Tourist Places in Bodh Gaya

Budhha 80 feet Statue

Bodh Gaya or Bodhgaya is a religious place in Gaya district in the Indian state of Bihar. It is famous for being the place of Gautama Buddha’s attainment of Enlightenment.

Historically, it was known as the Bodhimanda (ground around the Bodhi-tree), Uruvela, Sambodhi, Vajrasana and Mahabodhi.

(1) The name Bodh Gaya did not come into use until the 18th century. The main monastery of Bodhgaya used to be called the Bodhimanda-vihara (Pali). Now it is called the Mahabodhi Temple.

For Buddhists, Bodh Gaya is the most important of the main four pilgrimage sites related to the life of Gautama Buddha, the other three being Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Sarnath. In 2002, Mahabodhi Temple, located in Bodh Gaya, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

(2) The surrounding town, by contrast, is dusty, noisy and somewhat polluted, due in large part to a lack of proper administrative structural coordination and rampant local corruption.

(3) A new development plan has been proposed to “ensure a sustainable and prosperous future” for Bodh Gaya, but has become controversial because such a plan may require the relocation of whole neighborhoods.

Bodh Gaya is the place where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under the sacred Asvatta tree (later termed Bodhi Tree). Buddhists all across the world consider the place the most sacred and this has become a pilgrim destination for them. Buddhists from all over the world have built temples here in Bodh Gaya. Bodh Gaya is located about 13 km from Gaya, 90 kilometers away from Patna, and 450 km west of Kolkata. 

Bodh Gaya houses a splendid and magnificent Mahabodhi temple and the temple has Bodhi Tree. Both the temple and the Bodhi Tree are sacred for Buddhists across the globe. The temple is an architectural amalgamation of many centuries, cultures, and heritages. While its architecture has a distinct stamp of the Gupta era, it has later ages inscriptions describing visits of pilgrims from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and China between seventh and 10th century AD. It is perhaps still the same temple Hieuen Tsang visited in 7th century. 

In the year 1953, Bodh Gaya revisited its glory. A new stupa with the help of Japanese governments’ donation was built in Gaya. Buddhists from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan, Korea, and Japan often visit to Bodh Gaya. Now one can see many Buddhist monasteries in and around the complex. Tourism peaks during winter season. 


How to Reach Bodh Gaya:

Bodh Gaya is included in four most important pilgrim destinations where a Buddhist has to visit in lifetime. Bodh Gaya is the place where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment. Bodh Gaya today attracts tourists from all across the globe including of Korea, Japan, Singapore, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. All the modern mode of transport connects the place with other places of the country. Easy accessibility makes this place a popular tourist destination.

By Rail:
A good railway network connects Bodh Gaya with other major cities of India. A whole range of trains is available to reach Bodh Gaya. Gaya is the nearest railhead to Bodh Gaya at the distance of 17 kilometers. Besides ordinary trains, Indian Railway has introduced a Bodh Gaya special ‘Buddha Parikrama Express’ specifically meant to cater Buddhist spiritual tourists. The train links all the important places relevant to Buddhists. 

By Road:
Besides a good network or railway tracks, Bodh Gaya is well connected by roads to various cities of India. The main bus stand is near Sujata Bridge on the bank of Falgu River on the northeastern edge of the town. Gaya is the nearest transport hub which is connected with Grand Trunk Road and from where you can catch direct busses to reach Patna, Nalanda, Rajgir and Varanasi. Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation also runs buses from Patna- Bodhgaya route twice a day. 

By Air:
Gaya is the nearest airport from Bodh Gaya. It is located at a distance of 17 kilometers. Various domestic airlines operate from Gaya to other metro cities of India. You can also land at Patna and board taxis and buses to reach Bodh Gaya which is around 135 kilometers from Patna.

Bodh Gaya Tourist Attractions:

Bodh Gaya, being the place where Gautam Buddha had learnt the eternal truth, is a popular tourist destination among Buddhists across the globe. There are a number of Buddhist monuments, temples and monasteries to see in Bodh Gaya.

Bodhi Tree


Bodhi Tree
Contrary to general belief the existing Bodhi Tree is not the original Bodhi Tree under which Sidhartha Gautam had enlightenment. The existing tree is of fifth generation of original Bodhi Tree.

Gurpa
Gurpa is located forty kilometers from Bodh Gaya. Gurpa is a small village, albeit important for Buddhists. According to Buddhist literature Maha Kassap, the disciple of Lord Buddha realized that his death was nearing and he started moving toward the hill where he wanted to take his last breath.

Mahabodhi Temple
The fifty meter high Mahabodhi Temple was built during the rule of the Guptas in the 5th century. This temple is considered among the oldest in Indian sub-continent temples.

Mahabodhi Temple

Pragbodhi
Pragbodhi is the place where Lord Buddha spent some time before attaining enlightenment. The place is evidence of Gautam Buddha’s efforts toward the eternal truth.

Bodh Gaya Weather:
The city of Bodh Gaya is located at an altitude of 24º 41′ 45” N. Latitude and 85º 2′ 22” E. Longitude. Let’s have a quick look at the weather and climatic conditions of Bodh Gaya.



Places of Interest in Nalanda

Founded in the 5th century BC, Nalanda was one of the world’s great universities and an important Buddhist centre. When renowned chinese scholar and traveller Hieun Tsang visited Nalanda between 685BC and 762BC, 10,000 monks and students resided here. Nalanda was frequently visited by Lord mahavira and lord Buddha in the 6th century BC. 

Patna, 90 km away is the nearest airport. Nalanda can be reached by rail and road from other major towns of Bihar.

Nalanda university archaeological complex
The entire excavation area stretches to around 14 hectares. The buildings are divided by a central walkway that goes north to south. On either side of this walkway one can find monasteries and temples. A small chapel retains a half broken statue of the Buddha.

The Nalanda archaeological museum
This place houses the Nalanda university seal, sculptures and other remains found at the site. It also contains a number of small Buddhist and Hindu bronzes and some undamaged statues of the Buddha.

Nava Nalanda Mahavira
This is a relactively new institute, which is devoted to the study of pali literature and buddhism. A number of foreign students come here to study.

Hieun Tsang memorial hall
One of the newest buildings here, it was built as a peace pagoda by the chinese. Hieun tsang spent 5 years here as student and teacher.

Places of Interest in Vaishali

As long ago as the 6th century BC, Vaishali was the capital of a republic. it is credited with being the world’s first republic to have elected member of an assembly. Mahavira, the founder of jainism, was born here, and the Buddha preached his last sermon here. It also has a small musuem. 

Regular bus services connect Vaishali to Patna (55 km). Nearest railheads are Hajipur (35 km) and Muzaffarpur (36 km). Nearest airport is Patna.

Ashokan Pillar

The Lion Pillar at Kolhua, was built by Emperor Ashoka. It is made of a highly polished single piece of red sandstone, surmounted by bell shaped capital, 18.3m. high. A life-size figure of a lion isplaced on top of the pillar. The pillar is well-preserved and intact. There is a small tank here known as Ramkund. One can also find a few dilapidated stupas in Vaishali.

Sonepur Mela

Sonepur Mela is the one of largest cattle fairs of the world. It is a historical and ancient event celebrated every year on bank of pious confluence of Gandak and the Ganges river, on the back drop of Harihar Nath Temple. On Kartik Purnima lacs of Devotees flock to offer prayer at this temple after taking a holy dip in the river.

The mela has its origins during ancient times. This is when Chandragupta Maurya used to buy elephants and horses across the river Ganges. The Sonepur Cattle Fair once used to attract traders from places as distant as Central Asia.

Nearly all animals can be bought at the Sonepur mela from all breeds of dogs to camels to buffaloes, donkeys, ponies, monkeys, chimps, Persian horses, sheep, rabbits, bears, cats, and guinea pigs. All varieties of birds, poultry and fishes are also available. The area that attracts all, however, is the one where elephants are lined up for sale. The Sonepur Fair is the only one where such a large number of elephants are sold. Numerous stalls are also set up at the grounds of the Sonepur Fair. You will find a wide variety of goods in these stalls, ranging from garments, to weapons and furniture to toys, utensils and agricultural implements to jewelry and handicrafts. Another major attraction is the sight of numerous elephants, beautifully decorated for the purpose of sale.

Originally, the venue of the fair was Hajipur and only the performance of the puja used to take place at the Harihar Nath temple of Sonepur. However, under the rule of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, the venue of the fair got shifted to Sonepur. The temple of Harihar Nath is believed to have been originally built by Lord Rama, on his way to the court of King Janak to win the hand of Mata Sita. It is further said that Raja Man Singh later got the temple repaired. The Harihar Nath temple, as it stands today, was built by Raja Ram Narain, an influential person during the late Mughal period.

Gajendhra Moksha legend is associated with the temple in Sonepur. It involves the story of king Indra Yamuna and the Gandharva chief Huhu, who were turned into an elephant and a crocodile respectively by the curse of great sages Agasthya and Dewala Muni. One day the elephant’s leg was bitten by the crocodile. It is said that both of them fought hard for many years with their herds. But ultimately the King Elephant lost his strength and prayed to the Supreme God Vishnu (Hari) to save him. Vishnu heard his prayer and cut down the crocodile with his Chakra. But the touch of the chakra released Huhu from the curse. Vishnu also released Indra Yamuna from his curse and took him to his aboard Vaikuntha.

Sonepur is well connected by road to the nearby City of Chapra, Hajipur, and cities. Sonepur is 25 kilometers from Patna, which is well connected by air, rail and road to the other parts of the country. Sonepur is well connected by Rail links and it is one of main Junction on north eastern railways connecting New Delhi to Guwahati.

The Mela is administered by Chapra District Administrator with due support from Bihar Govt. The promotion of Mela is done by the Tourism Ministry of Bihar. The administration arranges sanitation, drinking water facilities, health and welfare camps for the visitors.

Sonepur Mela gets very wide publicity in media world wide. Foreign news agencies provide good coverage of all the activities.

‘By reinventing Bihar Tourism, we hope to give a boost to the tourism sector’

Vinay Kumar IAS, director, Department of Tourism, Government of Bihar spoke to Joy Roy Choudhury of the dept’s major plans

What are the major tourism infrastructure development projects being implemented in the state now?

For the first time, a comprehensive Tourism Policy has been formulated and is being implemented. Tourism has been accorded the status of industry in the state, and a Tourism Protection Force shall be in existence very shortly. Very serious and planned steps have been taken to build, improve and renovate infrastructure. Selection and training of tourist guides are under way. A Tourism Enterprise Survey has been conducted with the assistance of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Two more studies, namely, Visitor’s Motivation Survey and Visitor’s Expenditure Surveys, are under consideration. Buddhist circuit roads are to be converted into four-lane highways with the cooperation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. There are also plans for empanelment of travel businesses and complete overhaul of Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC). Major infrastructure projects include creation of meditation and convention centres in Bodhgaya and Rajgir, development of circumambulatory paths in Bodhgaya and Rajgir, development and beautification of all tourist sites, creation of new sites, and development of tourism-related roads and wayside amenities.

How are you promoting the Buddhist circuit in the state?

The Department of Tourism intends to promote, among others, the Buddhist heritage, the Jain circuit, rural tourism, the Sufi circuit, Gangetic and eco-tourism. Bihar Tourism believes that Bihar is to the Budhhists what Saudi Arabia is to the Muslims.

We organised a two-day International Buddhist Conclave in Nalanda in February this year in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Over 150 foreign delegates, mainly drawn from south-east and east Asian countries, were invited. We attend all major tourism events in the country and the London and Berlin events abroad. BSTDC has prepared special Buddhist packages which have been a hit. We hold Rajgir and Bodhgaya Festivals in the months of December and January which have become reputed. We are initiating negotiations with major airlines of Buddhist countries to bring regular and chartered flights to Bodhgaya. The Mahaparinirvana Express, run by the IRCTC, has been another powerful vehicle to bring tourists to the state.

The state government is advocating Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) to promote tourism in the state. Tell us about the major private-sector projects under implementation/on the anvil in the state.

As I mentioned earlier, tourism enjoys the status of industry in the state and by virtue of it all major policy concessions and exemptions are available to tourism ventures of the private sector. An important example of private-public partnership is the Ganga Cruise, which is quite popular among foreign tourists. Another such partnership in the making is setting up of star-category hotels on properties of BSTDC on long-term lease basis.

How are you planning to position the state as a favourable tourism destination for both domestic and foreign tourists?

Bihar currently receives about four and a half lakh foreign tourists every year. By reinventing Bihar Tourism, improving the infrastructure and building up the brand image, we hope to give a boost to the tourism sector.

Bihar Government has been trying hard to provide employment opportunities to the educated unemployed youths of the state. Selection and training of guides is one important initiative. Promotion of various tourism enterprises in hotel and restaurant businesses will be the main focus of the government.

Gaya – A Main Tourist Attraction of Bihar

Summary

District – Gaya
Commissionery – Magadh
Headquarter – Gaya
Sub-Division – Gaya Sadar, Sherghati, Tekari
Population – 26, 64,803 (27 Lacs)
Area – 4,941 Sq. Km
Sea Level – 113 Meter
Temperature –
Summer: 46°C – 18°C
Winter: 20°C– 4°C
Best Season – November – February
Road Route – 112 Km from Patna
Rail Route – Main Railway Station – Patna, Gaya
Nearest Railway Station – Gaya (16 Km),
(458 km from Kolkata; 220 km from Varanasi; 589 km from Puri)
Air Route – Main Airport – Patna
Nearest Airport – Gaya 

Main Spots of Tourist Interest 

  •     Brahamyoni Mountain
  •     Dungeshwari Mountain
  •     Rock-cut-Sculpture of Kauodol Hills
  •     Ruins of Buddhist Monastery Hills Base & Buddhist Temple
  •     Ruins of Buddhist Monastery, Top of Kauodol Hills
  •     Gaya Museum

Histrocial Importance

Situated on the bank of river Falgu, Gaya is one of the ancient city in India. In Gaya only Bramhayoni and Dungeshwari Hills are related to Buddhist Circuit, where Lord Buddha came before his enlightenment, in search of Nirvana.
Today Gaya is mainly known as for Hindu circuit. Gaya is recognised as a holy city from ancient period. According to legend, Lord Vishnu endowed a celestial being named Gaya with the powers to absolve from sin all those who approached him. The devine Gaya was also empowered to raise the devout to the heavens so that they might join their ancestors. On the bank of river falgu very large number of pilgrims offer Pindan (Funeral cakes) at the ghats and perform a lengthy circuit of holy places around Gaya, to free their ancestors from bondage to the earth.

Places of Tourist Interests

Brahmayoni Mountain

Location: Brahmayoni hill is situated 1 km south of Vishnupada temple and its description is found in BuddhistBrahmayoni Mountain literature. To reach Brahmayoni hill one had to ascend 424 steps.

Importance: In Brahmyoni Mounain range there are 3 mountain peaks. Middle mountain peak in related to Buddhist Circuit & Right side Brahmayoni Mountainmountain peak is related to Hindu circuit.
Before enlightenment Gautam Buddha spent few days on this mountain, from this place Buddha reached the Sujata Place (Now in Bakraur, Bodhgaya) & from this place went to Dungeshwari Hills & then Bodhgaya to sit under Bodhi tree.
Now on this holy place we can see Ashoka stupa, a huge statue of Lord Buddha and Holy footprints on the hill. It is believed that ‘Ashoka the Great’ had got constructed a stupa here in the memory of Lord Buddha.
There are two interconnected narrow caves on the hill —Brahmayoni and Matriyoni. There is a belief that if one passes through the caves he would become free from the cycle of life and death.
Bihar Government has marked Brahmayoni hill as a ‘protected monument’. On the middle of peak there is an Ashokastupa and on its right temple of Brahma temple have been set up.

Dungeshwari Mountain

Location: Near to Bakraur (Sujata Place) on the other bank of falgu river, 32 km from Gaya, on the Gaya – Jamuawa – Surhari More- road route.

Importance: Lord Buddha came here from Sujata Place. On this place ‘devine powers’ suggested him to go to Bodhgaya for enlightenment. This mountain was known as ancient ‘Pragbodhi mountain’.
On the top of the mountain there are 7 ruins of Ashoka stupa. In the middle of the mountain, there is a Buddhist Temple & Hindu Temple, attract large no. of tourist on this holy place. 

Rock-Cut-Sculptures of Kauvadol Hills

Location: Kauvadol Hills in 32 km far from Gaya District Headquarter, 20 km from Bela & 6 km from south-westRock-Cut-Sculptures of Kauvadol Hills Barabar caves (Jehanabad). Kauva Dol Hills is situated about a mile south-west of Barabar Hills, situated north-east of Belaganj block.

Importance: From the mound here remains of an ancient temple have been found. From the base of Kauadol mountain a large number of stone idols of Hindu god and goddess have been found. A ‘Gaumukhi Shivalinga’, a ‘Bansha bull’ considered to be carrier of Lord Shiva, has been found from the base of the mountain near tomb of Pir. It is believed that Kauadol (Kurisarai) was a town of Northern Gupta period (6-7th century BC) and it was named as Shramanpur. Chinese traveller Rock-Cut-Sculptures of Kauvadol HillsHieun-Tsang had mentioned ‘Shilbhadra Mahavihar’ which is believed to be at this place only. ASI-Branch-3, Patna team has expressed hope that here remains of Northern Gupta period to mid-term might be found.
On the rocks of the northern and eastern face of Kauva Dol Hill, numberous figures representing mostly Hindu deities like Hara-Gauri, Mahishasuramarddini Durga, Ganesa etc. A few figures of the seated Buddha are also noticed viz of Vajrasattva, Prajnaparamita and a seated Buddha. The sculptures may be assigned to a period between 800 to 1200 A.D. At Barabar Hills the passage leading to the Holy ‘Siddheshwarnath temple’ are ancient rock cut sculptures or Shiva Linga, Shiva Parvati, Ganesha etc. The image of the goddess Durga are how ever largest in number at Kauva Dol Hills. the four armed Durga slaying the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Other Brahmanical Figures are also noticed.

Ruins of Buddhist Monastery Hills Base & Buddhist Temple
Location: Kauvadol Hills in 30 km far from Gaya District Headquarter, 20 km from Bela & 6 km from south-west Barabar caves (Jehanabad). Kauodol is situated north-east of Belaganj block. Ruins of Buddhist Monastery is situated in the base of Kauva Dol Hills which is situated about a mile south-west of Barabar Hills.

Importance: It is considered important for its archaeological finds. In the 4th century BC it was a ‘training centre’ for young Buddhist monks, who were called ‘Shamner’. During that period this was training centre for not only Magadh area but for whole central area. In the 4th century BC Sramanpur was a township.
At the base of the Kauadol hill archaeological remains can still be found. According to historian Wenglar, the place was sanctum sanctorum of the temple — where one mandap, a semi-mandap and a maha-mandap existed. Till 1902 here 13 mandap existed and now only 9-10 mandap could be seen. Kauva Dol has been identified as the site of the ancient ‘monastery of Silbhadra’. This place was visited by Hiuen-Tsang in the 7th century. The Bodhisattva touched the earth when Mara challenged him. Exhorting the Earth goddess to appear to witness his enlightenment. Following excavation by the ASI and Bihar ASI, an eight-feet statue of Lord Buddha could be found in ‘Bhoomisparsh’ (ground-touching) posture.


Buddhist Temple – Near Buddhist Monastery, Kauvadol
Location: Kauvadol Hills in 32 km far from Gaya District Headquarter, 20 km from Bela & 6 km from south-westBuddhist Temple,Kauvadol Barabar caves (Jehanabad). Kauodol is situated north-east of Belaganj block and the base of Kauadol hill. Buddha Temple is situated in the base of Kauva Dol Hills which is situated about a mile south-west of Barabar Hills

Importance: The colossal image of Lord Buddha in Bhumi-sparsamudra is of Silbhadra monastery. Silbhadra was a learned Buddhist of the royal family of Samatata.
This is one of the largest satues of Buddha extant and is in fair preservation except that a portion of the halo has been broken the figure is about 8 feet high with a breadth of 4 feet across the shoulders and 6 feet across the knees.

Ruins of Buddist Monestery, Top of Kauvadol Hills
Location: Kauvadol Hills in 32 km far from Gaya District Headquarter, 20 km from Bela & 6 km from south-westTop of Kauvadol Hills Barabar caves (Jehanabad). Kauodol is situated north-east of Belaganj block. Ruins of Buddhist Monastery is situated on top of Kauva Dol Hills which is situated about a mile south-west of Barabar Hills
Importance: Beside one of the mountain hills of Kauvadol, on the top, there is ruins of Buddhist monastery. Several stones pillars, parts of doorway are seen hither & thither on the top of hill & near to top. 


Gaya Museum
Location: Situated in the heart of the town of Gandhi Maidan, Gaya.
Importance: The museum has been declared as Gaya Museum-cum-Magadh Cultural Centre with a view to collect, display and make available all the relevant information regarding living cultural heritage of the region under one roof.
The museum preserves about 2000 antiquities of varied nature. The rich collection of stone sculptures especially of Pala period is rare and outstanding. Besides, the Museum also possesses a good collection of coins of different periods (punch marked to medieval

Gaya Museum Alias Bodhgaya Museum

Location: Situated in the heart of the town of Gandhi Maidan, Gaya.Gaya Museum- Gaya, 206 km from Patna, is an ancient Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site. On view are ancient sculptures, bronzes and terracotta. There is a section on numismatics, the decorative arts, paintings, manuscripts, arms and armoury, geology and natural history.

Gaya, 206 Km from Patna is an ancient Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site.It is believed that Vishnu’s sacred footprint is preserved in the vishnupad temple. On view are ancient sculptures ,bronzes and terracotta. There is a section on numismatics, the decorative arts, paintings ,manuscripts ,arms and armoury, geology and natural history. The children’s section includes a dolls house. 

Importance: The museum has been declared as Gaya Museum-cum-Magadh Cultural Centre with a view to collect, display and make available all the relevant information regarding living cultural heritage of the region under one roof.
The museum preserves about 2000 antiquities of varied nature. The rich collection of stone sculptures especially of Pala period is rare and outstanding. Besides, the Museum also possesses a good collection of coins of different periods (punch marked to medieval period coins), manuscripts, terracotta figurines ranging right from Mauryan to the Gupta period, Pala bronzes and other art objects. Among the important antiquities mention may be made of Visnu, danching Ganesha, Tara, Surya in stone, replica of Mahabodhi temple in bronze and Aa-ne-Akabari. The special attractions here are monuments of Pala period (750-1120 BC).
Besides these, there are coins of ancient times till Mughal era, old manuscripts, monuments from Mauryan to Gupta period, stone and bronze statues at the Gaya Musuem.
The museum was established in 1952 by a local lawyer Baldev Prasad, and was later acquired by the Bihar government and opened for public viewing on February 14, 1970. 

The museum was established in the year 1956. The museum consists of two galleries and an open courtyard as well as two verandahs displaying the antiquities. The museum exhibits bronze and stone sculptures of Buddhist and Brahmanical faith of pala period, scenes related to Buddhist pantheon, Surya, Zodiac signs on railings of Sunga age, etc.

The first gallery exhibits sculptures including standing Yakshi figure having elaborate coiffure, crowned Buddha in Bhumisparsamudra, Maiterya, images of Buddha in different attitude, standing image of Manjusri, terracotta plaque depicting Buddha in Bhumisparshmudra, railing pillar depicting Surya, panel showing Sahasra Buddha, copper antimony rod, miniature pot, etc.

In second gallery are exhibited sculptures associated with Buddhist and Brahmanical faith. Among them mention may be made of panel showing Sapta matrika, Dikpalas, Dasavatara of Lord Vishnu.

The courtyard of the museum contains railing pillars, cross bars and coping stones which were shifted from Mahabodhi temple premises to the museum.

In outer verandah of the museum one colossal image of standing Buddha in abhayamudra and the varaha incarnation of Lord Vishnu is on display in the inner verandah.

Summary
District – Gaya
Commissionery – Magadh
Headquarter – Gaya
Sub-Division – Gaya Sadar, Sherghati, Tekari
Population – 26, 64,803 (27 Lacs)
Area – 4,941 Sq. Km
Sea Level – 113 Meter
Temperature –
Summer: 46°C – 18°C
Winter: 20°C– 4°C
Best Season – November – February
Road Route – 112 Km from Patna
Rail Route – Main Railway Station – Patna, Gaya
Nearest Railway Station – Gaya (16 Km),
(458 km from Kolkata; 220 km from Varanasi; 589 km from Puri)
Air Route – Main Airport – Patna
Nearest Airport – Gaya

Know about Patna Museum – Bihar

Patna Museum is the state museum of the Indian state of Bihar. Built in 1917 during the British Raj to house the historical artefacts found in the vicinity of Patna,it is in the style of Mughal and Rajput architecture and is known locally as the Jadu Ghar.
Patna Museum

Location of Patna
in Bihar, India

Open: 10.30 am- 4.30 pm
Days: Tues- Sun 

Items on display in the multipurpose museum include archaeological objects, coins, art objects, paintings, instruments, textiles, paintings, thankas, bronze images, and sculptures and terra cotta images by Hindu and Buddhist artists.[1] It has a rare collection of British-period paintings depicting day-to-day life, as well as a fine collection related to the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

The fossil of a tree said to be more than 200 million years old is on display, as is a casket — unearthed in 1958 by archaeologist A. S. Altekar at the Relic Stupa of Vaishali — said to contain the sacred ashes (relics) of Gautama Buddha. The world-famous Didarganj Yakshi statue, discovered on a Ganges riverbank in 1917, is the museum’s most prized collection.

Beginning November 2009, a project was started to build a replacement museum in Patna to enable the display of larger collections of up to 20,000 objects.

This excellent museum contains metal and stone sculptures dating to the Mauryan and Gupta periods, terracotta figures and archaeological finds from sites in Bihar such as Nalanda. It is a destination that is worth your luxury or cheap flights to India because of its rich history and cultural treasures. The Patna Museum also houses the world’s longest fossilized tree -16m long and 200 million years old. There is a fine collection of Chinese paintings and thangkas.

Patna Museum was established in the year 1917. The aim behind the establishment of the museum was to impart a scientific vision to understand the evolution of history, culture and art tradition of the land. Patna archaeological museum boasts a huge collection of artifacts found during the excavations of ancient sites in Bihar.

Patna museum has a large collection of sculptures of the Gandhara and the Mathura style art. These sculptures belong to the Kushana period. The Gandhar style sculptures, also known as ‘Greeco-Buddhist Art’ are made of blue-schist of Swat valley and the collection includes figures of Buddha. Other than Lord Buddha, several statutes of Bodhisattvas have also been kept in the Patna Museum. Patna Museum preserves holy relic casket of Lord Buddha containing his ashes.

Patna Museum houses many historic items found during excavations in different parts of Bihar. Some belong to the pre-historic phase and some are from early centuries of first millennium. Post-excavation, archeologists found many things including some historic objects, stone sculptures, bronzes, terracotta, paintings – miniature and thanka paintings and coins, which all are important to know the history and development of Bihar.

The museum at Patna has some pre-historic objects of great interest including of Palaeoliths, microliths and neoliths. These objects were found from different parts of India. Certain objects like Paleolithic tools found at Bariar (M.P.) and Lalitpur (U.P.), Attirampakkam (Tamilnadu) have also been kept in display in the museum.

The museum also displays sculptures from the Kushana period, which include the famous trio from Devangarh in the Nawada district. Three deities Ekanamsa, Balarama and Vasudeva have been separately depicted here which is unconventional and not found anywhere else. Other than these, the museum also has three images of Avalokitesvra, Maitreya and Buddha in bhumisparsh posture. These images were excavated from Vishnupur of Gaya districts. There are some door frames with the figures of Ganges and Yamuna depicted on the sides of them.


Patna Museum
Gautam Buddha
Gautam Buddha

Jharkhand Land Records Vasudha Registry Khasara Khata Khatauni & Dakhila Kharij (Mutation)

Largest IT sector Industry India which play more than 65% role in Universal IT filed one of the most fast developing and growing country who is making top place in front of other countries to make their information technology field stronger and easier for world. The India provides more than 30% IT engineers to world and the revolution is growing day par day like the fire. In this movement the country of India had also made stronger to their government with using of various kinds of IT and Internet facility. One of the step and part of Indian Information Technology Department which also knows as NIC with the full name of National Informatics Center is making new softwares and new website day by day with the less of new technology to build the Indian Govt stronger and transparent for their citizens.

A step and revolution also started in the Revenue department and NIC had tried to make this system more easy and citizens friendly. For that the NIC under the Govt and government of India had started to build unique software with the help of Revenue dept of each state. With the help of that anyone can get their Bhu Abhilekh / Bhulekh / Bhuabhilekh (भू अभिलेख / भूलेख / भूअभिलेख), Registry (रजिस्ट्री), Khasara Maanchitra (खसरा मानचित्र), Dakhila Kharij Mutation (दाखिला ख़ारिज), Revenue (मालगुजारी). 

In this movement the revenue dept of Jharkhand had also got the software which is known as the name of VASUDHA (वसुधा) the meaning of Vasudha is Land, soil, ground, or earth. The Vasudha had made to provide oriented information system to all common users and citizens of Jharkhand. This software website has built for those citizens who are far from their area and want to get their Jharkhand land records, Jharkhand Bhu Lekh or Jharkhand Bhu Abhilekh (झारखण्ड भूलेख / भू अभिलेख). Also the common public person don’t have time to visit on their tehsil (तहसील) or they are not able to follow up with their Patwari (पटवारी) can use this Vasudha Software website. However we already know very well that when we visit to the tehsil what all we need to face at their. Sometimes the govt officers get lots of benefits from poor farmers and gave them wrong information about their Jharkhand Land Records Tehsil Wise or District Wise. Most of people had faced these kinds of problem as well that they have to waste their whole day on tehsil but still he didn’t have the information which he wants. So the Jharkhand govt and NIC unit of Jharkhand made this software with the help of all data which is available through their district and tehsil wise. Any of citizens who don’t want to visit to their tehsil can use this website all day in week along with any time of day.

What is Vasudha?
Vasudha is the information system which provides Negative and revenue (खतियान और मालगुजारी) information to common citizens (जनसाधारण) and land owners (भूमि-स्वामित्व) with all details of Khasara Naksha (खसरा नक्शों) with full 100 % transpiration. If any kind of information haven’t uploaded in Vasudha then it can be get from cyber café, your nearest office, or Zonal offices (अंचल कार्यालय) and Learning Centres (प्रज्ञा केन्द्रों). One side where the world is going high in the IT field the Jharkhand govt had also provided to the citizens all information about their property after breaking all the traditional barriers. Vasudha Jharkhand Land Records website is useful for all categories in society. With use of this website the investors and govt are able to make their quick decisions and able to take the required related actions through the portal.

How to Check Jharkhand Land Records (झारखण्ड भूलेख केसे प्राप्त करें) –
On the official website there are 5 parts see the below given part wise details from which you can get your Jharkhand Land Records and Bhu Abhilekh.

  • Get the Information for Khatiyan (खतियान जानकारी प्राप्त करें) –
  • With Reyat Number (रैयत का नाम) –
  • With Khasra number (खेसरा नम्बर)
  • Find Letters and Spelling (शब्द से खोजें)
  • Find the name in Reyat (रैयत का नाम से खोजें)

How to Get Jharkhand Map and Land Record Report (झारखण्ड मानचित्र और भू अभिलेख विवरण केसे प्राप्त करे) –
To get the Jharkhand land records Bhulekh you have to use your some of information about you and your property for which you want want to get details of your Jharkhand Land records. First go to the page of http://210.212.20.94/land/frmsearchkhatano.aspx where you will first have to select your District name then Anchal / Tehsil Name (अंचल / तहसील) and after that your village name. After all these process you will have to enter some information about you as per following on the page where you are stand right now:

  • Khata number (खता नंबर)
  • Name of Reyat (रैयत का नाम)
  • Category (जाति)
  • Address of Reyat (रैयत का पता)
  • Khasra Number (खेसरा नम्बर)
  • Total Numbers of Plots (कुल प्लॉटो की संख्या)
  • Population (आबाद डिसमील एकड़ में)
  • Non- Population (गैर अबाद क्षेत्रफल हेक्टर में)
  • Revenue Information (माल गुजारी रकम माल मोता बिक दफा ८५ अगर हो)
  • If you are under the Bengal Council of Act 6 under the Article 88 or 131 (१९०८ सन में बंगाल कौन्सिल के एक्ट ६ दफा ८८ और १३१ के मोताबिक इन्दराज, अगर कोई हो।)
  • Category of Land (दर्जा जमीन)
  • Taydad Kiyari (तायदाद कियारी)
  • Name of Land (नाम जमीन)
  • Important Rule (खास शर्त)
  • Boundary (चौहद्दी)

After filling all these information on the page of Vasudha Bhu Abhilekh you need to click on the option of “View Report” or “View Map”. You can download the report of your Jharkhand Land Records Vasudha Bhulekh details and can take the printout of your map on paper. There are some others options are available on this section where you need enter your information as per the above given details to get your Jharkhand Land Record.

How to Get Registry Information in Vasudha for Jharkhand Land Records (रजिस्टर॥ जानकारी प्राप्त करें) –
In this page you will get three options as per the below given list:

  • With Khata Number (खाता नम्बर) –
  • With Reyat Number (रैयत का नाम) – Here you may have to
  • Find Letters (शब्द से खोजें)

To get the registry details section of Vasudha Page to get the information of your property Jharkhand Land Records you will have to enter on the http://210.212.20.94/land/frmreg2searchykhatano.aspx page first after that on the page select your District, Anchal and village after that enter your Khata number (खाता नम्बर), Jamabandi Number (जमाबन्दी न०), Halka Number (हल्का न०), Name of Reyat (रैयत का नाम), Your father’s name (पिता का नाम), Khasara Number (खसरा नंबर), Rakwa (रकवा), your village name (गावं का नाम), post office (पोस्ट) and total numbers of plot (कुल प्लॉटो की संख्या).

How to Get Khasra Map (खसरा मानचित्र केसे प्राप्त करें) –
First Visit to the page of http://210.212.20.94/land/frmvillagemapmenu.aspx to get your Khasara map here you will have to enter the name of your district and then need to select the Anchal after that village then click to the option of “Maanchitra (मान चित्र)” and get your Jharkhand Land Records with Map.

How to do Dakhila Kharij Mutation(दाखिल खारिज़ प्रक्रिया) –
To get the Dakhila Kharij Mutation you will have to enter your login ID and password which you will get from your nearest tehsil however this section is only for the official use but if you know someone in your tehsil they can also provide you user name and pass from which you can make your Dakhila Kharij Mutation of your property in the process of Jharkhand Land Record.

How to get information about Revenue Process (राजस्व/मालगुजारी प्रक्रिया) –
This section is also made by NIC for official use the staff persons of revenue department of Jharkhand or your tehsil staff members can gives you information about your revenue (मालगुजारी) details.

In the official website there is the last option available only for the office purpose use which can use only by the tehsil staff of Jharkhand State district wise. They can login on the page and can give you any kinds of information which you want to get about your Jharkhand online Land records, khata khatauni, Jharkhand bhu Abhilekh, Jharkhand bhulekh, or about the software of Vasudha.