The name Bihar is derived from the word 'vihara' meaning monastery and is a great religious centre for Jains and Buddhists. It was at Bodh Gaya that Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. It is also here that Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, was born and attained nirvana. It is visited by devotees around the year who travel to the state to visit the various temples and seek blessings.
Bihar offers areas of natural beauty such as lakes, waterfalls and hot springs. The state was a centre of power, learning and culture in ancient India. Close to Patna, the capital city of Bihar are Nalanda and Vikramshilla that were the centres of learning established in the 5th and 8th century respectively. They are also counted amongst the oldest international universities of the time. Travellers visiting the state can explore the various ruins that can bee seen here and relive the glory of its past. Here is a pictorial tour of the ancient state of Bihar.
Vikramashila University
The ruins of the Buddhist University.
Photo Courtesy: Prataparya
Barabar Caves
The entrance to the caves.
Photo Courtesy: Photo Dharma
Bodhi Tree
View of the Bodhi tree.
Photo Courtesy: Eugene Kim
Mahabodhi Temple
Admire the architecture of the temple.
Photo Courtesy: Andrew Moore
Pataleshwar Mandir
Visit the ancient temple of Pataleshwar.
Photo Courtesy: Abhishek Singh
Ramchaura Mandir
The temple that has the footprints of Lord Ram.
Photo Courtesy: Abhishek Singh
Maa Mundeshwari Temple
The oldest functional temple in the world.
Photo Courtesy: Bihar Images
Karkat Waterfall
Head for a picnic with your family at the Karkat Falls.
Photo Courtesy: Bihar Images
Nalanda
Buddhist ruins at Nalanda.
Photo Courtesy: Neilsatyam
Patna Museum
A Buddhist ruin at the museum.
Photo Courtesy: Photo Dharma
Golghar
A view of the Golghar.
Photo Courtesy: Andrew Moore
Kumhrar
The ruins at Kumhrar.
Photo Courtesy: Manoj