Bihar which
is situated in the eastern part of India is one of the oldest inhabited places
in the world with a history going back 3000 years. The rich culture and
heritage of Bihar is evident from the innumerable ancient monuments that are
dotted all over the state. Bihar is home to many tourist attractions and is
visited by large numbers of tourists from all over the world. Around total 6
million tourists visit Bihar every year.
I am telling
you about 10 popular places of bihar if you are planning to visit there.
1.
Nalanda University
Nalanda is
an important site to visit in Bihar which is probably the oldest and largest university
not only in India but all over the world. It was established during the 5th
century A.D. The university is considered the first residential university ever
in the world. The university stands proof for the prominent role played by
India in imparting knowledge. The university had 2000 teachers who taught over
10,000 students from all parts of the world. It is believed that the last and
most famous Jain Tirthankara, Mahavira spent 14 monsoon seasons here. Even,
Buddha is said to have delivered lectures near the mango grove in Nalanda. The
fame of this education centre was to an extent that Hieun Tsang, the famous
Chinese traveller visited here and stayed for atleast two years here. Red rocks
were used in the construction, which is built in Kushana style of architecture.
The remains excavated from the university ruins include stupas, ornamented
panels, lecture halls and stairway.
How to
Reach: The best way
to reach here would be to board a flight/train to Gaya (95kms from Nalanda) and
then hire a cab/taxi.
2. Mahabodhi
Temple
The Mahabodhi
Vihar (महाबोधि विहार), which is approved by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, is a Buddhist temple
in Bodh Gaya, marking the location where the Buddha is said to have attained
enlightenment. Bodh Gaya which is situated in Gaya district about 96 km (60 mi)
from Patna, Bihar state, India.
Depictions at the site include Avalokiteśvara (Padmapani, Khasarpana),
Vajrapani, Tara, Marichi, Yamantaka, Jambhala and Vajravārāhī.[3] Images of
Vishnu, Shiva, Surya and other Vedic deities are also associated with the
site.[3] The site contains a descendant
of the Bodhi Tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment. The architecture of this temple goes
to show the richness and grace of Indian architecture.
It is an
extremely spiritual place, the Mahabodhi Temple stands tall and surrounded by
Banyan Trees with beautiful stories that takes you back to history.
3.
Jalmandir Temple
One of the
popular Jain pilgrimage, Jalmandir is situated in Pawapuri, Bihar. One of the
beautiful place because it is situated in the middle of a lake, which is full
of lotuses. It has been revered highly by Jain devotees. As it is believed that
it is that place where Lord Mahavira breathed his last in 500 BCE. It is
reckoned to be the cremation ground for this last Tirthankara of Jain sect. The
legend has it that, the demand of Lord Mahavira’s ashes was so high that a
large amount of soil had to be eroded from around the funeral pyre that a pond
was created here. A white marble temple was constructed and it has remained an
important Jain pilgrimage in Bihar.
The elder
brother named of Lord Mahavira named King
Nandivardhan is said to have constructed the temple. The temple is in the shape
of a Vimana. The place where Lord Mahavira attained Samadhi and the place he
was cremated are marked in the temple. The 600 ft long bridge made of stone
connects the temple to the banks of the pond.
4.Hieun
Tsang Memorial Hall, Kundalpur
On the memory
of the famous Hieung Tsang, who was a traveller and a great scholar, was a student
of Nalanda University this memorial hall built. It is believed that Hieun Tsang
visited Nalanda in 5th century AD and he was so impressed by this place that he
decided to stay here for 12 long years for learning as well as teaching. This
memorial hall is the reflection of the artistic and academic grandeur of
Nalanda University.The construction of this memorial hall is rich in
architecture. This was the place where Hieun Tsang learnt yoga under the
guidance of Acharya Shil Bhadra. The famous traveller has thrown light on
medieval India and Nalanda, which are found in the memorial hall.
5.
Griddhakuta Peak
Griddhakuta
Peak also known as Vulture Peak, which is situated in Rajgir, Bihar. This peak
resembles the shape of vulture and it is frequented by vultures in great
numbers. It is the most famous place to visit in Rajgir and its sits at an
elevation of 400m. Lord Buddha delivered some of his famous sermons here and
hence it is considered sacred for Buddhists. The steps formed by cutting rocks
lead you to two caves that are naturally formed. For those who find the trip
physically challenging, chairlift facilities are available to reach the
hilltop.
The peak has
a Peace Pagoda said to have been built by Buddhist of Japan. There are couples
of caves here as well that further enhances the thrill of reaching here by a
chairlift.
6. Vishwa
Shanti Stupa, Rajgir
Vishwa
Shanti Stupa(World Peace Pagoda) proudly stand at the historic city of Rajgir
in Bihar. It is one of the 7 Peace Pagodas built in India and is certainly a
must visit in Bihar. This pagoda was built in 1969 to spread the message of
peace and non-violence marked by four statues of Buddha that reflects four
important phases of Buddha’s life – birth, enlightenment, teaching and death. This
Peace Pagoda is amongst the finest examples of Japanese architecture in India.
7. Sher
Shah Suri Tomb (The second Taj Mahal of India), Sasaram
Sher Shah Suri
Tomb Built in 1545 AD in the memory of great Emperor Sher Shah Suri, a Pathan
from Bihar who defeated the Mughal Empire and founded the Suri Empire in
northern India. It is situated in Sasaram in Rohtas district of Bihar. This tomb is an excellent example of
Indo-Islamic architecture in India. It was designed by the architect Aliwal
Khan and built between 1540 and 1545, this red sandstone mausoleum (122 ft
high), which stands in the middle of an artificial lake, which is nearly
square, is known as the second Taj Mahal of India.
The tomb
stands at the centre of the lake on a square stone plinth with domed kiosks,
chhatris at each of its corners, further there are stone banks and stepped
moorings on all sides of the plinth, which is connected to the mainland through
a wide stone bridge. The main tomb is built on octagonal plan, topped by a
dome, 22-metre in span and surrounded ornamental domed kiosks which were once
covered in coloured glazed tile work. The tomb was built during the reign of
his son Islam Shah. An inscription dates its completion to August 16, 1545,
three months after the death of Sher Shah.
8. Sonepur Fair
Sonepur Fair
is known as one of the biggest cattle fair all over the world. The annual
Sonepur Fair is an authentic rural fair that combines spirituality with
elephant, cattle, and horse trading. It takes place in late November at
Sonepur, around 45 minutes from the capital city of Patna. Traditionally known
as a cattle fair, the Sonepur Fair now has a more commercial focus with the aim
of attracting both domestic and international tourists. Don't miss the
captivating spectacle of tantriks, pilgrims and elephants taking an auspicious
holy bath in the river at sunrise on Karthik Purnima!
Location: 28
kilometers (17 miles) north of Patna.
9.
Navlakha Palace, Rajnagar
Navlakha
Palace is one the most popular place to visit in Bihar wgich is situated in
Rajnagar near Madhubani in Bihar. This palace was built by Maharaja Rameshwar
Singh and said to have suffered extensive destruction during an earthquake in
1934. No renovation was done after the destruction, thus this palace remains in
ruins now. It is a royal palace and even though it has been damaged so much,
one can still marvel at its architectural brilliance. The palace complex
comprised of gardens, pond and temples.
10. Sanjay
Gandhi Jaivik Udyan, Patna
Sanjay
Gandhi Jaivik Udyan which is also known as Sanjay Gandhi Botanical and
Zoological Garden or Patna Zoo is located off Bailey Road in Patna, Bihar,
India. In 1973, this park was opened to the public as a zoo. This is most
frequented picnic spot, with more than 36,000 visitors on New Year's Day alone
in 2011.
This is one
of the places you must visit if you are going to Patna especially in winters.
Zoo has large collection of animals. Among the most prominent ones is
collection of Indian rhinos which is among the largest in the world. The zoo
has a very successful breeding program for rhinos. It also has large collection
of ghariyals. Among the newer additions are chimpanzees and giraffes. One can
rent an electric vehicle at the gate to move around in the zoo. You can hire
individually as well as a group.
If you are
animal lover then i hope you like this one of the biggest zoo of India.
There are
so many other destinations to visit in Bihar so please wait for my next blog.
