Top religious attractions in Bihar

With its historically and religiously rich past, the active and not so active top religious attractions in Bihar remain invaluable treasures. When you think of visiting these top religious attractions in Bihar, the list can be boundless. Among them are ancient edifices, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and most sacred locations.

Bodh Gaya

When it comes to top religious attractions in Bihar, a lot of attention is drawn to Bodh Gaya. Bodh Gaya is one of the most prominent Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India. The popularity of the location is multifold. As it is deemed to be the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. The Enlightenment of Buddha and his subsequent activities are closely associated with Bodh Gaya. Hence the location is famous for several Buddhist pilgrimage structures. Besides the Mahabodhi Temple, the site houses the Great Buddha Statue, Thai Monastery, Muchalinda Lake, and Wat Thai Buddhagaya among others.

Mahabodhi Temple

Mahabodhi Temple is the key attraction in the Bodh Gaya complex. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple was built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century B.C. However, since then it has undergone renovation works under different dynasties. The pyramidical structure of the temple is built of bricks. With a height of 55 meters, its tower is layered with different motifs and engraved works. Apart from the main pillar, four others are surrounding it. Each of these is identical to the one in the middle. A large statue of the Budha in earth-touching mudra made of sandstone is housed inside the temple. The Bodhi tree under which Budha got enlightenment is still growing adjacent to the temple. The temple is considered to be the oldest brick-stone temple.

The temple complex expands over four hectares of land. The area houses several ancient Buddhist temples and monuments. Buddha Jayanti, Kathina Civra Dana, Monlam Puja and Buddha Mahotsav are a few of the key festivals here. It is interesting to note that the temple construction style is replicated in countries like China, Myanmar and Thailand.

Vaishali

Vaishali is one of the other top religious attractions in Bihar. The city is named after King Vishal of the 7th century. The location is popular for being the spot where Gautama Buddha preached his last sermon before his death in c. 483 BC. Ashoka Pillar is one of the famous attractions here that spreads the message of Buddhism. Apart from that Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Chaumukhi Mahadev, Ramchaura Temple, Bawan Pokhar Temple, and Vaishali Museum are other attractions. It is believed that the Relic Stuba holds a part of the holy ashes of Budha.

Besides Buddhists, Vaishali is considered holy by Jains. It is the birthplace of Lord Mahavir who is the last Tirthankar of Jainism. Vaishali’s Bawan Pokhar Jain Temple is revered as the birthplace of Lord Mahavir. The Jain temple was built by the Pallava kings.

Patna Sahib Gurudwara, Patna

Built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh to commemorate the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, the Gurudwara is a sacred place for the Sikhs. Constructed in white marble with golden domes with a blend of Mughal and Sikh styles, the 19th-century edifice is deeply attractive. The temple complex houses a museum where some relics of the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh are preserved. Other relics like his iron arrows, sacred sword and sandals, swing, and Sikh paintings are also on display. Much like in other Gurudwaras, the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred book of Sikhism is also seen here. All the Sikh religious festivals are celebrated here.

Venuvana Monastery, Rajgir

Kalandaka Venuvana Monastery or Bamboo Grove Monastery is believed to be built by King Bimbisara. It is considered to be the first Buddhist temple. The location is popular because it is where many of the discourses and retreats were conducted by Budha. A stupa eructed in Japanese architectural style by the Japanese Buddha Sangha is notable. There are four golden statues of the Buddha each of them representing his life periods of birth, enlightenment, preaching, and death.

Besides its religious significance, the complex also is a peaceful abode for the visitors. There is an artificial lake which provides a soothing experience to the visitors. A visit to the Pippala Cave which used to be the centre of religious discourses during the time of Budha is recommended too.

Vishnupad Temple, Gaya

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it was built in 1787. Thanks to the presence of the temple the location is one of the top religious attractions in Bihar. It is believed that inside the temple, the footprint of Lord Vishnu is marked and preserved. The 100-foot-tall temple is supported by 44 pillars. Structured in octagonal shape, it is built with grey granite stones. Other key features of the temple include a flag atop the temple weighing 51 kilograms, a gigantic banyan tree adjacent to the temple, and a silver-coated railing inside the temple. Intricate carvings on walls and pillars embellish the temple. The ‘Pind Daan’ a ritual for the ancestors’ souls is a major religious ceremony here. Shri Vishnu Jayanti, Shradh Paksha, Ram Navami, and Kartik Purnima are other important festivals celebrated at the temple.

Mundeshwari Temple, Kaimur

Located in the Mundeshwari Hills, the temple is considered one of the oldest functional temples in India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Shakti, the ancient temple was constructed in 108 AD. Built in Nagara style, the octagonal structure of the temple has undergone renovations in the later years. The entrance and interior walls are carved with various reliefs of deities. At the entrance, one could notice the deities of Ganga, Yamuna, and others. In the inner sanctum, an image of goddess Mundeshwari begets prime attention. However, there are other images of deities that are honored too. A rare four-faced Shivalinga is a unique feature here. Traces of dilapidated structures adjacent to the temple suggest other parts of the temple have not survived the test of time. The festivals of Ramanavami and Shivaratri attract the maximum number of devotees to the temple.

Besides the universally acclaimed Nalanda, Bodh Gaya and Vaishali, there are several other top religious attractions in Bihar that could not be included in the write up. However, when you are in the state, do visit other top religious attractions in Bihar. places like Barabar Caves, Kesaria Stuba, Sita Kund, Thai Monastery, Tibetan Monastery, Royal Bhutan Monastery, Japanese Temple are a few of them.