About Bihar

Deriving its name from the Sanskrit word “Vihara”, meaning “abode”, Bihar, a state in eastern India, has a rich and storied history that dates back thousands of years. It was once the center of powerful ancient kingdoms such as Magadha and was home to two of the greatest universities of ancient times—Nalanda and Vikramashila. Known as the birthplace of Buddhism, Bihar has been a cradle of learning, spirituality, and culture. The state also played a pivotal role in the development of Jainism and was a significant center during the Mauryan and Gupta empires. Bihar’s cultural heritage is a tapestry of ancient traditions, arts, and crafts, from Madhubani paintings to the vibrant Chhath Puja celebrations that continue to attract visitors from around the world.
In recent years, Bihar has undergone significant transformation, emerging as a dynamic state with a growing economy and a focus on healthcare development. Patna, the capital city, has become a hub for medical education and services, with several reputable medical institutions like AIIMS Patna and Nalanda Medical College and Hospital contributing to both education and healthcare delivery. The state’s commitment to enhancing medical facilities and infrastructure is evident from the establishment of new hospitals, medical colleges, and research centers. For the medical fraternity, Bihar offers opportunities for growth, collaboration, and research, especially in addressing public health challenges and pioneering advancements in medical practices.
Bihar is a land of immense religious significance, revered by followers of various religions. It is home to Bodh Gaya, where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha, making it a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide. For Jains, the state is sacred as the place where Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, was born and attained Nirvana. The region also holds importance for Sikhs, with Takht Sri Patna Sahib being the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. Furthermore, Bihar’s rich religious mosaic is reflected in the various Hindu temples, Islamic shrines, and the ISKCON temple in Patna, offering spiritual diversity and promoting communal harmony.
Places to Visit in Bihar

Nalanda University: A beacon of Ancient Learning
Nalanda University, founded in the 5th century AD, was one of the world’s earliest and most renowned centers of higher learning, attracting scholars from across Asia. Located in Bihar, India, it was a thriving hub of education, philosophy, and knowledge that flourished for over 700 years. The university offered a diverse range of subjects, from Buddhist studies to mathematics, astronomy, and medicine, and housed a vast library filled with invaluable manuscripts. Revered for its intellectual rigor and scholarly environment, Nalanda remains a symbol of ancient India’s rich academic and cultural heritage. Today, its ruins stand as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing visitors from around the globe who seek to connect with its storied past.
Mahabodhi Temple: The Sacred Site of Enlightenment
The Mahabodhi Temple, located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Buddhists worldwide. It marks the exact place where Siddhartha Gautama, meditating under the Bodhi Tree, attained enlightenment and became the Buddha over 2,500 years ago. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple complex features the sacred Bodhi Tree, a magnificent main temple with a towering spire, and numerous ancient stupas and sculptures that reflect India’s early architectural brilliance. The Mahabodhi Temple stands as a symbol of peace, knowledge, and spiritual awakening, attracting pilgrims and tourists from all corners of the world who seek inspiration and tranquility in this holy site.


Bihar Museum: A Journey Through History and Culture
The Bihar Museum, located in Patna, is a modern cultural and historical center that showcases the rich heritage of Bihar and India. Opened in 2015, the museum is designed to provide an immersive experience through its vast collection of artifacts spanning prehistoric to modern times. Notable exhibits include the Didarganj Yakshi, ancient sculptures, artifacts from the Mauryan and Gupta periods, and remnants from the Harappan civilization. The museum also features interactive galleries that highlight Bihar’s cultural evolution, artistic achievements, and historical significance. With its blend of traditional exhibits and contemporary design, the Bihar Museum serves as a bridge between the past and present, offering visitors a deep insight into the region’s illustrious history and cultural diversity.
ISKCON Temple, Patna: A Center of Devotion and Spirituality
The ISKCON Temple in Patna is a vibrant spiritual sanctuary dedicated to Lord Krishna and a prominent religious attraction in Bihar’s capital. Established by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), the temple serves as a hub for devotional activities, including daily prayers, kirtans, and spiritual discourses. The temple complex, with its beautiful architecture and serene ambiance, provides a peaceful retreat for devotees and visitors seeking solace and spiritual growth. The ISKCON Temple also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, such as Janmashtami and Ratha Yatra, drawing crowds from all over the region to celebrate and experience the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Vaishnavism.


Vishwa Shanti Stupa: A Monument of Peace & Harmony
The Vishwa Shanti Stupa, also known as the World Peace Pagoda, is a magnificent symbol of peace and non-violence located in Rajgir, Bihar. Built atop the Ratnagiri Hill, this gleaming white structure stands as a testament to the universal teachings of Buddha. Constructed by the Japanese Buddhist organization Nipponzan-MyĹŤhĹŤji in 1969, the stupa is adorned with four golden statues of Buddha, each representing different stages of his life: birth, enlightenment, teaching, and death. Visitors can reach the stupa by a ropeway ride, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The Vishwa Shanti Stupa is a serene and spiritual site, drawing pilgrims and peace seekers from all over the world to reflect upon the ideals of harmony, unity, and global peace.
Royal Bhutan Monastery: A Tribute to Buddhist Heritage
The Royal Bhutan Monastery in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, is a beautiful tribute to the shared Buddhist heritage between India and Bhutan. Built by the King of Bhutan as a gesture of reverence to the sacred site where Buddha attained enlightenment, the monastery is known for its traditional Bhutanese architecture, intricate wood carvings, and serene ambiance. The complex features a stunning temple with a large, golden statue of Buddha and walls adorned with exquisite murals depicting scenes from the life of Buddha. The peaceful surroundings and authentic Bhutanese style make the Royal Bhutan Monastery a significant spiritual destination for pilgrims and a cultural attraction for visitors exploring Bodh Gaya’s rich Buddhist legacy.


Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib: A Sacred Sikh Pilgrimage
Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib, located in Patna, Bihar, is one of the most revered Sikh pilgrimage sites in India. It marks the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, who was born here in 1666. Recognized as one of the five Takhts (holy seats of authority) in Sikhism, this Gurudwara was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the 19th century. The temple complex is known for its grand architecture, featuring a stunning white marble facade and a gold-plated dome. The interiors are richly adorned with intricate designs and hold several historical relics belonging to Guru Gobind Singh, including his sacred writings and personal belongings. Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib is not only a spiritual hub for Sikhs but also a symbol of unity, devotion, and cultural heritage, drawing devotees and visitors from all over the world.
Metta Buddharam Temple: A Symbol of Compassion & Peace
The Metta Buddharam Temple, located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, is a serene Buddhist temple that stands as a symbol of compassion, peace, and mindfulness. Built by the Thai community, the temple showcases the distinct architectural style of Thailand, characterized by its ornate roofs, golden spires, and intricate carvings. The temple’s tranquil environment, surrounded by lush greenery, provides a peaceful space for meditation, reflection, and spiritual practice. Inside, a large, beautifully crafted statue of Buddha invites devotees and visitors to experience the teachings of Metta, which emphasizes loving-kindness towards all beings. The Metta Buddharam Temple is a testament to the global significance of Bodh Gaya as a center of Buddhist learning and spiritual development.


Ashoka Pillar: A Testament to India's Ancient Heritage
The Ashoka Pillar at Vaishali, Bihar, is a significant historical monument that stands as a symbol of Emperor Ashoka’s devotion to Buddhism and his efforts to spread its teachings. Erected in the 3rd century BCE, this pillar is one of many that Ashoka commissioned across the Indian subcontinent. Carved from a single piece of red sandstone, the pillar stands 18.3 meters tall and is crowned with a life-sized lion capital, reflecting Mauryan artistry and craftsmanship. The Ashoka Pillar in Vaishali is particularly revered for its historical connection to the Buddha, as it marks the site where the Buddha gave his last sermon. Today, it remains an enduring emblem of peace, tolerance, and India’s rich ancient heritage, drawing history enthusiasts and pilgrims alike.
Gol Ghar: A Historical Landmark of Patna
Golghar, located in Patna, Bihar, is a unique architectural marvel and an iconic landmark that reflects the city’s colonial history. Built in 1786 by Captain John Garstin of the British East India Company, this massive granary was constructed as a preventive measure against famines following the devastating Bengal Famine of 1770. With its distinctive beehive-like structure and a height of 29 meters, Golghar can store up to 140,000 tons of grain. The spiral staircase around the exterior provides access to the top, offering panoramic views of Patna city and the Ganges River. Though no longer in use for grain storage, Golghar stands as a testament to Patna’s historical resilience and is a popular tourist attraction for its architectural uniqueness and scenic vistas.


Sher Shah Suri Tomb: A Marvel of Indo-Islamic Architecture
The Sher Shah Suri Tomb, located in Sasaram, Bihar, is a grand mausoleum dedicated to the founder of the Suri Empire, Sher Shah Suri. Built in the 16th century, this magnificent structure is an outstanding example of Indo-Islamic architecture, combining Afghan and Mughal elements. The tomb, made of red sandstone, stands on a square platform in the middle of an artificial lake, creating a stunning reflection in the water. It features intricate carvings, a large central dome, and multiple smaller domes that enhance its architectural beauty. The Sher Shah Suri Tomb not only commemorates the legacy of a ruler known for his administrative reforms and infrastructure projects, such as the Grand Trunk Road, but also serves as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Bihar.
80 Feet Buddha: A Symbol of Peace and Enlightenment
The 80 Feet Buddha Statue in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, is a monumental symbol of peace, serenity, and spiritual enlightenment. Unveiled in 1989, this towering statue is one of the largest Buddha statues in India, standing majestically at 80 feet tall. It depicts Lord Buddha seated in a meditative pose on a lotus flower, reflecting deep tranquility and calm. Made from sandstone and red granite, the statue took seven years to complete and is surrounded by smaller statues of Buddha’s disciples, adding to its grandeur. Located near the Mahabodhi Temple, the 80 Feet Buddha Statue is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists and attracts visitors from around the world who come to experience its spiritual aura and architectural beauty.


Jal Mandir: A Sacred Jain Pilgrimage Site
Jal Mandir, located in Pawapuri, Bihar, is a revered Jain temple built in the middle of a tranquil lotus-filled pond. This sacred site marks the place where Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, attained Nirvana and was cremated around 500 BCE. The temple, also known as the “Water Temple,” is constructed entirely of white marble and is connected to the shore by a stone bridge, creating a serene and picturesque setting. Surrounded by the serene waters, Jal Mandir symbolizes purity and peace, drawing countless Jain devotees and visitors who seek spiritual solace and wish to pay homage to Lord Mahavira. Its beautiful architecture, coupled with its deep religious significance, makes Jal Mandir a unique destination reflecting the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Bihar.
Maner Sharif: A Hub of Sufi Heritage and Spirituality
Maner Sharif, located about 30 kilometers west of Patna, Bihar, is a significant Sufi pilgrimage site known for its historical and spiritual importance. It houses the mausoleums of two prominent Sufi saints, Makhdoom Yahya Maneri and his disciple, Shah Daulat. The tomb of Makhdoom Yahya Maneri, a 13th-century saint revered for his teachings and spiritual legacy, is particularly famous. The site, with its beautiful Mughal-era architecture featuring intricate carvings and designs, attracts devotees and tourists alike. Maner Sharif is not only a center of Sufi mysticism but also a symbol of communal harmony, where people of different faiths come to seek blessings and experience the peaceful aura. The nearby Maner sweets, especially “Maner ka Ladoo,” also add to the cultural charm of this spiritual destination.
