Bhagalpur

The town of Bhagalpur is the district headquarters of Bhagalpur District. Out of the 37 districts of the state of Bihar, Bhagalpur District is one of such. The district contains the river Ganga, which meanders all over the region.

As per mythological stories and also few facts supported by historical proof states that the current day Bhagalpur was previously known as Champavati, which can be traced back to 5th century BC. It functioned as the capital city of Anga, which was one out of the 16 Mahajanapadas or the Great States. Malini, Champapuri, champa Malini, Kala Malini and many others, are some of the archaic names by which Champavati was also known.

                                      TOURIST PLACES IN BHAGALPUR

Mandar Hills:  The Mandar Hills is situated at a distance of 50 Kms from the town. The place is full of immense natural beauty and magnificence. One can witness the 800 feet hill of granite rise in front of him.

As per mythological stories, it is so believed that this hill was linked to the event of amritmanthana. The event depicts the story of gods stirring up the ocean to obtain amrit. The function of acting as the rope was the done by Basukinnaga, a serpent. The mark of a spiral is believed to be left by this serpent on the granite hill.

According the Puranas, this place was the dwelling place for Vishnu, who lived here embodying Madhusudana. Mention of the presence of the imprints of Vishnu’s foot on the hill sides is found in Kumarasamahava composed by Kalidasa.

Remains of the ancient eras are present in this hill. Brahmanical pictures mirrors in the sculptures, which have been made out of rock. Apart from these, there are numerous inscriptions and other statues.

People following the Jain faith, also respect this place because of the belief that the 12th Tirthankara obtained nirvana, right here on the top of the hill. 

The royal university of Vikramsila: After Nalanda, the University of Vikramsila comes, as per ranking. This university is situated at a distance of 38 Kms from Bhagalpur. The university was founded by Dharmapala, who was a great Pala king. He was also an immense supporter of Mahayana Buddhism. 

Two particular points made him construct this university. The first point being that, the location, which was present surrounding the convergence point of the two rivers namely Kosi and Ganga, was not only known and famous for being extremely beautiful nature-wise, but it was also an important transit point. The second point being that, pilgrims used to come to this location during the time of Varsavardhana for the reason of Uttarbahini, which was again the reason for pulling huge number of people to this location. Mentions of the history of Vikramsila can only be found in the Tibetan documents.

Shri Champapur Digamber Jain Siddha Kshetra: Shri Champapur Digamber Jain Siddha Kshetra is known to be a place for salvation, otherwise known as Siddha Kshetra. The history of this famous Teerth Kshetra goes back to the ancient times. In Bhagalur district’s Nathnagar village, the Shri Champapur Digamber Jain Siddha Kshetra is situated. The distance between Bhagalpur and this place is a mere 3.5 Kms and that between Patna and this place is 270 Kms. Champapur is the solitary “Panch Kalyanaka Kshetra”, which has the link to Panch Kalyanaka. “Garbha”, “Janma”, “Tapa”, “Gyan” and “Moksha” are the five Panch Kalyanaka.

Tilka Majhi: In the 1780’s, the fight in opposition of the British Government was initiated by the Tilka Majhi. He is considered to be the ever first Pahari leader to do so. He and his forces detained the British forces for quite a number of weeks from the Tilapore Forrest, which was encircled by the British Army. In the year 1784, he was captured by the British forces. He was pulled to the collector’s house in Bihar’s Bhagalpur by binding him to the horse’s tail. At that location, from a Banyan Tree, his ripped and torn body was hung. After the Indian Independence, in order to respect this heroic leader, a sttue of him was constructed at that very location. The place was called “Tilka Manjhi Chowk”.  

Sadguru Maharshi: Like the Saints named Kabir and Nanak, Lord Sadguru Mehi Paramhansji Maharaj was also a Sant. The excellence and flawlessness was achieved by him.

 

                                         HOW TO REACH BHAGALPUR

By air: The nearest air terminal is located in Patna, at a distance of 235 Kms from Bhagalpur. 

By road: Bhagalpur has excellent road linkages to other location of the state.

By rail: The Bhagalpur Junction is an archaic station.