The state of Bihar in independent India is one of the least developed states in the country. The state was controlled by several dynasties in its distant past and is a veritable storehouse of cultural artefacts due to its long and illustrious history. Jainism and Buddhism, two of the world’s most well-known faiths, both trace their origins back to the Indian state of Bihar. The name of the state comes from the term “Vihar,” which refers to a Buddhist monastery and is where the name originated. There are several amazing structures in the state that were constructed utilising Mughal architecture as well as Hindu architecture.
Patna, the state capital of Bihar, serves as the epicentre of both the state’s commercial and political life. Because of the state’s rich supply of natural resources, a variety of supporting businesses are able to flourish here. Bihar places a high priority on tourism, and every effort is made to ensure that the state’s many points of interest are presented to visitors in the most enticing light possible. Bihar is the only state in India that provides visitors with the opportunity to glimpse the rich history, culture, and civilisation of India.
Main Tourist Attractions of Bihar, India
Golghar
In the year 1786, the structure known as Golghar, which literally translates to “round house,” was built to serve as a granary. This enormous granary measuring 95 feet in height and 12 feet in width was constructed by Captain John Garstin during the time of Warren Hastings in the aftermath of the famine that occurred in the 1770s. When seen from the outside, it gives off the appearance of a gorgeously embellished Easter egg. One may have a great view of the city and also observe the grandeur of the Ganga River, which runs in the near neighbourhood, from the top of the Golghar.
Patna Museum
The Patna Museum, which can be situated near Dedargani, first opened its doors in the early 20th century. It is generally accepted that it is Patna’s oldest museum. The museum has an extensive collection that numbers more than 57,000 objects that are arranged in an orderly fashion across the building. The exhibit with 22,000 coins and a sculpture of Yakshni is the one that stands out as the most remarkable and fascinating of all of these items.
Har Mandir Takht
Patna, the city that is home to Har Mandir Takht, is revered highly by Sikhs due to the fact that it was here that the tenth Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh, was born. The Har Mandir Takht is considered to be one of the four important shrines for Sikhs. This shrine is devoted to Guru Gobind Singh and is well-known for its religious significance. One may look at other items that formerly belonged to the Guru, such as the pangura (a kind of cradle), iron arrows, a holy sword, and a pair of sandals. In addition to this, the Mandir is responsible for the preservation of written directions issued by Guru Gobind Singh and Guru Tegh Bahadur known as “Hukamnamas.”
Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi Temple is on the same location where Buddha obtained enlightenment, and its name refers to that very spot. Since the beginning of time, all Buddhist adherents have accorded significant value to the presence of this location. The original construction of the temple was built in the third century BC; however, what we see now is a restored version of the building. Bricks were used in the construction of the first temple. The umbrella-shaped building is topped by a colossal tower that soars to a height of 180 feet. One may also see the remnants of the Bodhi tree that formerly stood here.
Mahakala Caves
The Mahakala Caves are said to be the location where the Buddha renounced his worldly comforts and devoted himself to a life of asceticism for a period of six years. There are two caves, the smaller of which has a statue of Buddha, and the bigger of which contains a figure of Mahakala, who is referred to as the “great devil.” Both statues are covered by curtains. There are a few Tibetan temples located close to the caverns that are also well worth a visit.
Vaishali
Vaishali, which can be found around 55 km to the north of Patna, is regarded as a significant location for both Buddhists and Jains. Around the year 483 B.C., the Buddha passed away at Kushinagar, and it was here that he delivered his last sermon before drawing his last breath. Only a small portion of the ancient city of Vaishali has been uncovered so far due to the fact that archaeological digs are currently being carried out there. The Archeological Museum, the Coronation Tank, and the Ashokan Pillar are three of the most fascinating locations in the town, and all three are worth a visit.
Nalanda
The monastic Buddhist University of Nalanda is one of the reasons why this city is so well-known. The first classes at the university didn’t begin until some time in the 5th century AD. In the 12th century, the Afghan conqueror Bhaktiar Khilji launched an assault against the flourishing institution, which at the time was home to thousands of students and instructors from throughout the world. Today’s visitors to Nalanda enjoy taking their time to stroll around the expansive university grounds or climb the towering stupa that stands 101 feet tall for dominating views of the surrounding area. The Nalanda Museum and the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara are two other places of interest in the city of Nalanda.
