| Introduction | Places of Interest | How to Reach |
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Kuppa Ghat
Also known as Mehi Ashram, it was founded by revered Hindu saint Maharshi Mehi Das.
Situated on the bank of river Ganga, it is an epitome of peace and serenity and it is a divine
experience to spend time here.
Jain temple
The famous temple of Vaasupujya Bhagwan Mahavir Jain is located at Nathnagar, and it
attracts thousands of tourists and Jain devotees from across the country.
Karngarh
Situated in the Nathnagar area on the outskirts of Bhagalpur city, it used to be the abode
of King Kama. The grandiosity with which Dussehra puja is organised here is to be seen to be
believed.
Burhanath Temple
Situated on the bank of river Ganga in Jogsar locality, this ancient Lord Shiva temple, known
to command mystic energy, attracts people from different walks of life. It is also known as
Dudheshwara Mahadev Temple.
Khanqah-e-Shahbazia
Situated at Mulanachak, near the Bhagalpur railway station, it has been an important reli-
gious place and seminary of the Muslim community since the Mughal era. A rich library having
books on Arabic and Persian theological works is also there at Khanqah-e-Shahbazia. It has a
Holy Quran transcribed by Murshid Quli Khan, the Nawab of Murshidabad.
Ghuran Peer Baba
Situated near the Kutchery Chowk, the place is famous among followers of all faiths.
Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs as well as others assemble here every Friday to seek the blessings of
'Peer Baba', who is believed to command sacred powers.
Mandar Hill
Nearly 50 km from Bhagalpur at Bounsi on Bhagalpur-Dumka state highway, the site is
associated with' a legend according to which this is the mountain that was used for 'Amrit
Manthan' (to churn the ocean for procuring nectar). The legend has it that a 'naag' or snake
was tied around the mountain to churn the ocean, and people believe the snake that was used
as a rope has left an impression on the hill. A month-long Bounsi Mela is organised on the
foothills of Mandar every year. Mandar Hill is equally revered by Jains who believe that their
12th Tirthankar attained 'nirvana' here.
Ajgaibinath Temple
Situated nearly 39 km from Bhagalpur city at Sultanganj on the bank of river Ganga,
Ajgaibinath Temple of Lord Shiva is visited by lakhs of devotees through
out the year. The rush is huge during the Shravan month of Hindi calendar. During the month-long Shravani fair, people pay obeisance to Lord
Shiva before proceeding to another temple at Deoghar in Jharkhand. They
also collect holy water from the river Ganga here and carry it to Deoghar
for offering it on the 'Shivalinga' in the Deoghar temple.
Yogini Dham
Nearly 100 km from Bhagalpur in Godda district, it is a famous rel
gious place of Goddess Durga. The original temple is situated on the
mountain, and the route to the temple is a replica of the famous Vaishno
Devi cave in Jammu. Hindus believe that people's wishes are fulfilled after
a visit to the temple and that the sick are cured after they lie down on the
platform of the temple.
Ruins of Vikramshila University
Situated at Antichak in Kahalgaon sub-division, 38 km from Bhagalpur,
ancient Vikramshila University was hailed as an epitome of learning and
civilization during the Pala dynasty period of 783-820 AD. The university
was established by King Dharampala of the Pala dynasty of the then
Bengal province (now Kahalgaon) in the year 783 AD.
Museum
There's a museum at Sandy's compound which remains open from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm every day except Monday. Entry is free.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Bihula-Bishahari Puja or Mansa Puja
It is a local festival held' at Nathnagar every July. Snakes are worshipped at the
Bishahari Sthan which is believed to be the site where a devout lady's dead husband
became alive.
Durga Puja
It is celebrated with typical Bengali fervour. Broari (community) style of puja at
Durgabari and Kalibari, which is famous among the traditionally rich Bengali community, attracts people from far-off places.
Kali puja
Bhagalpur's Kali puja is also quite famous. 'Akharas' (mock display of traditional
combat art and martial art) are taken out on the roads as part of the idol immersion
processions. |
