Rajgriha is one of the eight major places of Buddhist pilgrimage. It was the capital of the ancient Magadh kingdom. During Buddha’s lifetime, the kingdom of Magadha was ruled by the King Bimbisar.
When Buddha left Kapilvastu in search of enlightenment, he passed through Rajgriha on his way to Uruvela. King Bimbisar of Rajgriha was very impressed with the young prince and offered to share the kingdom with him, which he declined but promised to visit him once he attains his goal of supreme knowledge.
After Buddha attained enlightenment in Uruvela, he left for Sarnath where he preached the five ascetics. He returned to Rajgriha with his disciples - the one thousand Arahants - and they were welcomed by King Bimbisar.
Bimbisar donated Veluvana or bamboo groove to Buddha when he returned from Sarnath to Rajgriha. This was the first donation of a park to Buddha. The place had special importance to him and he enjoyed taking a bath in the pond at Veluvana. This pond is said to be the Karanda pond which is still present in the park. Buddha spent his first rainy retreat at the Veluvana.
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