface. Giridih (approx 7 hrs drive). Visit Rujuvalika late afternoon. Arrive Madhuban in the evening & check in Dharmasala / Hotel
Day 05: Samet Shikharji Yatra
Early morning proceed for Shree Samet Shikharji Pahad Yatra. Return back late afternoon. Overnight in Dharmasala / Hotel
Day 06: Madhuban transfer to Kolkata drop 8/9 hrs drive
End of Services
Ø Hotels/Dharamshalas Used or Similar
Ø Rajgiri –Veerayatan Dharamshala / Tataghat Hotel
Ø Madhuban – Prakash Bhavan Dharamshala / Shikharji International hotel
· Meals :-
Ø Samet Shikhar – All Jain meals in the Dharamshala and Hotels
Ø Pls Note All Meals are on fixed Menu basis
Ø Meals will be served in Restaurants / Jain Dharamshala / gujarati Thali meals)
Includes
Transportation
All Jain Meals
All monument Fees
Tour Escort
