Bihar
Bihar is a region rich in spiritual significance and history. This eastern Indian state is known as the “land of monasteries.” This place is worthwhile to visit for a variety of reasons. Some of the famous tourist places in Bihar are the Great Buddha, Mahabodhi Temple, Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Ashokan Pillar, and many more.
- The Mauryas (321–185 BCE) and Guptas (320–550 CE) were two of India’s most glorious dynasties that flourished in ancient Bihar. They were known as Magadh.
- Ashoka, the Great King of the Mauryan dynasty, ruled over South Asia. He established Pataliputra, or what is now Patna, as his capital. Valmiki, the author of the Ramayana, was also from this region.
- The Bihar-based educational institutions Nalanda and Vikramshila were founded in the fifth and eighth centuries, respectively. They are among the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities.
- Many Sufi saints who promoted harmony between Hindus and Muslims settled in Bihar during the Islamic era, making it a center for the development of Sufism.
- For pilgrimage purposes, religious tourists can travel according to the Buddhist Circuit, Jain Circuit, Sufi Circuit, Sikh Circuit, and so on. They can also enjoy the breathtaking beauty of ancient artifacts and incredible, untouched natural surroundings.
Tourist Places in Bihar
Here are the top most famous Tourist Places in Bihar.
#1 80-Foot Buddha or Great Buddha
Bodh Gaya is Bihar’s Buddhist pilgrimage, which contains an 80-foot Buddha statue. It may be the largest structure ever built in India. On November 18, 1989, the 14th Dalai Lama dedicated it to all.
#2 Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi Temple, also known as the “Great Awakening Temple,” is a historic Buddhist temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It serves as a reminder of the site where the Buddha attained enlightenment. On the east side of the temple, the Mahabodhi tree is present. It has a tremendous architectural impact. The temple stands 170 feet tall, and on top are Chakras, which denote religious sovereignty.
#3 The Ashokan Pillar
Ashokan Pillar is a popular location in Kolhua. Kolhua is a famous Buddhist archaeological site in the Muzaffarpur district, about 65 kilometers northwest of Patna. At Kolhua, Emperor Ashoka built the Lion Pillar. It is constructed from a single, highly polished red sandstone and has an 18.3-meter-tall bell-shaped capital on top. The statue of a lion is on top of the pillar.
#4 Ruins of Nalanda
Nalanda is situated approximately 90 kilometers southeast of Patna. The university in Nalanda found in the fifth century CE.
Its roots go back to the time of the Buddha, and it flourished for the next 700 years. Different subjects, such as philosophy, theology, metaphysics, logic, grammar, astronomy, and medicine, were taught at Nalanda.
#5 Maner Sharif
Maner is situated about 25 kilometers (16 miles) west of Patna. Two widely visited Muslim cemeteries are present in Maner Sharif. First, there is the Bari Dargah (the great shrine), the tomb of the Sufi saint Makhdoom Yahya Maneri. The second is the Chhoti Dargahs (the small shrine), the tomb of Makhdum Shah Daulat.
The top has a large dome with a ceiling covered in numerous symbols from the Quran. Maner Sharif was once the center for learning and knowledge in the Middle Ages.
#6 Lachuar Jain Temple
This location is in Lanchuar, Sikandra Block, which is roughly 20 km to the west of the Jamui District. Dharamshala is a large, historic guest house that contains 65 rooms for Jain pilgrims.
In Dharamshala, there is one mandir of Lord Mahavira. The idol in this temple is over 2,600 years old and made of black stone.
Conclusion
Early proponents of nonviolence included the Buddha and Mahavira, both from Bihar. Bihar also has historical sites with beautiful architecture that attract many tourists. As a result, it is a popular tourist destination for many people who want to explore the pages of history and find peace.
