ABOUT VIRAT NAGAR (Erstwhile Bairat) - This little-known place is a wonder of wonders for those who have the deep interest in prehistoric sites and a penchant for history.

Bairat’s history goes back to the time of Mahabharata and Mahabhashya when it was known as Viratnagar. They say during their 13th year of exile, the Pandavas lived in Viratnagar. There are ancient caves called Bhim Ki Dungri, where Bhim was supposed to have lived. It was also a part of the Mauryan Empire. Viratnagar has, ruins of Bijak-ki-Pahadi, a Buddhist Chapel from 3rd Century BC. It once had a flourishing Buddhist culture and the town is home to a Buddhist monastery, a rock and wood shrine, and a rock-cut edict from the Emperor Ashoka. There are also the remains of an old Buddhist Stupa.

During the Mughal era, this was an important town as well. Its proximity to the scenic jungles of Sariska made Akbar come here for hunting. This town has Akbar’s Hunting Lodge as well. Viratnagar also houses a gorgeous Jain Temple: Shri Parshvanath Digambar Jain Nasiyan. They say the Chinese traveller Huen Tsang had visited Viratnagar.