Bihar is known for its rich culture and long, interesting history that dates back many centuries. It has many temples, from Durga temples to old shrines of Shiva, Vishnu, and Jain saints. Visiting them is not just for prayer but also to see Bihar’s traditions.
Here are the top 10 most famous temples in Bihar that you should visit at least once in your life.
1. Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
Mahabodhi Temple is a very important religious place. This is where Lord Buddha got enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.
The temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year with its calm atmosphere and tall structure.
Its sacred spaces provide an ideal environment for meditation, drawing people from around the world to learn about Buddha’s teachings and seek inner peace.
Travel Details:
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- How to Reach: Easily accessible by road from Patna, Gaya, and other nearby towns.
- Nearest Airport: Gaya Airport (7 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Gaya Junction (15 km)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Bodh Gaya Bus Stand
2. Vishnupad Temple, Gaya
Vishnupad Temple is a beautiful place dedicated to Lord Vishnu, built right at the spot where his footprint is thought to have been carved into stone.
The temple is on the banks of the Falgu River and has a calm, peaceful feel. People from all over India visit, especially during Pitru Paksha, to perform rituals.
Travel Details:
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- How to Reach: Easily accessible by road within Gaya city
- Nearest Airport: Gaya Airport (10 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Gaya Junction (3 km)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Gaya Bus Stand
3. Shri Badi Patan Devi Temple, Patna
Badi Patan Devi Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and is dedicated to Goddess Durga. According to legend, the thigh of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen here, making it a powerful and sacred place. It’s mostly crowded during Navratri when devotees come in large numbers to seek blessings.
Travel Details:
- Best Time to Visit: October (Navratri) or winter months
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- How to Reach: Well-connected by road in Patna city
- Nearest Airport: Patna Airport (12 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Patna Junction (6 km)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Mithapur Bus Stand
4. Maa Mundeshwari Temple, Kaimur
Maa Mundeshwari Temple is one of the oldest temples in the world, from the 4th century. It is dedicated to Goddess Mundeshwari (a form of Durga) and Lord Shiva.
Travel Details:
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Temple Timings: 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- How to Reach: Connected by road from Bhabua
- Nearest Airport: Varanasi Airport (90 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Bhabua Road Station (20 km)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Bhabua Bus Stand
5. Shri Mahavirswami Jain Temple (Jalmandir), Pawapuri
Shri Mahavirswami Jain Temple is also known as Jalmandir and it’s beautiful white marble temple situated in the center of a large pond. This is the place where Lord Mahavira achieved Nirvana.
Travel Details:
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- How to Reach: Easily road connectivity from Nalanda and Patna
- Nearest Airport: Patna Airport (100 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Bihar Sharif (15 km)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Pawapuri Bus Stand
6. Maa Sheetla Temple, Patna City
Maa Sheetla Temple is dedicated to Goddess Sheetla, who is believed to protect her devotees from diseases and ensure good health. The temple especially attracts crowds during Sheetla Ashtami.
Travel Details:
- Best Time to Visit: March–April (Sheetla Ashtami) or winter months
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- How to Reach: Located in Patna City area, well-connected by road
- Nearest Airport: Patna Airport (15 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Patna Sahib Station (2 km)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Mithapur Bus Stand
7. Mahavir Temple, Patna
Mahavir Temple is one of the most famous temple in Bihar dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Located near Patna Junction, it welcomes thousands of devotees every day who come to offer prayers and seek blessings.
The temple is known for its peaceful atmosphere and strong spiritual energy. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, long lines of devotees can be seen here.
Travel Details:
- Best Time to Visit: All year round
- Temple Timings: 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- How to Reach: Located right next to Patna Junction
- Nearest Airport: Patna Airport (6 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Patna Junction (walking distance)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Mithapur Bus Stand
8. Baba Harihar Nath Temple, Sonepur
Baba Harihar Nath Temple is also a famous place and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and is located on the banks of the Gandak River.
It becomes mainly famous during the Sonepur Mela which is Asia’s largest cattle fair.
Travel Details:
- Best Time to Visit: November (Sonepur Mela)
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- How to Reach: Well-connected by road and rail from Patna
- Nearest Airport: Patna Airport (25 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Sonepur Junction (2 km)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Sonepur Bus Stand
9. Surya Mandir, Dev (Aurangabad)
Surya Mandir is dedicated to the Sun God and is very famous in Bihar for Chhath Puja celebrations. Every year, thousands of devotees come here during the festival to offer their prayers and take part in the rituals.
Travel Details:
- Best Time to Visit: October–November (Chhath Puja) or winter months
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- How to Reach: Good road connectivity from Aurangabad town
- Nearest Airport: Gaya Airport (125 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Anugrah Narayan Road Station (15 km)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Aurangabad Bus Stand
10. Sita Kund, Sitamarhi
Sita Kund is a very special and femous place in Bihar that many people believe to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita, who is the beloved wife of Lord Rama.
According to legend, Sita came out of the earth at this spot while King Janak was plowing the field. The area is surrounded by green fields and calm waters, giving it a peaceful atmosphere.
It is an important place for Hindus, and many people visit especially during Ram Navami.
Travel Details:
- Best Time to Visit: March–April (Ram Navami) or winter
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- How to Reach: Located in Sitamarhi town, easily accessible by road
- Nearest Airport: Patna Airport (150 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Sitamarhi Junction (2 km)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Sitamarhi Bus Stand
Final Thoughts
Bihar’s temples are not just places of worship, they are essential to our culture and history. Visiting these temples will not only bring you peace and blessings but also instill pride in our state’s heritage.
Next time you plan a trip, make sure to include these temples and engage yourself in the spiritual beauty of Bihar.
