My Excursions

Orwell Museum , Birth Place of Gorge Orwell, Motihari:-

Orwell, whose real name is Eric Arthur Blair, was born on June 25, 1903 in what is now known as the Gyanbabu Chowk locality in Motihari, Bengal Presidency (present-day East Champaran district, Bihar, India), in British India. His father, Richard Walmesley Blair, worked in the Opium Department of the Indian Civil Service. His mother, Ida Mabel Blair (née Limouzin), grew up in Moulmein, Burma, where her French father was involved in speculative ventures. Eric had two sisters: Marjorie, five years older, and Avril, five years younger. When Eric was one year old, his mother took him and his sister to England. He never visited his birthplace again. He died in 1950 aged 47.

Eric Arthur Blair (25 June 1903 – 21 January 1950), who used the pen name George Orwell, was an English novelist, essayist, journalist and critic. His work is marked by lucid prose, awareness of social injustice, opposition to totalitarianism, and outspoken support of democratic socialism. Orwell wrote literary criticism, poetry, fiction, and polemical journalism. He is best known for his dystopian novel Nineteen Eighty-Four (published in 1949) and the allegorical novella Animal Farm (1945). His non-fiction works, including The Road to Wigan Pier (1937), documenting his experience of working class life in the north of England, and Homage to Catalonia (1938), an account of his experiences in the Spanish Civil War, are widely acclaimed, as are his essays on politics, literature, language, and culture. In 2008, The Times ranked him second on a list of "The 50 greatest British writers since 1945".

Orwell's work continues to influence popular and political culture, and the term Orwellian – descriptive of totalitarian or authoritarian social practices – has entered the language together with many of his neologisms, including cold war, Big Brother, thought police, Room 101, memory hole, newspeak, doublethink, and thought crime.

Orwell’s The Motihari house lay neglected for decades until a visit in 1983 by Scottish journalist Ian Jack, who was tracing Orwell’s roots for an article to be published in the following, symbolically significant year. In the subsequent article, Jack claimed not a single person in the town had been aware of the great writer’s local roots.

In 2014 it was announced that Orwell's birthplace, a bungalow in Motihari, Bihar, in India would become the world's first Orwell museum. His birthplace and ancestral house in Motihari has been declared a protected monument of historical importance. Conservationists in India have started to restore the dilapidated colonial bungalow in which George Orwell was born, as the government of Bihar state announced plans to convert it into a museum dedicated to the author. Besides the three-room house in which Orwell was born on 25 June 1903, the property in the small town of Motihari consists of a few tiny cottages and a large warehouse that was used to store opium. Orwell's father, Richard W Blair, worked in the remote town near the Indian-Nepalese border for the opium department, supervising poppy growers and collecting opium for export to China.

Many of the buildings are in ruins, but the bungalow and a nearby cottage still stand, and are being restored along with the warehouse. Today, the house has been finally renovated into a museum which state officials hope will become a pilgrimage site similar to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon or Tolstoy’s Yasnaya Polyana.

For many years it was in possession of a government school until the state government acquired the land around it under the Bihar Ancient Monument (Protection) Act, 1976 a few years ago.

Motihari is part of East Champaran district, a region from where in 1917 Mahatma Gandhi launched the civil disobedience movement that ultimately resulted, 30 years later, in the departure of the British from India. Gandhi had been moved by the plight of cultivators in Bihar who were being forced to produce opium and indigo for the lucrative markets of China and Europe respectively.

Agam Kuan , Ashoka’s Hell, Patna

 

 Agam Kuan  which means ”unfanthomable well” is an ancient well and an archaeological site situated in Patna,Bihar,India. The Agam Kuan is set within an archaeological site identified by the Archaeological Survey of India which also contains the adjacent Shitala Devi temple where the folk deity Shitala Devi is venerated. It is said to date back to the period of Mauryan emperor, Ashoka (304–232 BCE). The well was known to be part of “Ashoka’s Hell “. It’s a legend that Ashoka threw 99 of his brothers in this well after killing them for the throne of Magadh. The well is believed to be 105 feet deep, Circular in shape, the well is lined with brick in the upper 13 metres (43 ft) and contains wooden rings in the remaining 19 metres (62 ft). The surface structure, which now covers the well and forms its most distinctive feature, has eight arched windows. A hand written plate stuck in the wall of the well reads "The well of Emperor Asoka" in Hindi. According to a myth, the well has a subterranean link with the Patala (netherworld) or hell. Another geo-hydrological link suggested that Agam Kuan is connected to the Ganges river.

The water from the kuan never dries up and the level of water remains unaffected despite floods. The well miraculously maintains the water level at 1-1.5 feet throughout the year. It is considered sanctimonious and used for worshipping. As per the local belief, it has 9 smaller wells inside it and a hidden treasure at its base. The reason behind the water never drying up is still unknown. The depth of Agam kuan is still unknown. Three attempts to ascertain the depth of the Agam kuan have gone in vain. The first attempt was made in 1932 during the British rule. While extracting the water from the well, a flood-like situation had occurred, but the depth of the kuan could not be ascertained. The second attempt was made in 1962 by the then chief minister of Bihar Krishna Singh but did not meet success. The third and so far the last attempt was made in 1995 by Archaeological Survey of India during chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav's term. The team relentlessly extracted water, gold coins and money from the well for several days but could not reach its bottom. To everyone's  surprise, the water level regained its original level. The mystery of the miraculous Agam kuan continues unabated with a hope that one day plausible findings will demystify its magic!

 The site is also connected with several Jain legends, the most notable of them being that of a Jain monk, Sudarshana, who, when thrown into the well by a king named Chand, floated to the surface and was found seated on a lotus. Visitors throw coins into Agam Kuan, as it is still considered auspicious. It is used for many religious ceremonies, especially Hindu weddings. Although it is venerated, the well waters are not consumed.

 Ashoka's Hell was, according to legend, an elaborate torture chamber disguised as a beautiful palace full of amenities such as exclusive baths and decorated with flowers, fruit trees and ornaments. It was built by King Ashoka (304–232 BCE) in Pataliputra (modern Patna, India), the capital city of the Maurya Empire. The legend of the torture palace is detailed in the Ashokavadana, the text that describes King Ashoka's life through both legendary and historical accounts. According to legend, the palatial torture chamber was artfully designed to make its exterior visually pleasing and was referred to as the "beautiful gaol". Beneath the veneer of beauty, however, deep inside the exclusive mansion, torture chambers were constructed which were full of sadistic and cruel instruments of torture including furnaces producing molten metal for pouring on prisoners. The narrative mentions that the architect of the chamber was inspired by descriptions of the five tortures of the Buddhist hell for the design of the torture chamber and of the torture methods he inflicted upon his victims. The text of the Ashokavadana, describes how the torture chamber was so terrifying, it caused people to believe that Ashoka had visited hell itself in his quest to perfect its evil design. Through a pact made between Ashoka and the official executioner of the torture chamber ,Girika ,anyone entering the palace, even by chance as a visitor, was not allowed to come out alive , including Ashoka himself.

The Ashokavadana further mentions that sometime later a Buddhist monk by the name of Samudra happened to visit the palace and upon entering he was informed by Girika that he would be tortured to death, and was subsequently led into the torture chamber. His torturers however failed to injure him and he appeared able to neutralise their torture methods by realising that the suffering of the other prisoners is part of the Buddhist dogma of suffering and attaining arhatship. A particular narration detailed how Samudra, while tortured in a cauldron full of boiling water, human blood, bone marrow and excrement, caused the contents of the cauldron to cool down and then sat meditating cross-legged on a lotus sprouting from the fluid. The narrative further describes that when Ashoka heard of these miracles, he was overcome with curiosity and decided to enter the chamber to verify for himself the veracity of the stories. After arriving there he witnessed Samudra levitating with half his body on fire and the other half raining water. Intrigued he asked Samudra to identify himself. Samudra replied that he was a disciple of Buddha and adherent to the Dharma. Samudra then chastised Ashoka for having built the torture chamber and further instructed him to build eighty four thousand stupas according to Buddha's prophecy, and to guarantee the security of all beings. To those demands, Ashoka acquiesced. Further he confessed to his crimes and accepted Buddha and the Dharma.

The Ashokavadana describes the events leading to the demolition of Ashoka's torture chamber. According to the text, the torture chamber had become the site and the reason of his conversion to Buddhism. Girika, as the resident executioner of the chamber, however, reminded Ashoka of his pledge to kill anyone entering the chamber including Ashoka himself. Ashoka then questioned Girika as to who entered the torture palace first during their visit to see Samudra's miracles. Girika was then forced to admit that it was he who entered first. Upon the executioner's confession, Ashoka ordered him burnt alive and also ordered the demolition of the torture palace. According to the Ashokavadana, "the beautiful jail was then torn down and a guarantee of security was extended to all beings".

From that point on, Ashoka became known as Ashoka the Pious.

People, at large, believe the well's water to be endowed with miraculous power, and the well auspicious.

In addition to the Agam Kuan, the archaeological site features a temple, as well as several ancient and medieval sculptures. The Shitala Devi temple is adjacent to the well, and is dedicated to Shitala Devi, which houses the pindas of the Saptamatrikas (the seven mother goddesses). The temple is widely venerated for its belief in curing smallpox and chicken pox, and it is also visited by devotees for wish fulfilment. The water is believed to have healing properties and is given to patients. It is also believed by the locals that if a childless couple takes bath in the well, their wish to extend their family could be granted. The devotees throw gold and silver coins in the well as donations. The water from the well is used to perform all the rituals at this temple. A statue of Yaksha of the Mauryan art period which use to stands guard outside the temple, as described earlier by Alexander Cunningham when he visited the site in 1879–80, is not traceable in the present day. 

Shitala Mata Temple, Agamkuan Mandir,Patna

Shitla Mata Temple is situated in Archaeological site of  Agam Kuan in Patna near Gulzarbagh adjacent to “Ashoka’s Well”. This temple is also known as Agamkuan Mandir .The temple houses the idol of Shitla Devi ,an incarnation of Goddess Durga, and pindas of the “saptamatrikas” representing the seven mother goddess, it is also known as shaktipeeth of Durga. “Shitala” literally means cool, so people worship Shitala Mata for mental peace and prosperity. It’s a belief that Shitla Devi has the power to cure smallpox and chicken pox and wish fulfilment. The temple is very old though exact date cannot be ascertained. Many marriages are held here during the auspicious months. It is one of the most visited temples in Patna.The water from the well is used to perform all the rituals at this temple. The well , called Agam Kuan, was  built by King Ashoka in 240 BC and as per the local belief, it has 9 smaller wells inside it and a hidden treasure at its base. Agam Kuan, which literally mean "Unfathomable Well", is another historical monument existing till date from the Mauryan times. It is believed that the famed Mauryan Emperor, Ashoka had built this well to torture the enemies.

The site once contained several ancient and medieval sculptures. Of these, at least one was that of the Yaksha of the Mauryan art-affiliation. However, the statues have no existing record as of now.

Patliputra Karuna Stupa, Buddha Smriti Park , Patna

The Buddha Smriti park is situated in the heart of Patna, Bihar . The central attraction of Buddha Smriti park is the Stupa, known as Patliputra Karuna Stupa  which is 200 feet high and is  situated in the middle of the park. The Stupa contains the relics of Buddha, one amongst the eight original relic excavated from Vaishali, secured in a glass enclosure, where a tiny golden statue of the sitting Buddha is kept along with the pot containing the relic 

 The relics brought from different countries are put in separate caskets inside the glass case. The holy relics was brought by His Holiness Dalai Lama and the monks from Thailand, Myanmar, Japan, South Korea and Sri Lanka. The dome rises high in the sky and provide a magnificent view of the park. Circular paths around the stupa for parikrama have been provided at three different levels that lead to the highest level of the building. The central hall  has wooden flooring in concentric cell fashion. The case is situated in the middle. Rest of the hall is empty and does not have any image or other thing. This park was inaugurated by His Holiness Dalai Lama on 27th May, 2010 (Buddha Poornima). He also planted two saplings, one brought from Bodh Gaya and another from Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka, of the sacred Bodhi tree. A branch of the original Mahabodhi tree at Bodh Gaya is believed to have been taken to Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka by Emperor Ashoka's son Mahendra.

The relic were discovered from the stupa in Vaishali which was one amongst the eight original relic stupas built over the corporeal remains of Buddha. According to Buddhist traditions, after attaining Mahapariniryana, his body was cremated by the Mallas of Kushinagar with royal ceremony befitting a universal king and the mortal remains were distributed among eight claimants including the Lichhavis of Vaishali. Seven others were Ajatshatru the king of Magadha, Sakyas of Kapilavastu, Bulis of Alakappa, Koliyas of Ramagram, A Brahmin of Vethoweep and Mallas of Pava and Kushinagar.

 This was originally a small mud stups measuring 8.07 meters in diameter raised in 5th century B.C. Later during Maurya, Sunga and Kushan periods it was encased with bricks and enlarged in four phases which increased the diameter ti 12.00 meters. The Ayaka projection noticed towards south and east is probabally the earliest examples of Ayakapattas.The most remarkable discovery was the Relic casket of stone partly filled with ashy earth besides a small conch , two glass beads, a fragmentary piece of gold leaf , a copper punch marked coin .The relic are now placed in Patna near Patna Junction at the Patliputra Karuna Stupa . The authenticity of the relics has been proved archeologically, scientifically and also on the basis of literary sources. The partially-empty casket at the time of excavation also proved Yuan-Chwang’s statement right that Ashoka the Great broke open all eight stupas, except one, and took the relics away and divided them into 84,000 parts. The mud stupa is still there in Vaishali near Vishwa Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagodra ) .

The Smriti Park has a meditation centre, library, open park, museum besides the Karuna stupa. The meditation centre in the park consists of 60 cells having a view of the stupa. The library consisting of books on Buddhism along with a large Audio-Visual Hall. The Hall has been designed to be used by the groups visiting the park. The park is called Smriti Bagh (Park of Memories), is a landscaped open space which have votive stupas from countries across the world, each designed in the architectural pattern representative of the specific country. The park symbolically represents the dispersion of Buddhism from Bihar to various regions of the world.The park has museum showcasing the life of Lord Buddha through artfacts,3-D models, audio-visuals and multimedia presentations. The park has saplings of holy Bodhi trees which have been received from Mahameghavana Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka and Bodh Gaya, India.

The Buddha Smriti Park is situated in front of the Patna Junction and the Mahavir Mandir. The park has been constructed at the place where once the historical Bankipur Central Jail of British era existed.  A part of the former jail which includes a watch tower has been preserved in the park. This beautiful multipurpose park has been developed by the State Government to commemorate the 2554th birth anniversary of the Lord Buddha.The park is a great place to visit and understand the life and teachings of Buddha. The open park is great for recreation. It has well-laid paths and green cover, with majestic central stupa being visible from all parts of the park. Timings : 11 AM to 7 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. The park remains closed on Monday for public.

 Gautam Sthan , Revelganj,Chappra :The Ashram of Gautam Rishi is situated 10-12 km west of Chapra on NH19 in Godnah/Revelganj  situated on the northern bank of River Ghagra also called as Saru River. Earlier Godnah used to be very important religious and commercial place as it was the place were Ganga and Ghagrah river used to merge. It was main waterway between Bengal and Awadh . Trade exchange use to take at this place.

Sage Gautam’s land earliear used to be the spiritual land of Sage Shringhi . As per mythology , Sage Gautam along with his wife Ahylia and daughter Anjani setteled here and made this place as their land for spiritual practice . Anjani is the mother of lord Hanuman , hence this place is also refered as maternal hone of lord Hanuman. A shrine has been built on the land where gautam’s hut is believed to have stood at that point of time. As per religious belief the purification of Ahalya was meted out here.

 Sage Gautam was one of the famous seven rishis termed Saptarshi. He was the progenitor of the Gautama gotra. He was the son of Rahugana, belonging to the line of Angiras. His wife is Ahalya, herself the 'mind born daughter' (Sanskrit: manasa putri) of Creator Brahma. According to the Mahari dance tradition, Brahma created Ahalya out of water as the most beautiful woman in order to break the pride of Urvashi, the foremost celestial nymph. Created by the god Brahma as the most beautiful woman, Ahalya was married to the much older Gautama. In traditional Hinduism, Ahalya is extolled as the first of the panchakanya ("five virgins"), archetypes of female chastity whose names are believed to dispel sin when recited. While some praise her loyalty to her husband and her undaunted acceptance of the curse and gender norms, others condemn her adultery.

 According to the Ramayana, Rishi Gautam once went to take bath in the river Ganges early morning. The king of the Devas, Indra, was fascinated with Gautam's wife, Ahalya. Indra came in the form of Gautam and made love to Ahalya. As he was escaping, he was caught by Rishi Gautam who was returning to the Ashrama from his bath. Gautam cursed Ahalya and Indra both for this act. Ahalya was converted to stone, while Indra was cursed with one thousands of female genitalia (Sahasrayoni). Later, taking pity on both, Gautam converted both these curses. Indra curse was converted to thousands of eyes he came to be known as Sahasrāksha. As for Ahalya, Gautam granted her the boon that she would be liberated by the touch of the feet of Lord Rama (Lord Vishnu).The curse varies from text to text, but almost all versions describe Rama as the eventual agent of her liberation and redemption.

Nevertheless, he assures her that her sin will be expiated once she extends her hospitality to Rama, who will visit the ashram. Thereafter,Rishi Gautam abandons the ashram and goes to the Himalayas to practise asceticism. The Ayodhya prince Rama, his brother Lakshmana and their guru, the sage Vishvamitra pass Gautama's desolate ashram while travelling to King Janaka's court in Mithila. As they near the ashram, Vishvamitra recounts the tale of Ahalya's curse and instructs Rama to save Ahalya. Following Vishvamitra, the princes enter the ashram to see Ahalya, who, up till then, had been hidden from the universe. Under the direction of his guru, Rama considers Ahalya pure and unblemished and, accompanied by Lakshamana, gives her obeisance by touching her feet, an act that restores her social status. She greets them, recalling Gautama's words that Rama would be her redeemer. Ahalya extends her warmest reception, making a "welcome offering" of forest fruits and washing their feet, an act of respect according to the rites of that era. The gods and other celestial beings shower Rama and Ahalya with flowers and bow to Ahalya, who has been purified through her penance. Gautama then returns to his ashram and accepts her.

 

Godnah-Thomson Gautam Rishi Pathsala

 The history of this institute  is associated with Sage Gautam’s gurukul  where Law and Sanskrit were taught . The foundation of the current building ( now in ruins) was laid by the Bengal Governor Mr Revers Thompson in 1883 and was completed in 1887. The institute was renamed as “ Godnah- Thompson Gautam Rishi Pathsala “.

Situated adjacent to sage Gautam Sthan Temple in Godnah, Revelganj ,Bihar, the building lies in  shambles and neglect.

Samten Choling Monastery , GhoomSamten Choling Buddhist Monastery is located in Ghum and is often referred as the Ghum Monastery. But the old and the original Ghum Monastery is the Yiga Choeling which is another 1km away tucked at the end of a narrow road.

 Samten Choling is located in Ghum conveniently on the Hill Cart Road some 7km away from the town of Darjeeling. Most locals actually call this as the Ghum monastery. Since it's on the way to Batasia and Tiger Hill, it's also convenient to visit this monastery as part of the 3-point tour. When you go from Darjeeling town towards Ghum, before you reach the Ghum station you will see Samten Choling monastery on your right. There is a big gate having a square arch. From the gate you can see the main Monastery building which has a white body and a golden top.Climb down the few stairs and you will be on a large open patio. On one side is the main prayer building. Inside, the main attraction is the huge 26-ft model of Lord Buddha built in recent time in honor of the renowned scholar Lama Anagarika Govinda.In the morning or in the evening during the prayer time, the chanting and the humming sound made by the young lamas and the monks creates great spiritual atmosphere. One can be with them as long as you want during the prayers. The monastery has great collections of Buddhist books and Manuscripts. It belongs to the Yellow Hat sect.On another side of the patio  a stairway from outside leads up to the open roof of a one storey building.  Once one get on top to the open terrace and look out towards back side, the view is simply awesome. The wonderful snow peaks of Kanchenjunga on a clear day and most striking is the view of mountains from three sides forming a lovely valley is visible. Also visible are  rows of cute wooden cottages along the slope of the hills. On one side of the terrace are rooms where the monks of the monastery stay. Monastery is open all days a week, early morning till evening. 

Ancient Panch Mandir, Chapra

The ancient Panch Mandir is a beautiful temple built by Kayasthas ,mentioned in autobiography of Dr Rajendra Prashad , 1^st president of India . It is situated in Bhagwan Bazar location of Chapra town in Bihar. 

Architecturally two-three hundred years old... Having Curvilinear  shikhar, urushring ,Nagara style of temple architecture.

Not much information available. Local residents in the complex are not very friendly to visitors. 

Kesariya Stupa ( Buddha Stupa ), Bihar :

Situated in the East Champaran district of Bihar, Kesariya serves as the place of the largest Buddhist stupa in the world. Kesariya stupa, as it is known, is located at a distance of about 110 km from Patna, the capital of Bihar. The stupa is believed to date back to somewhere between 200 AD and 750 AD may have been associated with the 4th century ruler, Raja Chakravarti. The local people call this Stupa as Devala, "means the house of god". Before the excavation of this, they believed that inside it there is a temple of 'Lord shiva' which is built by king Bhema .

 The stupa is the largest in the world, with a height of 104 ft, and attracts lots of Buddhist pilgrims from around the world. The stupa is rare example of Buddhist architecture and archaeological preservation. It is believed that the stupa has further immersed into earth after the famous 1934- earthquake before which, the height of this stupa was 123 ft. The stupa was measured by Cunningham who found that the circumference was 1400 feet while the height was 51 feet. He also worked out that originally, the dome of the stupa would have been 70 feet tall. From a distance, Stupa may look like a mound of bricks with circular terraces but it also got layers of mortar and mud. Stories go that it is still 9 feet under the ground and excavations are yet to unearth that part. It has 5 large terraces, each unique in shape and enshrining an image of Buddha. Displaying various postures of Buddha, images (mostly mutilated) are found within the niches under each terrace. Giant Buddhist Mandala sits atop the stupa and easily noticeable. Even in its ruined state hidden under overgrown scrubs, Kesariya is an impressive site. Excavation unearthed temples and colossal images of Buddha. During excavation, the place around the stupa was found to house significant items, like Islamic coins, arrow heads, copper and terracotta items, earthen lamps, decorated bricks, etc. A number of images of Lord Buddha, in ‘Bhoomi Sparsh Mudra’ and other sitting postures were also found. While formerly, it was only a mud stupa, it gained its present structure in the Maurya, Sunga and Kushana period.

 It is believed that after his visit with Amrapali, Lord Buddha continued with his journey towards Kushinagar (also called Kusinara in Buddhist texts.) He travelled along the eastern banks of the river Gandak (also called Narayani, which marks the western border of Champaran). A band of his devoted Licchavis accompanied Lord Buddha in this journey. At a spot known as Kesariya, in the East Champaran district, Lord Buddha took rest for the night. It was here that he chose to announce to his disciples the news of his impending niravana (meaning, death); and implored them to return to Vaishali. The wildly lamenting Licchavis would have none of that. They steadfastly refused to leave. Whereupon, Lord Buddha, by creating a 3,000 feet wide stream between them and himself compelled them to leave. As a souvenir he gave them his alms-bowl. The Licchavis, most reluctantly and expressing their sorrow wildly, took leave and built a stupa there to commemorate the event. Lord Buddha had chosen that spot to announce his impending nirvana because, as he told his disciple Anand, he knew that in a previous life he had ruled from that place, namely, Kesariya, as a Chakravarti Raja, Raja Ben. In speaking to Ananda, Buddha told him that "for a Chakravarti Raja they build a sthupo at a spot where four principal roads meet."  This description agrees most precisely with that of Kesariya, where two high roads cross, the one leading Saran to Champaran, and the other from Patna or Pataliputra to Bettiah and Nepal.

Ancient Kesariya was called Kesaputta and was a republic ruled by Kalamas, which was later annexed by its monarchical neighbour Kosala.  Alara Kalama, the teacher of Buddha before enlightenment, is said to belong to Kesaputta. Buddha is also said to have had direct connection with Kesaputta. According to Jataka stories Buddha ruled this place as a Chakravartin Raja in his previous birth. Similarly, it was during one of his visits to Kesaputta that Buddha gave one of his most important discourses, the celebrated Kessaputtiya Sutta, popularly known as Kalama Sutta. Kesariya stupa is believed to have been built to honor the place where Lord Buddha had spent the last days of his journey, before attaining Nirvana.

Huien Tsang mentions having seen the grand Stupa in Kia-shi-po-lo (Kesariya) but it was deserted and vegetation had overgrown .He has mentioned, in his travelogue, about this giant stupa. In 637, Huien Tsang set out from Lumbini to Kusinagara, the site of Buddha's death, before heading southwest to the deer park at Sarnath where Buddha gave his first sermon, and where Huien Tsang found 1,500 resident monks. Traveling eastward, at first via Varanasi, Huien Tsang reached Vaisali, Pataliputra (Patna) and Bodh Gaya. He was then accompanied by local monks to Nalanda, the great ancient university of India, where he spent at least the next two years. He was in the company of several thousand scholar-monks, whom he praised. Huien Tsang wrote his book "Journey to India in the Great Tang Dynasty", which has become one of the primary sources for study of ancient history of India. Huien Tsang in his travelogue has mentioned a Chakravarti Raja of the seventh century. This is confirmed by the reign of Raja Ben.  He has mentioned that 30 miles due north-west of Vaishali, in an ancient city, Lord Buddha had announced that in a previous life he was the Boddhisatva and had ruled that kingdom as a Chakravarti Raja. This ancient city was most certainly Kesariya. It is irrefutable that Lord Buddha had come to Keasriya during his final journey from Vaishali to Kushinagar. The stupa at Deora confirms this event, since stupas were built only at those places that were of great significance in the life of Lord Buddha.

Kesariya Stupa serves as a holy site for the Buddhist pilgrims around the world. Standing tall, it acts as a reminder of the last days of Lord Buddha and his compassionate and gentle approach towards people. The place is a reminiscent to the Buddha's last phase of life, his humanitarian approach towards all, independent of caste and creed. His simple and ethical principles also come into mind while one travels this huge Stupa, nearly twice as large as that of Sanchi.

 The place was the venue where the Buddha delivered His famous Kalama Sutta to the Kalama people. Through this discourse, the Buddha urged His followers to analyse His teachings thoroughly before accepting them. The details of the discourse can be found in the “The Buddha's Charter of Free Inquiry: Kalama Sutta, Wheel No 8.”

Excavation and restoration work on the stupa is still under process. Despite its archaeological significance and reverence in Buddhism, Kesariya  Stupa is yet off from itineraries of modern day travelers.

Chhinnamastika Temple,Rajrappa:

 

Chhinnamasta Temple dedicated to Goddess Chinnamasta is a hindu pilgrimage centre and located in Rajrappa, in Ramgarh district of Jharkhand. It is situated on a hillock at the confluence of the Damodar and Bhera (Bhairavi) Rivers near the Rajrappa falls. The main attraction of the Chhinnamasta (also known as Chinnamastika) temple is the headless deity of Goddess Chinnamasta which stands on the body of Kamdeo and Rati in the lotus bed. Chhinnamasta  ( "She whose head is severed"), often spelled Chinnamasta and also called Chhinnamastika and Prachanda Chandika, is one of the Mahavidyas, ten Tantric goddesses and a ferocious aspect of Devi, the Hindu Divine Mother. Chhinnamasta can be easily identified by her fearsome iconography. The self-decapitated goddess holds her own severed head in one hand, a scimitar in another. Three jets of blood spurt out of her bleeding neck and are drunk by her severed head and two attendants. The place attracts devotees from all parts of Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. Apart from the main temple, there are ten temples of various gods and goddesses such as the Surya (Sun God), Hanuman and Lord Shiva. Many smaller temples have been built around the main temple such as the temples of Ashtamatrika and Dakshina Kali. The temples of Mahavidyas built in a series nearby are Tara, Shodashi, Bhubneswari, Bhairavi, Bagla, Kamla, Matangi, Dhumavati.

This location has a special significance. It is at the union of Bhairavi nadi(female) coming from top, meeting Damodar nada (male) signifying vipareeta rati ( opposite coppulation) pose as described in Devi Chhinnamasta's dhyana (vipareeta rataturam). Here Bhairavi is active shakti and Damodar is the male passive member of rati action. Damodar is very calm and Bhairavi is the active member.

The temple enshrines the Goddess Chinnamasta (the beheaded Goddess Kali), one of the ten forms of the Goddess Durga. The temple is very old and the place Rajrappa finds mention in the Vedas, Puranas and Hindu scriptures as a "Shakti Peeth". The art and architectural design resembles the design of temples of Tantrik importance.The temple is considered as notable as the tantrik site of Kamakhya Temple of Assam which has a similar architecture. The temple is one of the 10 Mahavidhyas. The ancient temple of Goddess was destroyed and later a new temple was constructed and the original idol of Goddess was placed in it. Animal sacrifice is still practised in the temple. The sacrificial animals are killed on Tuesdays, Saturdays and during Kali puja.

 A large number of pilgrims arrive here throughout the year. Large congregation of people takes place here during the full Moon and New Moon nights. Owing to the religious importance of the place, it is also popular among the disciples for marriage and ritual of Mundan or shaving the head. Vehicle owners come here to get blessings for their new vehicles as they believe that the first worship of vehicles here multiplies the life of vehicles and brings luck to the owners. Tantriks look upon this place for Tantric accomplishment. In the month of January a special fair is held here on the festival of Makar Sankranti and attended by lakhs of people. A fair is also organized during the festival of Vijaydashmi, Vijayadashami and attended by large number of people.

Rajrappa also is a pilgrim centre for the Santals and other tribals who come for immersion of the ashes of their loved ones in the Damodar. They come mostly during the month of December, in groups known as yatri. As per their mythology it is their final resting place. In their folk songs Rajrappa is referred to as "Thel Kopi Ghat" (Water Ghat) and they use oil after bathing. They come in significant numbers from the southern parts of Jharkhand state such as East and West Singhbhum and Saraikela districts. Maa Chinmastika devi is also known as Manokamna devi due to the belief that it fulfils the wishes of the devotees. Devotees tie a red thread around a rock in the temple for the fulfillment of their wishes.

 

Besides religious importance the place is also a famous picnic spot owing to its natural beauty. Hilly landscape covered with lush forest and river is some of its features. The hot water spring located here increases the beauty of the region. The Bhera River joins the Damodar River from a height of 20 feet creating a waterfall. The location offers boating facilities and visitors enjoy boat rides in the locality having various rock formations along the river bank.

You will also find Palash forest.

The mythology says that Lord Shiva had a dance of destruction (Rudra Tandava) carrying half burnt body of goddess Sati after goddess Sati’s self-immolation.To stop the dance of destruction performed by Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu threw His Chakra (Sudharshan Chakra) on Goddess Sati’s body which dismembered Her body into 52 parts.Each body part or ornament of Goddess

 Sati that fell on different places of the earth, and is the places where the Adi Shakti temples are built.And it is said that the head of Goddess Shakti fell at the place where Chhinnamasta temple is has been built.

According to some legend, once Goddess Parvati went to take bath with her attendants. Goddess Parvati was so much engrossed in her bath that she lost count of time. Meanwhile her attendants became hungry and kept demanding for food. The merciful Goddess offered her own head as food and satisfied hunger of her devotees.

Goddess Chhinnamasta is said to be goddess of self-sacrifice and the awakening of spiritual energy. She is considered as a sign of self-control on sexual desires and also an embodiment of sexual energy, depending upon elucidation.Goddess Chhinnamasta signifies both the facets of Goddess Devi, ‘a life giver and a life taker’.

 Maa Chhinnamasta is associated with the concept of :

1. ·         Self-sacrifice.
2. ·         Awakening of the kundalini – spiritual energy.
3. ·         Relief from Rahu dosa
4. ·         The Deity

 Mata Chhinnamastika puja protects her devotees from:

1. ·         Social, financial and physical instance of misfortune.
2. ·         State of difficulty.
3. ·         Childlessness.
4. ·         Debt and poverty.
5. ·         Misguided mind.
6. ·         Protects a person from “akaal mrityu” (sudden death).
7. ·         Malefic effects of Rahu.
8. ·         Festivals.

Baidyanath Dham Temple, Deoghar

Baidyanath Jyotirlinga temple, also known as Baba Baidyanath Dham  is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the most sacred abodes of Shiva located in Deoghar in the  the state of Jharkhand, India. It is a temple complex consisting of the main temple of Baba Baidyanath, where the Jyotirlinga is installed, and 21 other temples. The sanctity of Baidyanath is mentioned in several Puranas which refer to it and as they are unquestionably the golden treasure of Hindu religion and culture, Baidyanath Jyotirlingam has attained great importance. Thus the abode of Baidyanath Jyotirlingam is a very ancient sacred place of India importance and international fame.  Baidyanath Jyotirlinagam is as old as the Ramayana and it is associated with the story of Ravana, in religious literatures. As its very name implies, Baidyanathdham Deoghar, is the holy place where Shri Vishnu is said to have installed Shiva in this form. Hence, the presiding deity here is revered as Baidyanath Jyotirlingam. It is also one of 52 peethas.

It is believed that, Shiva first manifested himself as a Jyotirlinga on the night of the Aridra Nakshatra, thus the special reverence for the Jyotirlinga. Interestingly, the same shrine of Baidyanath is considered as one of 51 Shakti Peethas, where 'heart' of Sati (goddess) fell, after being broken apart by the Sudarshana Chakra of Lord Vishnu, from the body of Sati, carried by  distraught Shiva, at the location on which the respective temple is built. Since the heart of Sati fell here, the place is also called as Hardapeetha. Here Sati is worshipped as Jai Durga  and Lord Bhairav as  Baidyanath. Thus some of the Puranas ascribe the advent of Baidyanath at Deoghar to the Satya yuga or the first age of the world, when Sati, the wife of Shiva and the daughter of Daksha committed suicide in consequence of the discourtesy shown to her husband by Daksha. Overpowered by grief Shiva, in a fit for frenzy, stuck the corpse of his wife on the point of his trident and roamed about like mad god, till Vishnu cut up the body with his Chakra into 52 parts which fell at different place in India. The heart, it is said, fell at the holy shrine Deoghar and hence that place is called Baidyanathdham. The shrine of Baidyanath Jyotirlingam is at Deoghar and Haridrapeetha lay here. Where the heart of Sati fell, the shrine is called Hardyapeetha and the enblem of Baidyanath has been established there since that time by Lord Vishnu. The Matsyapuran narrates the place as Arogya Baidyanathitee, the holy place where Shakti lives and assists Shiva in freeing people from incurable diseases.

According to the stories narrated in the Shiva Purana, it was in the Treta yuga that the demon Ravana, king of Lanka, felt that his capital would not be perfect and free from enemies unless Mahadeva (Shiva) stays there forever. He paid continuous meditation to Mahadeva. Ultimately Shiva got pleased and permitted him to carry his lingam with him to Lanka. Mahadeva advised him not to place or transfer this lingam to anyone. There should not be a break in his journey to Lanka. If he deposits the lingam anywhere on the earth, in the course of his journey, it would remain fixed at that place forever. Ravana was happy as he was taking his return journey to Lanka.The other gods objected to this plan; if Shiva went to Lanka with Ravana, then Ravana would become invincible, and his evil and anti-vedic deeds would threaten the world. They never liked to see Lord Shiva as his protector. They devised a plan for outwitting Ravana. They requested Varuna (the god of water) to enter into the belly of Ravana, on his way back from Mount Kailash. So, on his way back, Ravana felt a severe urge to release water. He began looking for a man to whom he could temporarily entrust the lingam. Lord Vishnu appeared before Ravana in the guise of a Brahmin. Unaware of the mystery, Ravana handed over the lingam to the Brahmin. Unfortunately, Ravana could not ease himself soon. Meanwhile, the Brahmin placed the lingam at this place which was and which is now Baidyanathdham. Ravana tried hard to remove the lingam from the spot where it had been placed. He could not turn out the lingam even an inch. This made him frustrated. He used violence but he only succeeded in pushing the lingam by thumb and damaging it. Later on he felt guilty of his doings and begged for forgiveness. The Gods were happy that the Shiva linga had not reached Ravana's place. He returned to Lanka but visited daily to worship the lingam. This continued forever. The place where Ravana descended on the earth is identified with the present Harilajori about four miles north of Baidyanathdham. The place where the lingam was kept is now Deoghar and the lingam itself is known to all as Baidyanath Jyotirlingam.

 According to other traditions, the 'LINGAM' (Lord Shiva) lay neglected after the death of Ravana until it was noticed by a rude hunter, Baiju, who accepted it as his God and worshiped it daily; proclaiming to the world, as the Lord of Baiju (Baidyanath). The story of Baiju giving rise to the name of Baidyanath is more prevalent as a Santhal tradition.

Baba Baidyanath Temple Complex: 

The Baba Baidyanath temple complex consists of the main temple of Baba Baidyanath, where the Jyotirlingam is installed, and 21 other temples  of different Gods and Goddesses among which Lord Shiva is empowered as being supreme.The temples are of both old and new styles .

Baba Baidyanath Temple  :

The architecture of this temple is indigenous. We can place it under Nagar style. It is Shringvat temple. It contains Kati, Mekhala, and Shring which support the style of Nagara. According to religious belief this temple has been built by Vishwakarma, the architect of gods. There are three parts of this temple; i.e., the main temple, the middle part of the main temple, and the entrance part of the main temple. The main temple is beyond historical dates. It has been visited since the age of Rama, the king of Ayodhya. From the available sources we can say that the presence of Chandrakant Mani is also its glory. The temple of Baidyanath or Shiva is the most important of all the temples in the courtyard. The temple faces the east and is a plain stone structure with a pyramidal tower, 72 feet tall and it is lotus shaped. The top contains three ascending shaped gold vessels that are compactly set, and were donated by the Maharaja of Giddhaur. Besides these pitcher shaped vessels, there is a Punchsula (Five knives in Tridenta shape), which is rare. In the inner top there is an eight pettaled lotus jewel called Chandrakanta Mani. The main 'LINGAM' (Lord Shiva) is also very rare. The lingam installed inside, is of a cylindrical forming about 5 inches in diameter and projects about 4 inches from the centre of a large slab of basalt. The top is broken and has uneven surface. It is not possible to ascertain how much of the lingam is buried. The top is broken and has uneven surface. There are different porches in the temple. One porch leads to the cell where the lingam is fixed. The second porch is in front with a row of pillars spanned by blocks of basalt and on the right side there is a sandstone image of nandi. There are bells fixed in the ceiling and pilgrims are supposed to pull the bell ropes to announce their approach to the divinity. To the east of the northern verandah of the temple there is a large masonry vat into which flows the water and milk offered to the lingam. The liquid in it is essentially a mix of milk, sandal paste and washing of flowers, which impart to it a fragrant smell and is treated as highly sacred.

Rama Temple: 

This is a big temple. The idols of Rama, Lakshman, Bharat, Shatrughan and Sita are present inside.

Maa Ganga Temple : It is a small temple devoted to Ganga .

Anand Bhairava Temple : This is a big sized temple with  deity of Ananda Bhairava . It is made of black stone. His worship is done for the savior of the region and people.

Gauri Shankara Temple : The temple houses the deities of Gauri and Shankar, hence the name. It is a small temple.

Maa Tara Temple : There is a temple of the goddess Tara. At the entrance of this temple are two deities namely Bhuvaneshvari and Kamala.

Narvadeshwar Temple : There is a small room in the administrative building of the temple where lies the Narmad Shiva-lingam.

Maa Kali Temple : This is a temple of the goddess Kali. The deity is the oldest one and is worshipped as the goddess of the region i.e. Gram Kali.

Maa Annapurna Temple : This temple is small in size. It focuses on Bengal architecture.

Chandrakoopa Well : This well is situated near the main entrance of the Temple courtyard. Pilgrims fetch water from the well and pour over the head of Jyotirlingam. Ravana is supposed to have excavated a well with an arrow and brought into it the waters of all the sacred pools of the earth.

Laxmi Narayan Temple : This is a big temple. The temple has three sided verandah.
Neelkantha Mahadeva Temple : It is a small temple housing the deity of Neelkantha Mahadeva and Sati.

Maa Parvati Temple : This temple belongs to Tripursundari i.e. Maa Parvati . It is well known as Parvati temple. The importance of Shakti Puja together with Shiva is evident from this temple. Maa parvathi temple is tied up with the main temple, with huge red sacred threads which is unique and worthy of reverence, showing the unity of Shiva and Shakti.

Maa Jagat Janani Temple : There are a number of deities in this temple though it is famous as Jagat Janani Temple.

Ganesh Temple : This temple has the idol of eight handed Ganesh in a dancing posture.

Brahma Temple : It is a small temple.  It houses a four headed idol of Brahma.

Maa Sandhya Temple : This temple houses the idol of Maa Sandhya.  Pilgrims accept it as a temple of Kamakhya.

Mahakala Bhairava Mahadeva Temple : It is a common size temple having a big deity of Mahakala Bhairava. By the side of the main deity a spot is accepted as an idol of Batuk Bhairava. It has two doors - both in the east and west.

Hanuman Temple : It is a verandah without barrier. There are a number of deities in this. It is also called the temple of Kuber. In ancient time it was the centre of revenue collection for the Maharaja of Gidhaur.

Tulsi Chaura : In the southern part of the courtyard, there are temples of Hanuman, Mansa, Saraswati and Surya centering an altar. This altar is called Tulsi Chaura. In the past, there were bushes of Tulsi over it. Now, a number of deities have been placed at its base.

Maa Mansa Temple : It is a small temple of goddess Mansa.

Maa Saraswati Temple : This is a small temple of goddess Saraswati.

Surya Narayan Temple : This is a temple without a dome. The old idol of the sun-god was stolen in the past. The present deity has been installed by Late Bhavapritanand Ojha.

Maa Bagla Temple : A small temple of goddess Bagla.

Neel Chakra : This is an altar in the temple courtyard. It is situated in front of Maa Sandhya temple and Baba Baidyanath temple. It is a flat stone, studded with curves. In the religious history people connect it with the importance of Kamakhya of Assam.

The Madan Madhavi, a manuscript preserved in the archives of Maharaja of Gidhaur, provides information related to the political and cultural history of Gidhaur Raj. It includes a description of Babadham as well. This whole area of Deoghar was under the rule of the Kings of Gidhaur who were much attached with this temple. Raja Bir Vikram Singh founded this princely state in 1266. In 1757 after the Battle of Plassey the officers of the East India Company paid their attention to this temple. An English man, Keating was sent to look at the administration of the temple. Mr. Keating, the first English collector of Birbhum, took interest in the administration of the temple. In 1788, under Mr. Keating's order Mr. Hesilrigg, his assistant, who was probably the first English man to visit the holy city, set out to supervise personally the collection of the pilgrim offerings and dues. Later, when Mr. Keating himself visited Babadham, he was convinced and forced to abandon his policy of direct interference. He handed over the full control of the temple to the hands of the high priest.

The importance of Babadham increases during the month of Shrawan. The pilgrims are called Dak Bam and they do not stop even once in their journey from Sultangunj, located at Bhagalpur district to Vaidyanath. Pilgrims to the temple later visit the Basukinath temple. During this period, lakhs of devotees throng the Baba Baidyanath temple. Most of them first visit Sultanganj in Bihar, which is 105 km from Babadham. In Sultanganj, the Ganges flows to the North. It is from this place that the devotees collect water in their kanwars and carry the holy Ganges water, with the kanwars on their shoulders. They walk 105 km up to Baba Baidyanath temple at Babadham reciting Bol Bam on the way. On reaching Babadham, the kanwarias first take a dip in the Shivaganga to purify themselves, and then enter the Baba Baidyanath temple, where the Ganges water is offered to the Jyotirlingam. This pilgrimage continues during the whole of Shravan for 30 days, during July-August. This is the longest religious fair in the world. Besides the great pilgrimage of Shrawan, almost the whole year remains under fair with Shivaratri in March, Basant Panchami in January, Bhadra Purnima in September. Millions of pilgrims visit this shrine every year.

The custom of carrying Kanwar started in the Treta Yuga - the silver age of Hindu mythology. Lord Rama had carried the holy ganges water from Sultanganj in a kanwar and offered to Lord Shiva at Babadham. The legend says that when the churning of oceans - Samudra Manthan - took place in the month of Shravan, fourteen different types of rubies came out. Thirteen of these were distributed amongst the deamons, except Halahal (poison). Lord Shiva drank the Halahal and stored it in his throat. Hence the name Neelkantha (meaning blue throat) is attributed to Shiva. To reduce the strong effect of poison, Lord Shiva wore the crescent moon on his head. All the Gods, thereafter started offering the Ganges water to Lord Shiva to make lessen the effect of poison. Since, this happened in the month of Shravan, since then the Shiva devotees offer the Ganges water in this month.

The word Bam is a short name for Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.  The letters BA came from Brahma and Vishnu and M came from Mahesh. It is a long efficacious mantra (a hymn). When it is chanted during the way, it generates energy and enthusiasm amongst the kanwarias and gives them the psychological strength to carry on walking and succeed in covering the long distance from Sultanganj to Babadham. According to the Skand Purana, those who complete the holy journey by reciting Bam-Bam obtain the virtues of Ashwamedha Yajna. According to the Puranas, the daemon king Ravana had brought the Ganges water from Haridwar and offered to Lord Shiva.

On a normal day, the worshipping of Baidyanath Jyotirlingam begins at 4 AM. The temple doors open at this time. During 4:00am to 5:30 am, the Head priest worships with Shodashopachar. Locals also call it Sarkari Pooja. Then the devotees begin their worship of the Shivalinga. The most interesting tradition is that priests of the temple pour kuchcha Jal upon the lingam first, and later on the pilgrims pour water and offer flowers and Beal leaf, upon the lingam. The Puja rituals continue till 3.30 PM. After this the temple doors are closed. In the evening at 6 PM the doors are opened again for devotees/ pilgrims and the process of worshipping begins again. At this time Shringar Puja takes place. The temple closes at 9:00 pm on the normal day, but during Holy Shravan month, the timings are extended. The pandas who perform different poojans for devotees are very important persons. They have a union called Dharmarakshini Sabha. The devotee can also buy Peda as prasad from Babadham. Peda is a local speciality of Deoghar. Babadham has a regular and well maintained office to accept offerings and donations.

Babadham is located in north-eastern Jharkhand, four miles from Jasidih railway station on the main line of the Eastern Railway from Howrah to Delhi. There is a small railway branch line from Jasidih to Babadham. The railway station at Babadham is called Baidyanath Dham. 

Maner Sharif , Patna, Bihar :

Maner is a town situated 25 Km from Patna on bank of Ganga. Maner was the western gate of Patliputra (Patna) in the Mauryan rule. It is believed the town is named after the Sufi saint Hazrat Makhdoom Yahiya Maner , whose tomb is known as Bari Dargah .

The Tomb of Makhdum Shah Daulat, locally called as Chhoti Dargah , is situated in Maner. This mausoleum is the finest Mugal monument in Bihar and is remarkable for its architectural elegance and rich decorative carvings. It was built in 1616 A.D. by Ibrahim Khan Fath Jang, Governor of Bihar under the Emperor Jahangir, over the grave of his religious preacher Makhdum Shah Daulat who according to the Persian inscription over the southern enterence, died in 1608 A.D. . The mosque to the west was completed in 1619 A.D. and the gateway on the north in 1623 A.D.

Architecturally it is the finest specimen of its time in Bihar. In the centre it houses the grave of Saint Makhdum Shah Daulat and of Ibrahim Khan who was buried near the feet of the saint. On a low height square platform the tomb is built of chunar sand stone consisting of the main chamber, 9.44 m sq internally and 10.56 m sq externally, surrounded by a verandah, 3.55 m wide. The stone ceiling in the verandah is carved with floral and geometrical patterns and calligraphic devices containing the Quranic Verses. At the corner of the verandas are open-side rooms with small domed cupolas, each resting on 12 pillars. The roof of the main chamber is supported on four lofty stone pillars on each side with curtain walls in between them decorated with horizontal mouldings and rows of niches and arches. The building is consisting of a brick walled enclose of about 3 m high, covering an area of approximately 78m X 76 m having a twelve sided tower at each corner . There is two extra towers on the southern side in addition to this. A gallery on its north and western side has also been provided with a mosque at the central portion of the western gallery. 

 On the south of the mausoleum a vast water tank, baoli is located. The tomb is approached through an entrance gate towards the north which has got an Arabic inscription referring to its construction in 1613 A.D. While the Persian inscription in the mosque records its completion in 1619 A.D. by Ibrahim Khan. In the early ages Maner was a centre of learning and it is said that grammarian Panini, and also Bararuchi, lived and studied here.

Maner is also famour for its Laddu .

Koshi Mahasatu :-

 Kosi Mahasatu , a 1.8 km bridge that will be a lifeline to millions was opened over the flood-prone Kosi in Bihar  78 years after an earthquake in 1934 destroyed an earlier one. Today, with the completion of the Kosi Maha Setu over the river Kosi rapid development is taking place in the villages.  The bridge has been providing the crucial linkage to the East- West corridor. Today, Kosi river is a ‘Pride of Bihar’. Kosi Mahasetu Bypass Rd is located in  Supaul District of  Bihar State .

Silhauri Shiv Mandir , Marhowra , Bihar :-

 

Shilanath temple is a Shiv temple located in Silhauri near Marhowra in Saran district. This is an important place as per the child Episode of Shiv Puran and Ram charitra Manas. The” Mohbhan “of Narad depicts the place to be here.  On every Shiv ratary , mela is organized here during which the devotes of Baba Shilanath come to pay their obeisances. Silhauri is a sacred place located in Saran. Shivratri is celebrated here with a lot of pomp and a huge mela is organised during the festival. Visitors are taken to a completely new high in this festival. One can learn the traditions of the people here and also shop for momentos while here.

Prahlad Sthumb  ,Satlgarh , Dharahara, Banmankhi, Purnea :-

  

About 2 kms from Banmankhi, exists a modern temple dedicated to the Narasimha  avatar of Vishnu. The temple has the idol of Narasimha Vishnu in the Sanctum Sanctorum surrounded by different enclosures containing other prominent deities of the Hindu religion.

 This was the place related to Hiranyakashyap’s attempted slaghter of his son Prahlad for devotion to the worship of lord Vishnu.  There is an underground pillar known as "Prahlāda khamba". It is said to be the pillar from which Narasiṁha, the half-man half-lion avatara, manifested to kill Hiranyakashap. Adjacent to the pillar is a large temple devoted to Lord Narasiṁha. Allegedly, attempts to excavate or move the "Prahlada khamba" have failed.Dharahara, a village extreme west of the district Purnea approx. 30 km, situated about 12 miles to the south of Raniganj and a few miles north of Dhamdaha . At the northwest corner is Monolith called Manikdham. The stone is light reddish granite of such fine texture as to appear almost like sandstone. It is inclined at an angle of about 65 degrees.The old fort, ruin, is called Satlgarh.

 The material, the circumference and the surface polish of this pillar are so identical with those of the Ashokan pillars. In view of many scholars, this pillar is Ashokan too. The surviving portion could be the top of the pillar, the hole at the top suggesting a ‘capital’ as in most other Mauryan pillars. Interestingly, Upendra Thakur in his book History of Mithila refers to ‘the Little known Mauryan pillar at Sikligarh’. The location being on a major eastern route from Pataliputra also suggests its having been erected by Ashoka himself.

 On the other hand, there is still in existence the site of a Prahlada temple in Multan, currently in Pakistan, which traditionally has been referred to as the seat of the happenings of the legend.

 A large brick mound is seen just in front of the modern temple, and representing the remains of a temple.  The temple mound is in existence along with an enclosure in which is placed an image of Saint Mauni baba, who seems to have stayed at the place. The location of the present Narsimha temple is ascribed to the same Mauni baba. A look at the site suggested as its having been the foundation of a brick structure which may have been even a Buddhist Stupa.

Ruins of Patliputra , Khumrar , Patna . Bihar :-

Ancient literatures refer Patliputra by various names like Pataligram, Patalipur, Kusumpur, Pushpapur or Kusumdhvaj . In 6^th century B.C. it was a small village where Buddha ,sometime before death, had noticed a fort being constructed under the orders of King Ajatshatru of Rajgrih for defence of magadh Kingdom against the Lichchavi Republic of Vaishali. Impressed by its strategic location Kingh Udayin , son and successor of Ajatshatru, shifted the capital of Magadh Kingdom from Rajgrih to Patliputra in the middle of 5^th century B.C. Since then for about thousand years Patliputra remained the capital of Great Indian Empires of Shaishunag, Nanda, Maurya , Sunga and Gupta dynasties .

The Place has also been an important centre of activity in the fields of learning,commerce,art and religion. Sthulbhadra the eminent Jain ascetic had convened a council here during the period of Chandragupta Maurya. During Ashoka’s reign the third Buddhist Council was held here. However there is an opinion that it continued to be the capital during early Pala period also.Thereafter the place might have lost its capital status. 

A number of famous authors are associated with Pataliputra, notable being Kautilya or Chanakya , author of Arthashastra and Patanjali who wrote Mahabhashia . Fa-Hien, the famous Chinese traveller of early 5^th century A.D. had described Pataliputra as a prosperous city and a famous center of learning.

The first vivid account of Pataliputra, including its municipal administration comes at 300 B.C. from Megasthenese, the celebrated Greek ambassador at the court of Chandragupta Maurya, who mentions it as Palibothra in his book named Indica. According to his account the spread of the city was like a parallelogram, about 14 kms east-west along the river Ganges and 3 kms north-south . The circumference of the city was about 36 kms .The city was protected by massive timber palisades and further defended by a broad and deep moat which also served as a city sewer ,kautilya in his book Arthashastra also indicated wide rampart around the city  

 Remnants of the wooden palisades have been discovered during a series of excavations at Lohanipur, Bahadurpur, Sandalpur, Bulandibagh, Kumrahar and some other locations in Patna . Megasthenese also mentions about a royal place of Chandragupta Maurya built of timber and describes it to be far superior to the palaces of Susa and Ecbatana in present Iran in terms of beauty and magnificence .

Someshwar Nath Temple , Areraj :-

At Areraj, 30 km south of Motihari is  Someshwar Nath temple of Lord Shiva. Old shivling of the temple is Panch Mukhi.The platform of  garve grih of the temple is  7’ above the ground level. Mandaleshwar Mahadeo temple at Mundeshwari Devi temple in Kaimur is the oldest temple in Bihar and Someshwarnath Mahadeo temple at Areraj occupies the second place. Shivlingam of Someshwarnath temple is flat and it denotes that it belongs to Kushan era. This temple is ancient where devotees come with traditional prasad of 'rote'.

'Shiv Puran' refers that King Som constructed this 55 feet high temple.Some historian believe that Some nomenclature came from Chandragupta Maurya whose birth place Pipra (old Piplikanan) is very near to Areraj. He established  the Shivling  for his worship so the name Someshwar. Another mythological story is that lord Moon or Chandra himself established this ling ,on command of Agastya rishi to get rid of some bad omen.

 

  The temple has big land premises with statues of Parwati,Shiv, Ganesh,Lakshmi,Durga,Vishnu,and Hanuman etc. There is a Parwati kund where thakurbari of Radha-Krishna is situated. Samadhiasthal of 18 Mahanthas is also there to be looked at.

Ajgaivinath Temple , Sultanganj :-

Sultanganj is a place of antiquity. It is traditionally associated with the sage Jahnu, whose ashram was a centre of learning and culture. Jahnu Muni's ashram was located on the rock jutting out of the bed of the Ganga River. Now the site has the Shiva temple of Ajgaivinath, also known as Gaibinath Mahadeo. The story is that the river Ganga on her way to the ocean interrupted the Muni in his meditation by the rush of her currents. The sage swallowed the river in a gulp. Bhagiratha intervened and the Muni again let her out by making an incision in his thigh. That is why the river Ganga is also called Jahnavi.

 Like many of the ancient temples, the origin of Ajgaivinath temple is also shrouded in mystery. According to one legend, Lord Shiva was given his bow here, known as Ajgav, and so the place came to be known as Ajgaivinath. The ancient name of the place was Jahangira, which was derived from the name of Jahnu Muni. Jahangira is a distorted form of Jahnu giri (the hill of Jahnu) or Jahnu griha (the abode of Jahnu).

The temple is solidly built on the rock and has got a series of marvelous rock sculpture and some inscriptions. Some of the specimens of the rock panel sculpture at this temple can hold their own against any of the best known specimens anywhere in India. Not much study, unfortunately, has been made of the rock sculpture and inscriptions here. The sculpture could be taken to be of the later Pala period The site is very attractive and, particularly during the rainy season, the splashing waters of Mother Ganga wash the feet of the temple.

 The name Jahangira for the rock had continued till at least1824-25, when Bishop Heber visited the area. In Heber's Journal, Vol. 1, there is a pencil sketch of the temple on the rock tinder the caption of Jahangira. The pencil sketch depicts a mosque by the side of the temple. It is commonly said that Kala Pahar, in the course of his crusade against the Hindu temples, visited the place. He tried his best but failed to demolish Ajgaivinath temple.

He could, however, destroy the Parvati temple on the neighboring hill, and built a mosque there. Formerly the hill was much bigger and more spacious. This part of the Ganga has high floods with very strong currents almost every year and the decaying granite rocks of the hill are being slowly worn away.

 Traditionally Sultanganj formed a part of the great Anga, State. In the days of the Mahabharata, Karna, the sixth brother of the five Pandavas, ruled in Anga. The capital of Anga was Champa. Champa is the present Champanagar situated three miles to the west of Bhagalpur. King Karna had his castles at Champa (modern Champanagar) and Jahnugiri (modern Sultanganj). At present Champanagar, the- site of Karna's castle, is well known as Karnagarh. Karnagarh is practically a part of Bhagalpur town now.

During the Pala and Sena kings, Sultanganj area was bestowed with a number of fine works of art and architecture. Numerous ancient relies like stupa's, seals, coins, terracotta and images have been found in Sultanganj. 

 A bronze Buddha image, now in the Birmingham Museum, is probably the best known relic discovered in Sultanganj. This bronze image is a fine piece of metalled sculpture, which has drawn the admiration of the world. The image is characterized by delicacy of design and ornamental detail.

It is, however, strange that the famous Shiva temple known as Ajgaivinath, which is ancient and so widely known, should have a name with a Muslim impress. It is clear that during the Muslim rule the name of Jahangira was changed to Sultanganj and the name has stuck through the British period to this day.

 Some of the other important antiquities of Sultanganj, now preserved in the Patna Museum, are:

(1) Mukhalinga, height 9 " of black stone, with face of a male.

(2) Buddha in Bhumisparsa Mudra, height 8" broken, inscribed, in black stone.

(3) Buddha in a preaching pose seated on a lotus upheld by a wag, broken, 9" X 6", in black stone, inscribed.

(4) Black stone torso of a dancing figure, 8’X 7".

(5) Black stone torso of a seated preaching Buddha figure, 4" X 2".

(6) One black stone mukhalinga, 1" X 1".

(7) Upper half of a black stone prabha torana of a Buddhist image arch consisting of three bands of floral decorations. Centre of the arch is occupied by a kriti mukha flanked by two flying Gandharvas and two panels containing Bodhisattva figures. In the corner is a temple with a mutilated Bodhisattva figure.

(8) Torso of a black stone figure of Bodhisatva with a seated Buddha figure.

(9) Head of a stone figure of Bhairab, 1'3" X 11".

(10) A number of old gold ornaments and coins.

Mandar Hills , Banka , Bihar : -

 Mandar Parvat (Mandar hill) is a small mountain situated in Banka district of Bihar. This awesome isolated, singular boulder hill appears as a gigantic monolith rising at a height of 700 ft. is aptly connected with a popular mythical tale of immortality in Hindu Puranas. Two very thick and remarkably parallel lines run round the hill. It is  approximately 45 km south of Bhagalpur city. The mountain is famous as Mandar Hill. Mandar Hill is a great place of pilgrimage although it is not so well known now. On top of the hill there are two temples side by side belonging to Hinduism and Jainism followers. The mountain has many references in Hindu mythology known as Mandarachal Parvat. The mythological tale of Hindus describes this hill as Sumeru Parvat, the churning pole of Amrit Manthan (Nectar of Immortality) with the winding ‘Naag’ (the Great Snake). The patterns that are visible on the rock is believed to have created by the mythical Great Snake while the churning took place between the Devs and Asuras. Mandar hill is extremely sacred in the Hindu Mythology. The Skanda Purana records the history of the famous Amrit Manthan ( the churning of the ocean ). Due to this mythical association, the hill has assumed considerable religious significance and had been a place of pilgrimage up till now. The Mandar Mahatmya, a portion of the Skanda Purana, describes Mandar Hill.

According to the legend commonly believed, it was here that Vishnu had defeated the notorious giant Madhukaitab in a battle that had lasted for ten thousand years, ultimately the Mandar Hill had been thrust over the body of Madhukaitab, so that the monster could not do any further harm to the earth.).

In the memory of the 12th Jain Tirthankara Vasupujya who attained nirvana here, a Jain temple is also built on top of this hill.

 It is said that Raja Chhatra Sen of the Chol tribe, who lived before the time of the Muhammadans, erected the oldest temples at the summit. Some of the carvings on the rocks are taken by some to be shell writings. Mandar Hill is also very important as it has the unique image of Vishnu, probably the only sculpture in Bihar where Vishnu, in his man-lion incarnation, has not been shown as tearing Hiranyakashap. The portrait is 34 inches high and made of black stone. It belongs to the Gupta period. The Baunsi annual fair is a popular one to draw a lot of tourists at the place..

 An inscription of Gupta King Adityasena has been discovered on the ‘Mandar Hill. This inscription relates that both he and his queen Sri Konda Devi had installed an image of Narahari (Man-lion), an incarnation of Vishnu, on the hill, and that the queen performed an act of piety by excavating a tank, known as Papa Harini, at the foot of the said hill. “PapaHarini” was also known as Manohar Kund.  This holy pond has its own historical significance. It is a place where you can revive yourself after taking a bath in the pond that refreshes mentally and physically. In the middle of the pond is a temple of lord Vishnu and goddess Laxmi. There is a legend about the tank. There was a king in Karnatak, Chola by name, who is supposed to have taken a bath in the tank on Makar Sankranti day before he went to offer his puja at the temple atop the hill. It is said that the king was cured of the disease from which he was suffering. Some say it was leprosy while others suggest that it was a persistent skin trouble. The reputation that the tank has gained for curing ailments attracts a large number of people to it on the Makar Sankranti day for a bath.

 From 4 A.M. till 12 noon, hundreds of people have their bath in this tank and a big mela is held near the tank. Thousands collect to have a darshan of Madhusudan Bhagwan particularly on this day. It is said that this deity was enshrined at the temple of Mandar, but left the hill and went to Baunsi when the temple was desecrated by Kala Pahar. On the Makar Sankranti day the image is brought out from Baunsi and is taken in a procession to Mandar. After a worship at Mandar Hill it is taken back to Baunsi. Papaharini tank also attracts a large number of bathers on Mekh Sankranti, solar eclipse, and lunar eclipse, Bhado Purnima, Kartik Purnima and Maghi Purnima days. The water of the tank is often taken for being kept in the houses of the devotees, who regard it to be as sacred as the waters of the Ganga.

 Near Papaharini tank at the foot of the hill there are a number of ruined temples said to have been destroyed by Kala Pahar. Of the three routes, which lead from the Papaharini tank to the top of the hill, the path a little to the east is much used. On this path stairs have been cut out of the stone. The legend is that these stairs had been cut at the instance of King Ugra Bhairab. A few yards up this path there is a headless idol or an image. It is the image of either Durga or Kali and it is said that Kala Pahar had beheaded the idol. A little higher up there is a small idol on a small pillar. This idol is worshipped as the Sun God.

 Further up there is another very big idol having three faces and ten hands. This deity is Mahakal Bhairab. A little higher but in close proximity to Mahakal Bhairab, there is a small image of Sri Ganesha. Near the latter image, as you go up, there is an idol of Saraswati, which is about two feet high. Near the idol of Mahakal Bhairab and just by the side of the stairs, there is a three-line inscription.After a pilgrim passes the image of Mahakal Bhairab, he will feel as if a lot more of physical exertion has to be put in to reach the summit, especially as the path becomes extremely steep. In spite of the steps cut out of the stone, it is far from easy to ascend. Here also one finds some inscriptions, which are not very distinct. Near about these inscriptions there is another female deity with eight hands. This image is worshipped as Saraswati. Above this idol -one comes across two paths and both of them lead to a cave temple of Narsingh Bhagwan.

There is a tank known as Sita Kund. One of these paths passes by Sita Kund while the other skirts another tank called Sunkh Kund. Sita Kund tank is about 500 feet long and 100 feet wide and is situated in front of the ruins of the oldest temple, at a level of 500 feet above the surrounding plain. Near Sita Kund there are three large tamarind trees which offer shade to the pilgrims. The cave temple of Narsingh Bhagwan is carved out of the hill and the roof is so low that one cannot stand up in it. Near the cave temple there is one small ashram constructed of bricks and stones. The ashram apparently accommodated some hermits in the past. The ashram is now empty. On the summit of the hill there are two small temples. One of the temples contains six marks of human feet. These marks are held sacred and the legend is that they are the foot-marks of Vishnu, Saraswati and Laxmi. There are two other temples at the summit occupied by the Jains and are used by them as places of pilgrimage. The Jain temples are built of stone and mortar and are evidently not very old.The summit of the hill commands exquisite scenery. The tanks surrounding the hill, the fields, and the two rivers, the Chir and the Chandan, look very beautiful. Mandar Hill is extremely valuable for the antiquarian and the Hindu and Jain pilgrims.

VISHNUPAD TEMPLE , GAYA, Bihar :-

The Vishnupad Mandir  is the ancient temple in Gaya, India. It is a Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.This temple is located along the Falgu River, marked by a footprint of Lord Vishnu known as Dharmasila, incised into a block of basalt. The Shakdweepeey Brahmins have been the traditional priests at Vishnupad Mandir in Gaya as Gayawar Pandas and in the adjoining districts like Hazaribagh.

The construction date of temple is unknown and it is believed that Rama along with Sita had visited this place. The present day structure was rebuilt by Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar, the ruler of Indore, in 1787, on the banks of the Falgu river.

This is believed that the temple was built with the footprints of Lord Vishnu in the centre. In Hinduism, this footprint marks the act of Lord Vishnu subduing Gayasur by placing his foot on his chest. Inside the Vishnupad Mandir, the 40 cm long footprint of Lord Vishnu is imprinted in solid rock and surrounded by a silver plated basin. The height of this temple is 30 meter and it  has 8 rows of beautifully carved pillars which support the pavilion. The temple is built of large gray granite blocks jointed with iron clamps. The octagonal shrine faces east. Its pyramidal tower rises up a 100 feet. The tower has sloping sides with alternately indented and plain sections. The sections are set at an angle to create a series of peaks joined at the top. Within the temple stands the immortal banyan tree Akshayabat where the final rituals for the dead takes place.

Inside the Vishnupada Mandir, the 40 cm long footprint of Lord Vishnu is imprinted on solid rock and surrounded by a silver plated basin. There is a gold flag and couple of Kalash made of gold has been embedded at the top of the temple which use to always glitter. This place is also believed to be the one under which the Lord Buddha meditated for six years.

Ruins of Nalanda University :

 Nalanda Mahavihar , regarded  as one of the greatest universities of ancient world, was founded by Kumara Gupta I ( 413- 455 AD.) of the Great Gupta Dynasty, King Harshavardhana of Kannauj (606-647AD) and the Pala kings of east India (8^th – 12^th century A.D.) continued to extend patronage to this centre. The decline of this great institution started in later Pala period but the final blow came in around 1200 A.D. by the invasion of Bakhtiyar Khilji.

 History of Nalanda goes back to the days of Mahavira and Buddha in 6^th century B.C. It was the place of birth and Nirvana of Sariputra, one of the famous desciples of Buddha. The place rose to prominence in 5^th century A.D. as a great monastic-cum-educational institution for oriental art and learning in the whole Buddhist world attracting students from distant countries including China. The galaxy of luminaries associated with it includes Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Vasubandhu , Dharmapala , Suvishnu , Asanga , Silabhadra , Dharmakirti, Shantarakshita and celebrated Chinese tarvellers Hiuen Tsiang and I-Tsing who have extensively described the monasteries and shrines at Nalanda and life of Monks there. Various subjects like Theology, Grammar, Logic, Astronomy , Metaphysics , Medicine and Philosophy were taught here. The institution was maintained by the revenue collected from the villages bestowed specifically for the purpose by the contemporary rulers as evident from inscriptions.

 Excavations conducted by Archaeological Survey of India during 1915-37 and 1974-82 have exposed the extensive remains of six brick temples and eleven monasteries arranged on a systematic layout and spread over an area more than a square kilometre. Basically a thirty meter wide passage runs North – South with the row of temples on the west and that of the monasteries on the east of it. The dimension and disposition of rooms within monasteries is almost identical. The most imposing structure is temple no. 3 at the southern extremity, which has constructed in seven phases. It is surrounded by a number of votive stupas and other minor shrines.

 Other than structures, the excavations have unearthed many sculptures and images in stone, bronze, and stucco. Significant among the Buddhist sculptures are Buddha in different postures, Avalokitesvara, Manjusri, Tara, Prajnaparmita, Marichi, jambhala etc. A few images of brahmanical deities like Vishnu, Siva-Parvati , mahishasur-Mardini, Ganesha, Surya etc. Other noteworthy discoveries of excavation includes the murals , copper plates, stone and brick inscriptions, sealings, plaques, coins, terracotta, potteries etc. The antiquities have been exhibited for the visitors in the nearby museum maintained by Archaeological Survey of India .

Vishwa Shanti Stupa (World Peace pagoda), Vaishali , Bihar :

The Vishwa Shanti Stupa is erected according to the teaching of the Saddharma Pundarika Sutra (The Lotus Sutra) to disseminate love and peace and to create “the pure land” on the earth. The construction of the stupa all over the world was initiated by the most Ven. Nichidatsu Fujii Guruji , after seeing the tragedy of atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki of Japan , at the end of World War II .

The Vishwa Shanti Stupa , vaishali has been built by Nipponzan Myhoji and Rajgir Buddha Vihar Society through contribution of devotees in India nad Japan.The Lord Buddha’s relics have been enshrined on the foundation and on the top of the stupa.The Stupa is designed by Dr. M. Ohoka of Japan .Ovarall hight of stupa is 38m with base diameter of 36 m and dome diameter of 20m. Construction was completed in 1996.

Raja Viahal Ka Garh , Vaishali :

Believed to be the mother of Democracy, Vaishali Garh was once the parliament house of Licchavi’s where more than seven thousand representatives of the federal assembly gathered to legislate and discuss the problems of the day.

  Historians maintain that one of the world’s first democratic republics with an elected assembly of representatives flourished here in the 6th century B.C. in the time of the Vajjis and the Lichchavis.

To the north of Vaishali, an ancient city in the state of Bihar, India, is located a huge mound of 6 ft x 10 ft high, known as Raja Vishal Ka Garh. Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Raja Vishal Ka Garh is as a protected monument. Raja Vishal ka Garh, spread over 81 acres and which has a mound near Vaishali village that is believed to be the remains of an ancient parliament house, has thrown up some more remarkable secrets recently: a 50-metre-long and 21-metre-high mud rampart built in the late phase of the Mauryan period (321-185 BC) and Shunga period (185-73 BC) and a brick fortification that runs above the rampart.

The excavation has revealed clear traces of human settlement till the Shunga period (185-73 BC), ASI has found terracotta figurines, shiny pottery shards and punched copper coins, which could date back to 600 BC when Vaishali used to be a power centre of the Lichchhavi Republic.Excavations at the site have unearthed evidence of a drainage system and a small ring well from the Kushan period, which may have been used to dispose garbage. The excavation has also yielded terracotta figurines of snakes, elephants and dogs, of deer horns belonging to the Gupta, Kushan and Shunga periods. 

A cylindrical gold bead from the Kushan period has also been discovered.

Here, you can also see one of the first parliaments of ancient India.

Ambika Bhawani Mandir , Aami,Bihar :

Ambika Bhawani Mandir also known as Maa Ambika Asthan is situated in the village Aami in Saran District of Bihar. The primary deity is Sati Ambika Bhawani. The idol worshiped is in form of “Pinda” made from soil. The temple contains a yagya kund built in Dwapar Yuga by Raja Daksha Prajapati. The Temple is in the structure of a fort surrounded from all sides on the bank of Ganga River .It is believed that river Ganga never touches the fort even during flood . In the sanctum, there is a kunda beneath the deity, in which the water level always remain the same. It is believed that Ma Bhawani fulfils the desire of devotees, who put in their hand in the kunda to pick out some object of blessing, which they need to keep by hiding from others till wishes are fulfilled. According to Puranas, the place is considered the highest Shiva Tandava Dance stage in the whole world.

According to Markandeya Purana, this is the place where King Daksha, the son of Lord Brahma and father of Sati had organized a yagya. He did not invite his son-inlaw Lord Shiva and when Sati came to know about it, she rushed to this place of yagya. King Daksha did not behave well with his daughter Sati and insulted Lord Shiva too.After this Ma Sati immolated herself in the yagya kunda. Some ashes of her body remained here and this place came to be referred to as Mahasiddhi Shaktipeetha. When Lord Shiva heard this news, he became furious over Daksha and believed that the king has heartlessly caused harm to his daughter. He grabbed a lock of his tangled mane & dashed it to the land. The vicious Virabhadra & the dreadful Rudrakali rose from the two pieces, while the Bhadrakali, occurred from the rage of Devi herself. Shiva, after hearing his beloved’s death performed the great Tandava.

 As per mythology when lord Shiva carried the dead body of "Sati" from the holy yagna kund of Daksh Prajapati, the trunk of Sati's body fell in "Ami" and the holy Shaktipeeth 'Ambika Sthan' was established. This place is famous among Hindus and popularly known as Ami. Shivpuran has the details about the same. This pyre is believed to be still present within the compound of "Ambika Sthan temple" in "Ami".

 In her next life, Sati incarnated as Parvati and again got married to Shiva.

The Temple is located  4 km from Dighwara , 30 km from Chappra and 50 Km from Patna on NH-19. Dighwara was previously known as Dirgh-dwara and was main gate of King Daksh’s yagna area.

Singhasini Devi, Thawe Temple, Thawe, Gopalganj :

The holy place of Maa Thawewali is situated in Thawe in Gopalganj District in Bihar, India. Maa has arrived here from her another holy place Kamrup, Assam where she is well known as “Maa Kamakhya” on the prayer of her great devotee “Shree Rahshu Bhagat Ji”. Maa also known as “Singhasini Devi ”.

This holy story pertains to about 14th century AD. King ‘Manan Singh’ from ‘Chero’ dynasty was ruler of ‘Hathuwa’. Although Manan Singh was a devotee of Maa Durga but he was having a proud nature. He claimed to be the greatest devotee of Maa Durga and did not like other saints and religious persons. People were not happy with the King due to his unkind nature and behaviour. The fort in which the king resided was located at present ‘Thawe’. 

One ‘Rahashu’ lived in the same village who was a true devotee of ‘Maa Kamakhya’. People used to call him ‘Rahashu Bhagat’ to convey their respect to him. Once there was a great famine in the state of Hathuwa. People started to die due to hunger. There was very bad condition everywhere, but the king continued to levy tax even in that miserable condition. Poor people became sadder due to the cruel attitude of the king. 

They did pray to ‘Maa Kamakhya’ for relief. To relieve her devotees from their grief and pain, Maa Kamakhya appeared in midnight while sitting on seven lions and told to Rahashu Bhagat to cut ‘Katara’ (grass) and to worship her in midnight. Rahashu Bhagat used to cut ‘Katara’ (grass) whole day and yielded it in midnight by seven lions of Maa Kamakhya. Thus he got ‘Manasara’ (a type of holy Rice). Every morning Rahashu Bhagat distributed the Manasara among poor people. Rahashu Bhagat became very famous because he had relieved the poor people from their hunger.When the king came to know about all these developments, he became very angry and called Rahashu Bhagat and insulted him. The king ordered Rahashu Bhagat to call Maa Kamakhya to prove his true devotion. Rahashu Bhagat requested the king not to do so and suggested the King to pray the Maa with an honest heart but the king insisted to call Maa and threatened Rahashu Bhagat to kill in case of disobedience. At last, helpless Rahashu Bhagat started to pray Maa Kamakhya to call her. On the call from her true devotee, Maa Kamakhya started her journey sitting on seven lions from Kamrupa (Assam) where she is known as ‘Kamakhya Devi’ to Thawe. Rahashu Bhagat again requested the King to drop his insistence but the king did not agree and forced Rahashu Bhagat to call Maa. Rahashu Bhagat again requested king to quit his wish and warned him for mass destruction but the king was not agreed. When Maa reached ‘Thawe’ the weather and appearance of the place began to change. Due to hundreds of thunders King’s palace fell and destroyed. Everyone was feared. The devotees of Maa started to pray her to save them as they had known that Maa had reached Thawe. After sometime, Maa appeared through broken head of Rahashu Bhagat and showed her right hand wearing a ‘Kanagan’ (Bracelet). The four handed Maa appeared sitting on the seven lions and blessed her devotees. On the pray from her true devotees, Maa made the things normal and disappeared. Rahashu Bhagat got ‘Moksha’ (heaven). 

The king, his palace and all his empire came to end. The remnants of the palace may be seen even today around the temple of Maa at Thawe. The devotee of Maa built a temple where Maa appeared. They also built a ‘Rahashu-Temple’ where Rahashu Bhagat used to pray Maa. It is said that after ‘Darshan’ (visit) of Maa Thawewali, Darshan of Rahashu-Temple is mandatory to please Maa. This place is also as like as “SHAKTIPITHA”.

The time of Morning Aarti – between 5:00 to 7:00 am and in Evening 7:00 pm. Devotees worship maa with “Laddo”, “Peda”, “Narial” & “Chunari”. Two days in week Monday and Friday are very important for worshiping to make pleased Maa. On these days Devotees gathered and worship Maa in large number in comparison to other days. The

 special Mela is organized during two times in year, in the month of March and October on the  occasion of “Navratra”. 

Remains of Ancient Vaishali , Kolhua, Bihar :

 Stupa & Pillar :-

Kolhua, a part and parcel of ancient city of Vaishali marks the spot where a local chief of monkeys had offered a bowl of honey to Lord Buddha. The event is regarded as one of the eight most signigicant events of his life. According to the Buddhist literature, this was the place where Buddha spent many of the rainy seasons, Allowed Nuns to the Sangha for the first time , announced his approaching Nirvana and converted Amarpali from a proud court dancer to a nun.

    

    The recent excavation conducted by Archaeological Survey of India have revealed remains of Kutagarshala , Swastika shaped monastery , a tank, number of votive stupas and miniature shrines in addition to main Stupa and the Ashokan Pillar which were exposed earlier.

The pillar locally known as Lat is 11.00 meters high monolithic polished sand stone column surmounted by a seated Loin capital. It is probably one of the earliest pillars of Ashoka which does not bear the usual Edict . But a few letters in Shell character of Gupta Period are engraved on it.

 The Brick stupa was erected to commemorate the event of offering honey to Buddha by the monkey chief. It was originally built during Mauryan Period and subsequently enlarged in Kushana period by raising the hight and providing brick paved circumbulatory path. Further brick encasing and addition of Ayakas at regular interval took place during Gupta and late Gupta periods 
Beads of semi-precious stones , terracotta figurines , seals & sealings , bricks embedded with semi-precious stones , inscribed potsherd and a unique terracotta figure of crowned monkey are some of the noteworthy antiquities found during excavation of this site.

 The Tank “ Markat-Harid” :

The adjoining tank has been identified as “Markat-Hrid” supposedly dug by the monkeys for Buddha. This brick lined seven tiered tank measuring approximately 65 x 35 meters in dimension has two bathing ghats on southern and western wings.

    Kutagarshala :-

The Kutagarshala represents the spot were Buddha used to stay during the rainy seasons spent at Vaishali .Excavation have exposed three phase of its construction. Originally it was a small chaitya built during Sunga-Kushan period. Subsequently it was enlarged to a lofty temple in second phase during Gupta period. And finally in the third phase the temple was converted into a monastery by providing a number of partition walls during post Gupta period.

 Swastika Shaped Monastery :-

This twelve room monastery looks like a Swastika on a plan having three rooms on each arm attached to common verandah around an open central courtyard having entrance towards east. The monastery has a toilet chamber attached to its southern wall. It was constructed during Gupta period probably for the nuns.

Buddha Relic Stupa , Vaishali :-

This is one amongst the eight original relic stupas built over the corporeal remains of Buddha. According to Buddhist traditions, after attaining Mahapariniryana, his body was cremated by the Mallas of Kushinagar with royal ceremony befitting a universal king and the mortal remains were distributed among eight claimants including the Lichhavis of Vaishali. Seven others were Ajatshatru the king of Magadha, Sakyas of Kapilavastu, Bulis of Alakappa, Koliyas of Ramagram, A Brahmin of Vethoweep and Mallas of Pava and Kushinagar.

This was originally a small mud stups measuring 8.07 meters in diameter raised in 5^th century B.C. Later during Maurya, Sunga and Kushan periods it was encased with bricks and enlarged in four phases which increased the diameter ti 12.00 meters. The Ayaka projection noticed towards south and east is probabally the earliest examples of Ayakapattas.

The most remarkable discovery is the Relic casket of stone partly filled with ashy earth besides a small conch , two glass beads, a fragmentary piece of gold leaf a a copper punch marked coin .The relic are now placed in Patna near Patna Junction.

Mahabodhi Temple , Bodhgaya :-

A.      The Temple :-
     In the 6^th century B.C prince Siddhartha Gautam attained the supreme enlightenment at this holy place and became the Buddha . In commemoration there of emperor Ashoka set up the Vajrasana ( Diamond Thorne) of polished sandstone representing the seat of enlightenment in the 3^rd century B.C. during the Sunga period (2^nd century B.C.) . A sandstone railing was erected around it . The present Mahabodhi temple was constructed in the 6^th century A.D.

The temple underwent several restorations, renovations and repairs in subsequent periods in which the Burmese greatly contributed in 1883. A very thorough and scientific renovation of the temple was done under the supervision of the British Archaeologist Sir A Cunningham and J.D.M Beglar and the Indian Archaeologist 

Dr Rajendra Lal Mitra . Again in 1956 on the occasion of 2500^th Buddha Jayanti celebration, the government of India did some repair works and enlarged the premises of the Mahabodhi Temple. According to Chinese chronicles, this was fully restored by the Sinhalese Kings with an entire kings wealth given to Samudragupta.

This is the most Sacred place of Buddhist pilgrimage. Mahabodhi Temple has been inscribed on the World Heritage List of the convention concerning the protection of the world culture and natural heritag. Inscription of this list confirms the exceptional universal value of a culture or natural site which deserves protection for the benefit of all humanity.

B. Bodhi Pallanka :-
      (The Place of Enlightenment ) 

Prince Siddhartha attained Buddhahood ( Full enlightenment) in the year 623 B.C on the Vaisakha full moonday sitting under this peepul, Ficus religiosa (Bodhi) tree.The Vajrasana or the diamond thorn which is under this Bodhi tree is the central place of worship. During the first week after enlightenment, the Buddha sat under the bodhi tree experiencing the happiness of freedom and peace. He was free from disturbing thoughts, calm and blissful. The tree was also destroyed many times. The one that stands now is approximately 100 years old taken from Sri Maha Bodhi in Sri Lanka which was planted in 288 BC, making it the oldest verified specimen .

C.      Animesa Locana :-
       (The Place of Unwinking Gazing ) :-

After enlightenment lord Buddha spent the second week in meditation here gazing unblinking at the Bodhi tree.

D. Cankamana  (Cloister Walk) :-

Lord Buddha spent the third week here walking up and down in meditation . On the platform lotuses indicate the places where the loads feet rested while walking .

E. Ratanghara :-
 (The place of basic Contemplation ) :-

Lord Buddha spent the fourth week here in meditation reflecting on the Patthana or the Causal law.

F.       Ajapala Nirodha Tree      ( banyan Tree ) :-

Lord Buddha spent the fifth week under this tree in meditation after enlightenment. Here he replied to a brahman that only by ones deeds one becomes a Brahman, not by birth.

G.     Mucalinda Lake :-
       ( The abode of snake king )  

Lord Buddha spent the sixth week in meditation here . While he was meditating severe thunder storm broke out . To protect him from the violent wind and rain even the creatores came out for his safety .

H.     Rajayatana ( A kind of forest tree ) :-

After enlightenment lord Buddha spent the seventh week here in meditation . At the end of Meditation . two merchants – Tapussa and Bhallika offered rice cake and honey to the lord and took refuge – “ Buddham Saranam Gacchami, Dhammam Saranam Gacchami “,
 ( Sangha was not founded then ).