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Bihar Temples

Vishnupad Mandir Gaya Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

September 28, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 3 Comments Filed Under: Bihar Temples Tagged With: Vishnu Temples

Vishnupad Mandir is one of the most attractive temples in Bihar. A large number of devotees come here every day to offer prayer and seek blessings. Vishnupad Mandir is located in Gaya which is 100 km away from Patna, the capital of Bihar.

Vishnupad Mandir is located on the banks of Falgu River and has a footprint of Vishnu incised into a block of basalt. People believe that Lord Vishnu killed Gayasur by placing his foot on Gayasur’s chest.

Gaya is equally important for Buddhists as this was the place where Lord Buddha preached the Fire Sermon i.e. Adittapariyaya Sutta to around 1000 agriculture workers who were fire-worshipers. The influence of Buddha’s discourse was so enormous that all of them converted to Buddhism.

Vishnupad Temple – Video

What are the timings of the Vishnupad Temple?

  • Vishnupad Mandir is open every day. The darshan timings are from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
  • Vishnupad Mandir does not remain closed even on public holidays and the timings remain the same.

What is the history of the Vishnupad Mandir?

  • Legends say that the date of construction of Vishnupad Mandir, Gaya is unknown. It is believed that Lord Rama along with Sita Mata visited this place.
  • The present building of the temple was built by the ruler of Indore, Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar in 1787. The temple was built on the banks of the river Falgu.
  • On the southwest of the Vishnupad Temple, there is a Brahmajuni Hills which is built above 1000 stone steps. There are many other small temples near.
  • It is believed that once a demon named Gayasur committed a penance. It was said that whoever sees him would get salvation. And as it is known that salvation is attained if a person does something right in his life, everyone started attaining it easily.
  • To prevent bad people, Lord Vishnu asked Gayasur to go beneath the earth’s surface. Lord Vishnu himself sent Gayasur beneath the earth’s surface by keeping his right foot and pressing him under the earth surface.
  • While pushing Gayasur beneath the surface, Lord Vishnu’s footprint remained on the surface. This footprint is still visible and we can see it. This footprint has nine different signs symbols including Shankha, Chakram, and Gadham. These symbols are believed to be Lord Vishnu’s weapons.
  • After being pushed beneath the earth’s surface, Gayasur started pleading for food. That day Lord Vishnu said that every day there will be someone who will feed him food and whoever will feed him will be sent to heaven. It is believed that if Gayasur does not get food, he comes out.
  • It is also said that Lord Buddha meditated here for 6 years.

What is the significance of the Vishnupad Mandir?

Where is Vishnupad Temple
  • Vishnupad Mandir Gaya has the footprint of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that this footprint happened when Lord Vishnu kept his right foot on the chest of the demon.
  • The footprint which we can see inside is around 40 cm long surrounded by silver-plated basin.
  • The height of the temple is 30 meter and has 8 rows of beautifully carved pillars. These pillars support the pavilion.
  • Vishnupad Mandir Gaya is built with large grey granite blocks which are joined with iron clamps.
  • The octagonal shrine of Vishnupad Temple faces east. The pyramidal tower of the shrine is 100 meters tall. There is a slope in the temple with alternately indented and plain sections. All these plain sections are set at an angle to create a series of peaks at the top, joined.
  • There is an immortal banyan tree where the final rituals for the dead are done. This banyan tree is named Akshayabat.
  • There is a gold flag and a couple of Kalash at the top of the Temple which always glitter. it is said that two thieves once tried to steal them, but one thief became stone at the temple and the other became stone and fell on the ground. These stones are not in the shape of humans, but a flat stone. These stones are kept for public view.
What is the history of the Vishnupad Temple

How to reach the Vishnupad Temple?

How to reach Vishnupad Temple
  • By Rail: The Vishnupad Temple is located 3 km south of Railway Station.
  • By Air: It takes around 17 mins from cab or taxi to reach Vishnupad Temple. The nearest airport is 7 km away from Vishnupad Temple. Patna airport is around 135 km away from Vishnupad Temple.
  • By Road: This temple is well connected by road to many places like Gaya, Nalanda, Rajgir, Patna, Varanasi, Calcutta.

Where to stay in Gaya?

There are many places to stay in Gaya, Bihar. Gaya has a large number of a tourist attraction so there are plenty of places to stay while touring in Gaya. There are many hotels as well as the private organization which takes good care of the people. There are 5-star hotels as well as hotels with nominal charges according to the traveller’s budget. The charges of the hotels are very nominal as they keep the needs and demands of the customers in their mind. These hotels provide wifi, hygienic food and clean environment.

What are the places to eat in Gaya?

There are many restaurants in Gaya. Being a tourist attraction place, this city has a large number of restaurants as well as cafes. Every day there are a large number of tourist and devotees come here so there are a large number of places where one can eat. There are places like Multi-cuisine Restaurant, Hari Om Cafe, Khushi Family Restaurant, Siam Thai and many more.

What are some temples near Mahabodhi Temple?

  • Mahabodhi Temple: The Mahabodhi Temple is an ancient Buddhist Temple in Bodh Gaya. Bodh Gaya is about 96 km from Patna, Bihar, India. Mahabodhi literally means the Great Awakening and it is said that Buddha has attained enlightenment in this location. This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Sankata Maaka Mandir: This temple is the greatest tourist attraction of Gaya. This place gives inner peace and relaxes one’s mind and body. This place helps in making many great memories. Gaya is a place to visit after a busy weekday.
  • Mangala Gauri Temple: This temple is dedicated to Maa Mangala Gauri. Maa Mangala Gauri is a benevolent incarnation of Shakti. The temple has been mentioned in the Puranas and Tantric texts. It is said after Lord Shiva’s tandav and Sati’s self-immolation, her breasts fell in this place after a temple was made named Maa Gauri Temple. It is located at the top f the Mangalagauri Hills.
  • Pretshila Hills: Pretshila is a sacred place for Hindus. Pindas has been offered here for the ancestors here by many devotees. According to Hindu mythology, God Yama resides on the summit of the hill. This hill also known as Rock of Ghosts was earlier used for spirit worship but was later transformed into ancestral worship.
  • Phalgu River Ghats: The name Phalgu is derived from two words, Phala meaning merit and Gau meaning wish-giving cow. This place is used for performing ancestral rites. Two streams called Lilajan and Mohana originates from Korambe Pahar which is a high hill about 75 km south of Gaya, meet about 5 km south of Gaya. Lilajan is also the old name of Niranjana, a river in which the Buddha bathed and finally released his begging bowl.
Gaya

What are the places to visit in Gaya?

  • Tibetan Refugee Market: It is a place where you can buy lots of junk jewellery, bags and clothes. This is a very good market and all the product has a reasonable price. There are also books which help in knowing the history and culture of the Buddhist community very well. One can even buy Lord Buddha’s statue made of sandalwood or metal with various poses and moods. One can every buy handicraft items. This market has an open-bazaar system.
  • Dhamma Bodhgaya International Vipassana Meditation Centre: One of the most popular Vipassana centres in Bodh Gaya is Dhamma Yoga which is a favourite centre all across India. Courses here are usually of 10 days long, with some special one lasting for up to 20 days. All the courses begin in the evening for the first day and end on the morning of the next. There is a strict code of discipline which one must follow, so make sure you understand these rules before applying. You’ll need to take a form from their website and check for availability and course schedules to be a part of their Vipassana camps.
  • International Meditation Centre: Head to the International Meditation Centre to learn and participate in Vipassana Meditation, one of the most sophisticated forms of Yoga. This centre is run by trained professionals. This centre is a very good place where one can meet other yoga enthusiasts. The camps help by this centre helps in throwing away stress. You can join and complete a course of any duration that you please, at any time of the year. Run mostly on donations since 1970, the prices here are pretty affordable.

What are some other temples to visit in Bihar?

  • Baidyanath Dham: Baba Baidyanath Dham or Baidyanath Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India. This temple of Shiva is in Deoghar in Santhal Parganas of Jharkhand. According to beliefs, the light of Jyotirlingam is the light of cosmos which is realized by the power of the soul as a whole.
  • Patan Devi Temple: This temple is one of the oldest and the most sacred temples of Patna, the capital city of Bihar state in India. This ancient temple, which was originally called Maa Sarvanand Kari Patneshwari, is believed to be the abode of the goddess Durga. The temple is regarded as one among the 51 Siddha Shakti Peethas of the country.
  • Mahavir Mandir: Mahavir Mandir Patna is located near Patna Junction and is devoted to Lord Hanuman. Thousands of devotees come here each day to offer prayer and seek the blessing of Lord Hanuman. It is also called “Manokamana Temple” as it is said that each and every wish of devotees is granted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Vishnupad Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Vishnupad Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Vishnupad Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No, there is no online darshan facility available.

Can one carry mobiles and gadgets into the temple?

No. All electronic gadgets are prohibited in the temple premises (viz. mobile, camera, laptop). Free storage of the same is available at the entrance of the temple.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizen?

No. No such facilities are available. Although, a wheelchair can be made available upon request.

Is there any facility available for site seeing or nearby temple visit?

No. No such facilities are available.

What is the best time to visit Gaya?

The months of November to February is very ideal to visit the Vishnupad and the other temples located in Gaya.

What is the weather like during the summers?

The summers at Gaya start from March and continues until June. The summers here can be very hot. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 45 º C.

What are winters like in Gaya?

In Gaya, winters start in November and continue until February. The temperatures during this time are around 20 º C. The weather during this time is cool and pleasant.

If you have any questions about The Vishnupad Temple, please leave your comment below and we will get back to you within one hour.

Mahavir Mandir Patna Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

September 26, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Bihar Temples Tagged With: Hanuman Temples

Mahavir Mandir Patna is located near Patna Junction. Mahavir Mandir Patna is one of the oldest and leading temple of the country. This temple is devoted to Lord Hanuman. Mahavir Mandir is located in Patna, Bihar. Thousands of devotees come here each day to offer prayer and seek the blessing of Lord Hanuman. It is also called “Manokamana Temple” as it is said that each and every wish of devotees is granted. This is why there is an increasing number of devotees in the temple.

Mahavir Mandir Patna is considered to be the holiest temple in the country that is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Mahavir Mandir Patna is a very prominent and renowned temple of Lord Hanuman in Bihar. Millions of devotees come here to seek blessings and offer the prayer because of which it is the second most visited religious place in North India. After the Vaishno Devi shrine, Mahavir Temple Trust has the second highest budget. The daily earning of Mahavir Mandir Patna is around 1 lakh. Acharya Kishore Kunal is the secretary of Mahavir Mandir Patna Trust.

Mahavir Mandir Patna History

  • According to Patna High Court Judgement in 1948, it is said that the Mahavir Mandir Patna exists since immemorial period. Still the first establishment date is unknown to the people. Mahavir Mandir Patna gained popularity in 1947. This is because a large number of refugees came to Patna after partition.
  • But according to the historic facts and traditions is it said the Mahavir Mandir Patna was originally established by Swami Balanand. He was an ascetic scent in 1730 A.D. The Temple was rebuilt at the time of Independence.
  • There is no such specific story behind Mahavir Mandir Patna as its existence is still unknown to the people. It is said that this temple exists since immemorial times.
  • Mahavir Mandir Patna has two idols of Hanumanji standing side by side in the sanctum.

 Significance of Mahavir Mandir Patna

  • The entrance of the Mahavir Mandir Patna is towards the north. There are many facilities like shoe keeping, clean water for washing feet and hand.
  • Mahavir Temple does not only have temple but a whole temple complex. Towards the left side of the entrance, there are stairs on a raised platform which leads to Garbhagriha. This Garbhagriha is the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Hanuman.
  • There is again a passage which houses Lord Shiva. This passage has a ritual significance for the devotees who come here to offer prayer and seek blessings.
  • The first floor of the Mahavir Mandir Patna consists of four sanctum sanctora of Deities. The first one is of Lord Rama. The second one is of Lord Krishna delivering the sermon to Arjun. Goddess Durga is situated next to Lord Krishna. And last but not the least, Lord Shiva meditating with his wife Goddess Parvati and Nandi, the holy ox.
  • The holy floating Ram Setu Shila is also placed on the ground.This Ram Setu Shila is kept in a glass container. It weighs around 15kgs whereas its volume is around 13,000mm.
  • The second floor is used for the ritual purpose. This floor includes Sanskar Mandap. Rituals like the chanting of Mantaras, Japa, Satyanarayan Kathas, recitals of Holy scriptures etc are performed on this floor. You can also find pictographs on the floor which depicts scenes from Ramayana.
  • While moving on the first floor you’ll be blessed with Lord Ganesha, Lord Buddha, Lord Satyanarayan, Lord Rama followed by Sita Maiyya and Goddess Saraswati.
  • Outside the Mahavir Mandir Patna is a Peepal Tree which has a temple of Lord Shiva which is architectured in the design of cave. This cave looks very beautiful.
  • coming out from the temple, we can find offices, shops for buying pooja samagri, book shops selling religious books etc. One can also find Palmistry/Astrological centre and Gem Stone Centre to fulfill the needs of their devotees.
  • The another speciality of Mahavir Mandir Patna is the prasadam which they offer to the Gods and Goddesses. They are prepared by the experts of the Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh. These prasads are delicious. This Prasadam is known as Naivedyam.
  • Mahavir temple offers Laddoos to Hanumanji. Naivedyam is a sanskrit term which means offering eatables to the Gods and Goddesses. This Naivedyam is prepared by various ingredients like besan of the gram, cashew, raisins, sugar, saffron, green cardamoms etc. These ingredients are mixed and cooked in ghee and then moulded into round shape. The saffron mixed in Naivedya, are directly obtained from Kashmir.
  • In Mahavir, Temple devotees do not have to pay dakshina to the priest as they are payed by the Temple Trust. This is the only temple where on paying a certain amount, the devotees get all the ingredients and they do not to pay dakshina to the priests.

Mahavir Mandir Patna Timings

  • Mahavir Mandir Patna darshan is from 5 am to 10:30 pm everyday.
  • The Mahavir Mandir Patna is open for darshan even on Public holidays from 5 am to 10:30 pm.
  • The best time to visit the temple is during the daytime.
  • It takes around 1 hour to do darshan.

Mahavir Mandir Patna Food Timing

The offerings which devotees give to the Gods and Goddesses are touched to the Gods and Goddesses and then sent back to the devotees which are known as Prasads. Devotees are also provided food by the Mahavir Mandir Patna.

Festivals celebrated in the Mahavir Mandir Patna

  • Shri Ram Navami– This festival is celebrated to celebrate the birth of Lord Ram. After Hanumangarhi in Ayodhya, Mahavir Temple attracts a large number of devotees during this festival. As compared to ordinary days, there is an approximate difference around 3 lakhs to 5 lakhs.
  • Janaki Navami– This festival is celebrated to celebrate the birth of Sita Maiyya. This festival is celebrated on the 9th day on the bright day of Vaisakh month. There are statues of King Janak, his priest, ministers and attendents along with oxen with a plough opposite of Sitamadhi Railway Station.
  • Hanuman Jayanti– Hanumanji’s birthday is celebrated on this day. This festival is celebrated on the 14th dark fortnight of the Kartik month. On this festival, the Dhvaja or flag of the Mahavir Mandir Patna is changed.
  • Durga Puja– Durga Saptasati is recited from beginning to the end during Durga Puja for nine days. Goddess Durga’s idol is established in the campus and a large number of devotees come here to offer prayer and seek blessings. On last three days, there is a large gathering of devotees in the Mahavir Mandir Patna.
  • Vivah Panchami– This is the festival of Lord Ram and Sita Mata’s marriage. Because Hanuman Ji was very fond of Lord Ram and worshipped him, this is why this festival is celebrated with great pomp and show. During this festival, the most impressive idol of Lord Rama and Sita Mata is kept in the Mandir. On this festival, traditional glimpse party from Maithila is performed. This festival is celebrated for two days to celebrate the wedding ceremony of Lord Rama and Sita Mata.

There are many other festivals which are celebrated in Mahavir Mandir Patna like Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Ravidas Jayanti, Gita Jayanti, Ramanandacharya Jayanti, Tulsi Jayanti, Sanskrit Divas etc. All these festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm by the devotees. During these festivals, the number of devotees increases to a large extent.

How to reach: Road, Rail, and Air

  • Road- You can easily reach Mahavir Mandir Patna from any part of the city. There is a great facility of vehicles like auto, buses and private vehicles in the city. Being the busiest place in Patna, there is often a problem to park the vehicle. There is a solution to this problem. The temple parking area can be used for the same.
  • Rail– This temple is placed next to Patna Railway Station. This is why one can directly reach the temple without any difficulty.
  • Air– Mahavir Mandir Patna is just 6km away from the airport.

Where to stay?

There are various places to stay in city Patna. There are so many private organizations as well as hotels in this city. There are 5-star hotels as well as hotels with nominal charges according to the traveler’s budget. The charges of the hotels are very nominal as they keep the needs and demands of the customers in their mind. There are hotels like Hotel Chanakya, Hotel Panache etc. These hotels are very hygienic and have various facilities like hygienic and delicious food. They even provide WiFi facilities to its customers.

Where to eat?

There are various places where ione can have delicious food. There are restaurants like Haveli in Frazer Road, Yo China near Dak Bangla Chowk, Moti Mahal in Boring Road, Takshila in Birchand Patel Marg etc. These places have very nominal charge. Restaurants like these focus on the needs of the consumers. Foods are prepared in a very hygienic conditions. They focus on the cleanliness and hygiene.

Nearby Temples

  • Patan Devi Temple– This temple is the oldest and the most sacred temple of Patna. This temple is dedicated to Maa Patneshwari. It is one of the 51 Siddha Shakti Pithas in India. It is believed that the Name of the city Patna is named from Bari Patan Devi Temple.
  • Birla Temple– This is a great place to visit. This temple is a great tourist attraction to visit. Birla Temple is located in many big cities including Delhi, Jaipur, Bhopal etc.

There are many famous temples like Shri Mahavir Mandir, Durga Temple, Patliputra Karuna Stupa. These are the well-known places where devotees and other tourist visit while touring this city. There are many other Hanuman Temple but Mahavir Temple is the most important and sacred as well as auspicious temple.

Nearby Places

  • Kumrahar– Kumrahar is an exhibition hall which lets us know the rich history of Patna. It is located 5kms away from Patna. It lets us know the cultural excellence of the ancient Patliputra city. This place contains the architectural remains of Mauryan Palace. It was during the excavation done between 1912 to 1915, people came to know about the Mauryan pillared hall.
  • Golghar– It was built in 1786 by Captain John Garstin to store grains when famine hit the city. This architecture is built in Stupa style. Golghar is 125 meters wide and 3.6 meters thick. This architecture has steps which will take you upstairs. It is the tallest building in Patna. the scene outside Golghar is very beautiful as river Ganga can be seen gushing beneath.
  • Patna Museum– It is situated in the centre of the city. It has the capacity to take you to the ancient lane. It was constructed in 1917 and is the oldest museum in Patna. It has a Mughal and Rajput flavor. The construction done here is of Mughal and Rajput style. It possesses more than 45000 artefacts.
  • Agam Kuan– Agam Kuan is also referred to as The Unfathomable Well. It reflects the effects taken by Diwan Bahadur Radha Krishna Jalan which is considered to be extraordinary. Diwan Bahadur Radha Krishna Jalan was behind the construction and the collections of Agam Kuan.
  • Sanjay Gandhi Botanical Garden– The another place where one should definitely go is Sanjay Gandhi Botanical Garden. It was established in 1969 and has more than 110 species of wild animals. Animals which are found here are tigers, white tigers, hippopotamus, lions, monkeys etc. There is a facility to take the tour of the zoo through battery-operated cars. There is also Toy train facility which takes you to the gardens of the zoo. This zoo also has boating facilities. Boating is done in the pond created in the centre of the zoo.

There are various places where one can go while touring in Patna. There are places like Jalan Museum, Sri Krishna Science Centre, Patna Planetarium, Khuda Baksh National Library, Nalanda University, Buddha Smriti Park, Jalmandir Temple, Begu Hajjam’s Mosque, etc.

Patan Devi Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

September 30, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 1 Comment Filed Under: Bihar Temples Tagged With: Devi Temples

Patan Devi temple is one of the oldest and the most sacred temples of Patna, the capital city of Bihar state in India. This ancient temple, which was originally called Maa Sarvanand Kari Patneshwari, is believed to be the abode of the goddess Durga. The temple is regarded as one among the 51 Siddha Shakti Peethas of the country. So much so that the name of the city Patna was widely believed to be derived from the name of the Bari Patan Devi Temple. Although there are some doubts about this belief as some believe Patna derived its name Patan, which was a town and a big place of export and import in the region.

The Bari Patan Devi Temple of Patna had religious significance as it faces the North; towards the sacred Hindu river the Ganges. All the statues within this temple are made up of black stone. There is a huge portico of dimension 1.5′ x 15′ at the entrance of the temple. After the portico, there is a room of about 8′ x 8′ for the Gods namely, Mahakali, Maha Lakshmi, Maha Saraswati, and Bhairav. All these idols have been kept on Simhasans (thrones) hat are about 4 square feet in cross-section and have a height of about 7 feet. The first three goddesses are attired in sarees.

Chhoti Patan Devi

The Chhoti (small) Patan Devi temple is situated in Patna city in the Chowk area. This temple was once considered the main presiding deity of Patna. This temple has over the years slipped in eminence to the second position, after the Bari Patan Devi temple, as the presiding deity of the city. Thus, the names ‘Chhoti’ i.e smaller to the more popular deity and the “Bari” (bigger) Patan Devi have been decided. A historian by the name of Buchanan had been very specific in stating that the Chhoti Patendevi Temple that had held the primary position as Patna city’s presiding deity during the 18th and early 19th century.

Although the present temple does not carry any great antiquities in terms of idols and otherwise, still it is of historical significance. The temple has historical images that were, according to the local people, installed by Man Singh, the famous general of the Mughal emperor Akbar. The temple also houses a variety of intact as well as severed Brahmanical images, including Ganesh, Vishnu, and Surya.

Another set of images and open fragments of door jambs/lintels lay beyond the main temple, within its precincts. The broken Sun image among these is extremely impressive and most prominent. It is widely believed among the historians the some early medieval temple used to be there at the site of the temple which could be built sometime in 9th-11th Century A.D., which may explain the presence of the fragmentary stray sculptural/structural relics. It is believed that these ruins were reinstalled in the new temple which was built during the 16th-17th century by Man Singh. Although this is also a popular belief yet there is no authentic information on this count.

Patan Devi History

The puaranic legends attach a lot of significance to the historic Bari Patan Devi temple. It is believed that the ‘right thigh’ of the primary consort of Shiva, Devi Sati’s corpse had fallen here after it had been chopped off by Lord Vishnu with his ‘Sudarshan Chakra’.

Hindu mythology suggests that the right thigh of Devi Sati had fallen in Magadh and legend has it that the various parts of the Sati’s body fell in both Maharaj Ganj and the Chowk areas in the Old Patna city. Therefore, the Badi Patan Devi temple, as well as the Chhoti Patan Devi temple, had been built in these locations of the city. The Tantra Charumani states that the small images of the Bari Patan Devi Temple, Patna are the Goddess Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati.

The three Goddesses are believed to have protected Putraka, who was the founder of Pataliputra according to Hindu Mythology. Another interesting aspect of the temple is the strange stone image that was found in a tank near the Bari Patan Devi Temple, Patna. This stone image has been kept in the eastern veranda of the temple and it is worshipped there regularly by the temple priests.

Significance of the Patan Devi Temple

Patan Devi temple has been regarded as one among the 51 Siddha Shakti Peethas in India. This ancient temple is considered to be the abode of Godess Durga since the right thigh of Sati who was considered Durga fell here according to legends ‘ when it was chopped by Lord Vishnu with his ‘Sudarshan Chakra.

Prajapati Daksha, who was the son of Lord Brahma and father of Sati performed Brihaspati Yagya but did not invite Lord Shiva, his son-in-law. Sati was mortified to know of this and she thus decided to put an end to her life. Lord Shiva at that point was in great anger and grief and took her corpse on his shoulder and began to perform Tandava dance round the three worlds. Thus, Gods requested Lord Vishnu to do something and he followed the dancing Shiva and started cutting the dead body of Sati to pieces with his Chakra. Resultantly the major limbs of the Sati’s body fell on the places that are today the Mahapeethas. The places where the minor limbs had fallen came to be known as Upapeethas.

Patan Devi Temple Timings

Patan Devi Temple is open for all devotees at any time of the day. Also, people of any caste or creed can visit the temple as it does not distinguish between them. The timings for the temple are from 6 AM to 10 PM. Tuesday is considered a special day for all devotees and a large number of worshipers visit the temple. On fulfilment of wishes, people offer gifts and sarees in the temple and promises are also made before the deity.

Festivals Celebrated At the Patan Devi Temple

During the Navratri festival and at the time if Dusshera, a fair is held at the temple as is the case with many other places. The major days of pooja during the festival are Saptami, Ashtami and Navami (Durga Pooja) when around 600 people came to offer prayers daily at either of the two temples. The visitors bring sweets, garlands and fruits for the deity on the occasion. The temple priest takes some quantity of the prasad and then returns the rest to the devotees. The priest marks the forehead of the devotee with Rori (red powder). They also offer some money to the priest in the form of Dakshina.

The fair conjures the people attending the worship of their religious pursuits with the merriment enforcements. Many Siddha Yogis and priests also attend the fair to offer special poojas to attain tantric vidhyas during the occasion.

Poojas and Ritual at Patan Devi Temple

The major rituals at the temple similar to most Hindu temples is as per the routine where the deity is daily bathed in the morning and evening followed by the offerings of prasad (fruits and sweetmeats etc.) which is followed by aarti with the reciting of hymns by the priest, accompanied by conches and the ringing of bells.

How to reach by Rail, Road, and Air

Patna is a major city of India and is well connected to all parts of the country by trains, airways, and road. Following are the major railways, roadways, and airways of the city:

  • By Road: Patna is well connected to all cities of the country via buses. The major bus station in Patna is Dahapur.
  • By Rail: There are trains from all major cities to Patna. The major railway stations are Danapur (DNR), Patna Junction (PNBE), Patna Saheb (PNC), Pothahi (PFT), Rajendra Nagar Bihar (RJPB), Phulwari Sharif (PWS), Punarakh (PHK), Banka Ghat (BKG) and Gulzarbagh (GZH).
  • By Air: The major airport is Patna Airport and the city is connected to all major cities via flights.

Patan Devi temple can be easily reached from Patna Bus Station and is just approx. 10 km from the Patna Junction Railway Station. Rickshaws, taxis etc. are also easily available at Patna, Gulzarbagh, and Patna City railway stations.

Hotels in Patna

Patna is one of the major cities of India and this has many 5 stars and 4-star hotels as well as guest houses, motels, and lodges. The major hotels include Ramson’s International, Element Guestline, Hotel Amit Inn, the Panache, Frontline Residency and Hotel Maurya Patna.

Nearby Temples

Pataliputra is located adjacent to the modern-day Patna and has been a significant city of ancient India. The city was originally built by the Magadha ruler Ajatashatru in 490 BCE as a small fort near the Ganges River. Archaeological excavations have been made extensively in the vicinity of the modern Patna and excavations early in the 20th century around Patna had revealed clear evidence of large fortification walls that included reinforcing wooden trusses. The place is most important of Buddhist sites in India and many followers of Buddhism visit this place as it was where Buddha breathed his last.

Patna has many major temples and many attractions including Khuda Baksh Oriental Library, Takht Shri Harmandir Saheb, Patna Museum, Golgarh, the Patna Cemetery, Padri-Ki-Haveli (a church), Hanuman Mandir, Agam Kuan, Kumhrar, Patna Planetarium, Qila House and many others to name.

Following are some of the major temples in Patna:

  • Agam Kuan: This is the oldest and most important archaeological site in Patna city and this complex has many ancient and medieval sculptures.
  • Buddha Smriti Park: Also known as the Buddha Memorial Park, this park was inaugurated by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and is located on Frazer Road which lies near Patna Junction. The park has many major attractions including a tall Stupa, museum, a meditation centre and holy Bodhi trees.
  • Golghar: This is a granary in Stupa architecture style and it offers a wonderful panoramic view of Patna city and also of the Ganges River. Golghar literally means Roundhouse and this was the tallest building in Patna and is located to the west of Gandhi Maidan.
  • Kamaldah Jain Temple: This is an ancient Jain temple that is situated near the Gulzarbagh railway station and is one of the oldest Jain complexes in the city of Patna.
  • Mahavir Mandir: One of the most famous Hindu temples that are dedicated to the monkey God Lord Hanuman, the Mahavir Mandir is located in front of the Patna junction and this is the second most visited religious shrine of North India.
  • Padri Ki Haveli: Also known as the St. Mary’s Church, this is one of the prominent religious places and is also the oldest church in the state of Bihar. The church has a large cathedral bell and wonderful architecture.
  • Takht Sri Patna Sahib: This is a Gurdwara at Patna Sahib that was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh on the holy banks of the Ganges River. It is also one of only five Takhats or Holy Seats of the Sikhs in India. The Takht is one of the most important Sikh shrines in the world and thus many Sikh devotees visit the shrine every-day to offer their respect.

What are some other temples to visit in Bihar?

  • Mahabodhi Temple: The Mahabodhi Temple is an ancient Buddhist Temple in Bodh Gaya. Bodh Gaya is about 96 km from Patna, Bihar, India. Mahabodhi literally means the Great Awakening and it is said that Buddha has attained enlightenment in this location. This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Vishnupad Temple: Vishnupad Mandir is located in Gaya which is 100 km away from Patna, the capital of Bihar and is one of the most attractive temples. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and it is believed that Lord Rama, along with his wife, Sita, visited this temple.
  • Baidyanath Dham: Baba Baidyanath Dham or Baidyanath Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India. This temple of Shiva is in Deoghar in Santhal Parganas of Jharkhand. According to beliefs, the light of Jyotirlingam is the light of cosmos which is realized by the power of the soul as a whole.

Apart from the above temples, Patna also offers many other tourist attractions that are a must-visit which you must during your visit to Patna.

So take out some time to relish the holiness of the Patan Devi temple and the city of Patna and ensure the most pious and religiously blissful experience of your life with thousands of devotees who come to seek holy blessings.

Baidyanath Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

June 29, 2022, Sasidhar Darla 11 Comments Filed Under: Bihar Temples Tagged With: Shiva Temples

Baba Baidyanath Dham or Baidyanath Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India. This temple of Shiva is in Deoghar in Santhal Parganas of Jharkhand. According to beliefs, the light of Jyotirlingam is the light of cosmos which is realized by the power of the soul as a whole.

Baidyanth Temple – Video

What is the history of Baba Baidyanath Dham?

According to the history of Baba Baidyanath Dham, myth and legend depict an interesting story behind the building of the Dham. During the Treta Yuga according to Shiva Purana, Ravana, the demon king wanted to have Lord Shiva’s abode in his capital permanently to make it safe from invasions.

So he meditated every day to please the Lord. The Lord found it impressive and asked him to carry his lingam to Lanka but with one condition that the journey from Mt.Kailash to Lanka should not stop in between.

And if so happened then wherever the lingam fell there it shall reside forever. The Gods fearing that this would make Ravana invincible acted against this plan.  So it was after many troubles and planning that Lord Vishnu tricked Ravana and brought the Lingam back to Earth where it sat permanently.  So thus the 12 jyotirlingas story begun and each had one unique legend behind its consecration.

What is the significance of Baba Baidyanath Dham?

Baba Baidyanath

The significance of Baba Baidyanath Dham is that the main temple is beyond historical dates. Devotees visit it since the age of Rama, the king of Ayodhya. The top contains three ascending shaped gold vessels that are compactly set, which were donated by Maharaja of Gidhaur, Raja Puran Singh.

  • Besides these pitcher shaped vessels, there is a ‘PUNCHSULA’ (Five knives in a Trident shape), which is rare.
  • The lingam is of a cylindrical form about 5 inches in diameter and projects about 4 inches from the centre of a large slab of basalt.
  • Devotees also believe that Shiva first turned himself into a Jyotirlinga on the night of the Aridra Nakshatra, thus the special reverence for the Jyotirlinga.
  • The jyotirlinga is the supreme partless reality, out of which Shiva partly appears. The jyotirlinga shrines thus are places where Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light.

There are 12 Jyotirlingas in India. 5 of the 12 Jyotirlingas are located in the state of Maharashtra.

What are the timings of Baba Baidyanath Dham?

Here are the timings of Baba Baidyanath Dham:

RitualsTimings
Darshan starts4:00 PM
Puja (Shodashopachar)4:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Re-opening6:00 PM
Shringar Puja6:00 PM onwards
Temple closes9:00 PM

What are the festivals celebrated at Baba Baidyanth Dham?

Where is Baidyanath Temple

Shrawan mela is one very famous festival celebrated at Baba Baidyanath Dham. During the month of Shrawan, lakhs of devotees throng the Baba Baidyanath temple. The Shrawan mela is very important and devotees celebrate it with much splendour and festivity. It continues throughout the whole Shrawan month for 30 days.

How to reach Baba Baidyanath Dham?

Here’s how to reach Baba Baidyanath Dham:

  • Air: Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport, Patna, located around 272 km away is the nearest airport.
  • Rail: Two railway stations namely Baidyanathdham (BDME) and Deoghar (DGHR) help in the visitors with regular trains.
  • Road: This area connects well by road to cities like Kolkata, Patna and Ranchi.

Where to stay near Baba Baidyanath Dham?

Some of the places where one can stay near Baba Baidyanath Dham are:

  • Hotel Mahadev Palace on B.L.C Road at Castairs Town is a relaxing place suited with great amenities that attract tourists.
  • Clarks Inn Amrapali which is 1.2 km from Baba Baidyanath Temple is another comfortable place to stay. It offers great multi cuisines that the guests savour. It provides guests with many luxuries and efficient services.

What are some places to visit near Baba Baidyanath Temple?

Some of the places that one can visit near Baba Baidyanath Temple are:

  • Trikuta Parvata, collectively famous as Trikutachal, is a combination of three main peaks on the hill, which are at the height of around 2,470 ft. The site is at a distance of around 10 km from Deoghar on the way to Dumka.
  • Naulakha Mandir is at a distance of around 2 km from Baba Baidyanath Temple. It has a similar architecture of Ramakrishna Temple in Belur. The shrine encompasses the beautiful idols of Radha and Krishna.
  • Satsang Ashram is a holy place where the followers of Sri Sri Thakur Anukulachandra gather to worship. The Ashram also has a zoo and a museum in its complex.

What are some other temples to visit in Bihar?

  • Mahabodhi Temple: The Mahabodhi Temple is an ancient Buddhist Temple in Bodh Gaya. Bodh Gaya is about 96 km from Patna, Bihar, India. Mahabodhi literally means the Great Awakening and it is said that Buddha has attained enlightenment in this location. This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Vishnupad Temple: Vishnupad Mandir is located in Gaya which is 100 km away from Patna, the capital of Bihar and is one of the most attractive temples. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and it is believed that Lord Rama, along with his wife, Sita, visited this temple.
  • Patan Devi Temple: This temple is one of the oldest and the most sacred temples of Patna, the capital city of Bihar state in India. This ancient temple, which was originally called Maa Sarvanand Kari Patneshwari, is believed to be the abode of the goddess Durga. The temple is regarded as one among the 51 Siddha Shakti Peethas of the country.
  • Mahavir Mandir: Mahavir Mandir Patna is located near Patna Junction and is devoted to Lord Hanuman. Thousands of devotees come here each day to offer prayer and seek the blessing of Lord Hanuman. It is also called “Manokamana Temple” as it is said that each and every wish of devotees is granted.
  • Jagannath Temple Ranchi

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Baidyanath Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Baidyanath Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Baidyanath Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No, there is no online darshan facility available.

Can one carry mobiles and gadgets into the temple?

No. All electronic gadgets are prohibited in the temple premises (viz. mobile, camera, laptop). Free storage of the same is available at the entrance of the temple.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizen?

No. No such facilities are available. Although, a wheelchair can be made available upon request.

Is there any facility available for site seeing or nearby temple visit?

No. No such facilities are available.

What is the best time to visit Bihar?

The months of November to February is very ideal to visit the Baidyanath and the other temples located in the area.

What is the weather like during the summers?

The summers at Bihar start from March and continues until June. The summers here can be very hot. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 45 º C.

What are winters like in Bihar?

In Bihar, winters start in November and continue until February. The temperatures during this time are around 20 º C. The weather during this time is cool and pleasant.

If you have any questions about The Baidyanath Temple, please leave your comment below and we will get back to you within one hour.

Mahabodhi Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

September 28, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Bihar Temples Tagged With: Buddha Temples

Mahabodhi Temple is an ancient Buddhist Temple in Bodh Gaya. Bodh Gaya is about 96 km from Patna, Bihar, India. Mahabodhi literally means the Great Awakening and it is said that Buddha has attained enlightenment in this location. This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mahabodhi Temple – Facts

DeityLord Buddha (Gautam Buddha)
LocationBodh Gaya, Bihar
Entry FeeFree
Best Time to VisitNovember to February; April to May
Darshan Timings5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
FestivalsBuddha Jayanti, Kalachakra Festival
Other Buddha TemplesThotlakonda Buddhist Complex, Hemis Monastery, Tawang Monastery, Sanchi Supa, Rumtek Monastery
Mahabodhi Temple – Video

What is the significance of the Mahabodhi Temple?

Mahabodhi Temple Gautam Buddha

The significance of the Mahabodhi Temple is that it is one of the four holy sites related to the life of the Buddha. This temple was built in the late Gupta period. It is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely in brick, which is still standing in India. This temple is said to have a significant influence on the development of brick architecture over the centuries. This temple was the first temple built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C.

What is the history of Mahabodhi Temple?

Gautama Buddha once reached the Slyvan Banks of Falgu River, wandering as a monk. He sat under a peepul tree for meditating. it is said that after three days and three nights of meditating, he finally received enlightenment and all the answers that he sought. The peepul tree later came to be known as Bodhi Tree. The Mahabodhi Temple was built here by the devotees to mark the location.

After this, Buddha spent seven weeks in seven different spots meditating.

  • He spent the first week under the Bodhi tree.
  • On the second week, he just stood and stared at the Bodhi tree uninterrupted. an unblinking Stupa was built to mark this place. This Stupa is called Animeshlocha Stupa. Located at the north-east of Mahabodhi Temple, this shrine houses a statue of Buddha with his eyes fixed towards the Bodhi tree.
  • It is said that Buddha walked back and forth from Bodhi tree and Animeshlocha Stupa. That place is called Ratnachakarma which means the Jewel walk. It is said that lotus flowers sprung across this place.
Bodhi Tree Mahabodhi Temple Bodh Gaya

What is the architecture of this temple like?

The Mahabodhi Temple is 50 metres high and grand. The property of the temple has a total area of 4.8600 ha. The temple comprises of a sacred Bodhi Tree and other six sacred sites of Buddha’s enlightenment. These are surrounded by numerous ancient Votive stupas which are well maintained and protected by inner, middle and outer circular boundaries. A Lotus Pond is located outside the enclosure to the south. This is usually called the seventh sacred place. Both the temple area and the Lotus Pond are surrounded by circulating passages at two or three levels. Emperor Ashoka first built this temple in the 3rd century B.C.

The style of the edifice declares that it was built primarily to form a monument, not a shrine of Buddha. The Main Temple is built in the classical style of Indian temple architecture. The wall of the main temple has an average height of 11 m. It has entrances from the east and from the north and has a low basement.

Mahabodhi Mahavihara

What are the timings of the Mahabodhi Temple?

The Mahabodhi Temple opens at 5:00 AM and closes at 9:00 PM. The temple also performs various rituals during this time which the devotees can be a part of. The temple is open all days throughout the week. Also, 30-minute chanting sessions take place at the temple at 5:30 AM and 6:00 PM.

Timings Rituals
5:00 AMThe opening of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara (main shrine)
5:30 AM to 6:00 AMSutta chanting and meditation
10:00 AMThe offering of Kheer (rice pudding cooked with rice, milk, and sugar)
12:00 PM to 2:00 PMShrine is closed for darshan
6:00 PM to 6:30 PMSutta chanting (Mahayana tradition)
6:30 PM to 7:00 PMSutta chanting (Pali)
9:00 PMThe closing of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara
How to reach Mahabodhi Temple

How to reach the Mahabodhi Temple?

  • Air: You can fly to Patna. All major cities have direct flights to Patna Airport.
  • Train: The nearest station is Gaya. The distance of the temple from Gaya is 16 km.
  • Road: You can drive to Gaya and then to the temple. The Grand Trunk Road connects Gaya to cities like Jamshedpur, Patna, Varanasi, Allahabad, Kolkata, Kanpur etc.
Where is Mahabodhi Temple

What are the entry fees of the Mahabodhi Temple?

  • There’s no entry fee.
  • However, the charge for cameras is Rs. 100, and Rs. 300 for video cameras.
  • A small entry fee is payable for the meditation park. It is open from sunrise until sunset.
  • There is a prohibition of cell phones and other electronic devices on the temple complex. Free storage of the same is provided at the baggage counter at the entrance of the temple.

What are some places to visit in Gaya?

  • Vishnupad Temple: Vishnupad Mandir is located in Gaya which is 100 km away from Patna, the capital of Bihar and is one of the most attractive temples. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and it is believed that Lord Rama, along with his wife, Sita, visited this temple.
  • Tibetan Refugee Market: It is a place where you can buy lots of junk jewellery, bags and clothes. This is a very good market and all the product has a reasonable price. There are also books which help in knowing the history and culture of the Buddhist community very well. One can even buy Lord Buddha’s statue made of sandalwood or metal with various poses and moods. One can every buy handicraft items. This market has an open-bazaar system.
  • Dhamma Bodhgaya International Vipassana Meditation Centre: One of the most popular Vipassana centres in Bodh Gaya is Dhamma Yoga which is a favourite centre all across India. Courses here are usually of 10 days long, with some special one lasting for up to 20 days. There is a strict code of discipline which one must follow, so make sure you understand these rules before applying. You’ll need to take a form from their website and check for availability and course schedules to be a part of their Vipassana camps.
  • International Meditation Centre: Head to the International Meditation Centre to learn and participate in Vipassana Meditation, one of the most sophisticated forms of Yoga. This centre is run by trained professionals. The camps help by this centre helps in throwing away stress. You can join and complete a course of any duration that you please, at any time of the year. Run mostly on donations since 1970, the prices here are pretty affordable.
Bodh Gaya

What are some other temples to visit in Bihar?

  • Baidyanath Dham: Baba Baidyanath Dham or Baidyanath Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India. This temple of Shiva is in Deoghar in Santhal Parganas of Jharkhand. According to beliefs, the light of Jyotirlingam is the light of cosmos which is realized by the power of the soul as a whole.
  • Patan Devi Temple: This temple is one of the oldest and the most sacred temples of Patna, the capital city of Bihar state in India. This ancient temple, which was originally called Maa Sarvanand Kari Patneshwari, is believed to be the abode of the goddess Durga. The temple is regarded as one among the 51 Siddha Shakti Peethas of the country.
  • Mahavir Mandir: Mahavir Mandir Patna is located near Patna Junction and is devoted to Lord Hanuman. Thousands of devotees come here each day to offer prayer and seek the blessing of Lord Hanuman. It is also called “Manokamana Temple” as it is said that each and every wish of devotees is granted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mahabodhi Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Mahabodhi Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Mahabodhi Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No, there is no online darshan facility available.

Can one carry mobiles and gadgets into the temple?

No. All electronic gadgets are prohibited in the temple premises (viz. mobile, camera, laptop). Free storage of the same is available at the entrance of the temple.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizen?

No. No such facilities are available. Although, a wheelchair can be made available upon request.

Is there any facility available for site seeing or nearby temple visit?

No. No such facilities are available.

What is the best time to visit Gaya?

The months of November to February is very ideal to visit the Mahabodhi and the other temples located in Gaya. However, since Buddha Purnima takes place in the month of April or May, many devotees visit the temple during this time.

What is the weather like during the summers?

The summers at Gaya start from March and continues until June. The summers here can be very hot. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 45 º C.

What are winters like in Gaya?

In Gaya, winters start in November and continue until February. The temperatures during this time are around 20 º C. The weather during this time is cool and pleasant.

If you have any questions about The Mahabodhi Temple, please leave your comment below and we will get back to you within one hour.

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