Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Rajgir
Rajgir, Bihar
The Vishwa Shanti Stupa, or World Peace Pagoda, stands on top of the Ratnagiri hill above Rajgir. It is a large white stupa built by the Japanese Buddhist order Nipponzan Myohoji, with golden Buddha statues in four directions. Visitors reach it by a chairlift, or by a walk of about an hour up the hill, and the view over Rajgir and the plains is wide. It is a calm and open place, and a good place to see the evening light.
What to see and do
- Ride the chairlift to the hilltop, or walk up through the trees
- See the white stupa with its four golden Buddha figures
- Enjoy the view over Rajgir and the plains below
- Visit a Japanese temple at the foot of the hill, if it is open
Ideal for
- Buddhist pilgrims and visitors of any faith
- Families, who can use the chairlift
- Travellers who like views and quiet places
Good to know
- Reports of the chairlift hours and fares differ, roughly 8 am to 5 pm, so check locally
- The chairlift can be closed in bad weather or for repairs
- There may be a queue at the chairlift on weekends and holidays
- Dress comfortably, keep your voice low, and remove shoes near the stupa
- Allow about 1.5 hours
Spiritual significance
The Shanti Stupa is a modern monument for peace, built beside the old sites of Rajgir. It shows the living Buddhist link between India and Japan.
Why it matters
- A World Peace Pagoda: a symbol of peace, built by a Japanese order
- A hilltop with a chairlift: easy for most visitors
- Views over Rajgir: a calm place at the end of the day