Bihar is a state in East India, bordering Nepal. It is divided by the River Ganges, which floods its fertile plains. Important Buddhist pilgrimage sites include the Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya's Mahabodhi Temple, under which the Buddha allegedly meditated. In the state capital Patna, Mahavir Mandir temple is revered by Hindus, while Sikhs worship at the domed, riverside Gurdwara of Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji.
Bihar's antiquity is evident from its name, which is derived from the ancient word "VIHARA" (monastery). It is indeed a land of monasteries. Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Muslim and Sikh shrines abound in this ancient land where India's first major empires rose and fell. Where the ruins of the worlds' earliest university slumbers in the void of time. The passage of Ganga, flowing wide and deep enrich the plains of Bihar before distributing in Bengal's deltoid zone.
Among all Indian states, Bihar is the one most intimately linked to the Buddha’s life, resulting in a trail of pilgrimages which have come to be known as the Buddhist circuit. The Buddhist trail begins at the capital city, Patna, where a noteworthy museum contains a collection of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures as well as a terracotta urn said to contain the ashes of Lord Buddha.
1. Bodh Gaya
The river Phalgu flows through the district. The waterbed of the river is below ground level and only the sandy surface is visible along the river bed. It is a very sacred river for the Hindus. Bodhgaya is the most popular destination for the tourists and Buddhist pilgrims.The Mahabodhi Temple where the Buddha attained enlightenment in around 600 BCE had been announced as the World Heritage site by the UNESCO since 2002.
The Bodhi tree under which the Budha was enlightened about 2600 years back became a magnetic location as Bodhgaya. A niche of Gaya city became place of convergence for the Buddhists especially on the full moon night known as Buddha Purnima that falls in the month of Vaishakh(April-May).
The history of Bodh Gaya is documented by many inscriptions and pilgrimage accounts. Foremost among these are the accounts of the Chinese pilgrims Fa Hien in the 5th century and Xuanzang in the 7th century. The area was at the heart of a Buddhist civilization for centuries, until it was conquered by Turk armies in the 13th century. Numerous monasteries and temples devoted to Buddha have been constructed by various countries and visitors throng along this place throughout the year.
2. Rajgir
Rajgir is located 15 kms from Nalanda and 100 km from Patna in Bihar. Rajgir (Rajgriha) meaning the abode of Kings, has been mentioned first in the ancient Hindu epic Mahabharata. It has been estimated by scholars that the city must be at least 3000 years old. Rajgir has been closely related to Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism and has played host to Lord Buddha and Mahavira, thus has many archaeological sites related to Buddhism and Jainism.
Moreover, Rajgir is one of the leading health and winter resorts of India, with its warm water ponds. These ponds are said to contain some medicinal properties which help in the cure of many skin diseases. The added attraction of Rajgir is a Ropeway which takes visitors uphill to the Shanti Stupa and Monasteries built by the Japanese Devotees on top of the Ratnagiri hills.
Some of the popular tourist attractions in Rajgir are:
- Jarasandha ka Akhara
- Ajatshatru Fort
- Cyclopean Wall
- Shanti Stupa
- Sonbhandar Caves
- Bimbisara jail
- Jain Temple
- Pippala cave
3. Nalanda
Nalanda forms a part of the tourism circuit of Bihar and is situated 90 kms to the south east of Patna via road. Nalanda was a leading seat of knowledge in ancient India. In the 5th century, a university was founded here by the Gupta emperors for studying Buddhism. Tourist Attractions in Nalanda feature the excavated remains of this ancient university. Elaborately planned monasteries and temples in addition to the daises for the professors speak a lot about the glorious past of Nalanda.
Some of the popular tourist attractions in Nalanda are:
- Nalanda University Archaeological Complex
- The Nalanda Archaeological Museum
- Nava Nalanda Mahavihara
- Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall
4. Patna
Founded in the 5th century BC as Patiliputra – the marvellous ruins of which lie adjacent to the modern city – the capital of India’s eastern state of Bihar is one of the country’s fastest growing cities. In the wake of recent boom in real estate development, steadily shaping Patna’s infrastructure for further tourism, here’s our guide to the most exciting sites and activities worth pursuing on your visit to the wonderful and exciting city of Patna.
Some of the popular tourist attractions in Patna are:
- Rajdhani Vatika
- Gandhi Museum
- Patliputra Karuna Stupa
- New International Museum
- Statue of Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi Maidan
- Bihar Museum
- Mahatma Gandhi Setu
- Golghar
5. Bhagalpur
Bhagalpur, the silk city of India, is located in the state of Bihar and is famous for the production of high-quality silk products. It is one of the biggest cities in the state and is bolstered by a fairly well developed infrastructure. The city has an undeniable presence throughout history, and one can find references to Bhagalpur from as far back as the 7th century.
The town was once a harbour and excavations reveal coins and old boats belonging to different places in the Middle East and Far East. Typical of the vibrancy of Indian culture, Bhagalpur tourism is bejewelled by the pious festivals. Muharram is also observed here on a large scale. The name of the city “Bhagalpur” finds its roots in the word “Bhagdatpuram” which means “Good Luck”.
Some of the popular tourist attractions in Bhagalpur are:
- Maharshi Mehi Ashram
- Mount Mandara
- Vikramshila Setu
- Kuppaghat
- Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary
- Maharshi Mehi Ashram
6. Vaishali
Located in the interiors of Bihar, Vaishali is a small district which is also a revered Hindu, Buddhist and Jain worshipping site. It is the city where Lord Mahavir was born. Considered as the first republic of the world, Vaishali is believed to have been named after King Vishal, from the time of Mahabharat.It is also the city where Buddha delivered his last sermon. Surrounded by groves of mango and banana and extensive rice field, it is now a part of Trihut division of Bihar. The village is an important religious and historical attraction site and is flocked by tourists year in and year out.
Some of the popular tourist attractions in Vaishali are:
- The Ashoka pillar
- Vishwa Shanti Stupa , Abhishek pushkarni (coronation tank) and Archeological museums
- Vishal Fort or Vishal's Garh
- Buddha's stupa
7. Sasaram
If you're traveling from Bodhgaya to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, it's worth stopping at Sasaram to see Emperor Sher Shah Suri's mausoleum. In ancient times, before Mughal rulers shifted it to Delhi, Bihar used to be the center of power. Many Sufi saints came to the region and attracted pilgrims with their liberal mindsets and humanistic preaching. You'll find numerous sacred tombs of Muslim rulers in Bihar. The one belonging to Emperor Sher Shah Suri is among the most elaborately constructed. It sits in the middle of a large artificial lake.
(120 Kilometers (75 miles) east of Bodhgaya and 155 kilometers (96 miles) southwest of Patna. It's about halfway between Bodhgaya and Varanasi.)
Some of the popular tourist attractions in Sasaram are:
- Maa Tara Chandi Temple
- Sher Shah Shuri Tomb
- Dhua Kund
- Ganesh Temple
No comments:
Post a Comment