Bairath is a place of historical significance,
located at a distance of 86 kms from Jaipur, on Shahpura-Alwar Road.
Bairath is said to have existed from the times of Mahabharata. In that
period, Bairath was known as Virata Nagar. It used to be the capital of
Abhimanyu's (Arjuna's son) father-in-law. After getting exile, Pandavas
are believed to spend one year in Bairath. Excavations expose the fact
that Bairath used to be the part of Mauryan Empire and thrived as a
Buddhist establishment.
Bairath still has the periodical remnants of Mauryan, Mughal and Rajput
structural designs. It is also acknowledged for the ruins of a circular
Buddhist temple, the earliest structural temple in India. The Mughal
Emperor, Akbar, built a mint in Bairath. A beautiful Mughal garden too
occupies the lands of Bairath. Jahangir, son of Akbar, constructed a
significant monument with painted 'chattris'. All these archeological
revelations are the cursors to the ancient Bairath.
Other attractions at Bairath are Bhim-Ki-Dungri and Bijak-ki-Pahari.
Bhim-ki-Dungri is also known as Pandu Hill. This is low rocky hill with
a cave that is believed to be Bhim's (One of Pandava brothers) abode.
The other interesting place is Bijak-ki-Pahari, which is a grey granite
hill with remnants of two Buddhist monasteries. These monasteries are
supposed to have existed when Huen Tsang (the Chinese Traveler) came to
visit India in 634 A.D.
Bairath is also known for Banganga Fair which is celebrated annually
near the town. This event is observed on the full moon day of Vaishakh
(April- May). Bairath forms a major part of excursion from Jaipur. Due
to its historical significance, it is visited by large number of people
every year.
