5 Best Pilgrimage Sites in Bihar (2024)

Situated on the banks of the River Niranjana, Bodh Gaya is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site in India and among the must-visit places as part of Bihar Tour Packages. Bodh Gaya is revered by Buddhists all over the world as it is the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in 534 BC under the Bodhi Tree. It is situated about 16 km from Gaya, and 113 km from Patna.

Bodhgaya is mostly known for all the places associated with Buddha's meditation and enlightenment. The Mahabodhi Temple which houses the Bodhi Tree attracts hordes of visitors across the world and is now one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Bodh Gaya is one of the four important Buddhist pilgrimage sites of India's Buddhist Circuit, the other three being Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Sarnath. Besides, Mahabodhi Temple, Great Buddha Statue, Thai Monastery, Muchalinda Lake, Wat Thai Buddhagaya, Japanese Temple, Sujatha Temple, etc., are some of the other prominent places to visit in Bodhgaya.

Buddha Jayanti is one of the biggest and main festivals celebrated in Bodhgaya. Maha Kala Chakra Puja and Buddha Mahotsava are the other important annual events celebrated with great enthusiasm.

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Rajgir is an ancient city in the Nalanda district of Bihar. About 12 km from Nalanda, and 103 km from Patna, it is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in India and among the must include places in Bihar Tour Packages. Rajgir was the first capital of the kingdom of Magadha, until the 5th century BC when Udayin (460-440 BC), son of Ajatshatru, moved the capital to Pataliputra. Rajgir was the birthplace of the 20th Jain Tirthankara Munisuvrata and closely associated with the Arihant Mahavira and Gautama Buddha.

Set in a green valley and surrounded by rocky hills, Rajgir is a spiritual town with natural serenity in the form of dense forests, mysterious caves, and springs. Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Rajgir Hot Springs, Venu Van, Ghora Katora Lake, Veerayatan Museum, Swarna Bhandar, Bimbisar Jail, The Cyclopean Wall, Ajatshatru Fort, etc., are some of the top places to visit in Rajgir. Rajgir Dance Festival is one of the major and important events celebrated in Rajgir.

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Vaishali or Vesali was once an ancient city and is now an archaeological site near Basarh, Bihar. About 55 km from Patna, it is one of the popular Buddhist Pilgrimage places in India and among the must include places in Bihar Tour Packages.

Gautama Buddha preached his last sermon before his death in c. 483 BC, then in 383 BC, the Second Buddhist council was convened here by King Kalasoka, making Vaishali an important place in both Jain and Buddhist religions. Apart from Buddhists, Vaishali is revered as a holy place by Jains as it is the birthplace of Lord Mahavir.

Vaishali is known for its stupas along with its religious and historical importance. Ashoka Pillar, Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Chaumukhi Mahadev, Ramchaura Temple, Bawan Pokhar Temple, Vaishali Museum, etc., are some of must include places in Vaishali Tour Packages. Also, Vaishali is famous as the land of Amrapali, the great Indian dancer who is related to many folktales.

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At a distance of 13 km from Nalanda, and 21 km from Rajgir, Pawapuri, or Pawa is a sacred place located near Nalanda in Bihar. It is one of the prominent holy sites for Jains in India, and among the popular places to visit in Nalanda.

Pawapuri is considered as one of the major pilgrimage centers in India amongst Jain followers as it is the land where Lord Mahavira took his last breath in 527 BC. The name Pawapuri means a town without sins. Dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, the Jal Mandir, or Water Temple in Pawapuri marks the place of his cremation. The temple was originally built by King Nandivardhan, the elder brother of Mahavira. It is one of the five main temples in Pawpuri, where the 'Charan Paduka' or foot impression of Mahavira is deified.

Jal Mandir is built in white marble within the water tank that measures 16.8 acres. The water surface of the lake is covered with lotuses. This architecturally elegant temple in the form of a 'Vimana' or chariot has the footprint of Mahavira for worship. A 600-foot-long (180 m) bridge built in stone connects the temple with the bank of the pond. The temple shines bright and sublime during a moonlit night. The pond has many species of fish that are fed by the priests and devotees.

There are many more beautiful places which can be visited in Pawapuri. These include Gaon Mandir which is the temple of the village and the place where Lord Mahavira took his last breath. Another beautiful Jain temple of ...

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At a distance of 37 km from Vaishali, Ramchaura Mandir is a sacred Hindu temple situated in the Hajipur town of Bihar. It is one of the popular and among the must-visit places near Vaishali.

Ramchaura Mandir is dedicated to Lord Ram and it is said that the temple has been there since the time of Ramayana. Also, it is believed that Lord Shri Ram has visited this place on his way to Janakpur, due to which this place has great religious value for the Hindu populace. The temple is built where the footprint was embossed on the ground.

The Ramchaura Mandir has a tradition of celebrating Rama Navami, the birth anniversary of Rama, every year with full zeal and enthusiasm. Also, a small fair is organized during Rama Navami. 'Bari Sangat' and 'Chhoti Sangat' are also situated near Ramchaura Temple. During the ancient period, many Saints, Mahatmas, and Yogi used to visit these Sangats and offered their prayers.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free

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