Bihar Sharif

Easily reachable from other Indian cities, Bihar Sharif is located in the district of Nalanda, in the Indian state of Bihar. The word Bihar Sharif is also written as Biharsharif. It is also commonly known as Bihar. On the embankments of the Panchanan River, in the Hiranya Prabhat Parvat, the town of Bihar Sharif is located.

The land has been turned very productive and fertile due to the alluvial soil, which has been accumulated due to the presence of numerous rivers namely Dhoba, Panchanan and Goithva. The greater part of the economy of the place has been constituted by the agricultural and farming activities.

The presence of many a number of Muslim tombs have given the name Bihar Sharif. The tombs reflect the past significance of the location, which served as a place for Muslim pilgrims. The capital of the Pala Dynasty was in this town, during the 10th century. Due to this fact, one can observe many a number of archaic architectures belonging to that time phase, which includes a Gupta pillar dating back to the 5th century and also other numerous mosques and tombs, belonging to Muslim religion.

The relics of the Odantapuri University are present in the area located close to the town. It was a significant seat for Buddhist learning at one point of time. During the 13h century, Bakhtiyar Khilji, who was the Mughal Emperor’s local army chief, burnt this university.

The months between October and May are the best time to pay a visit to this place. 

                                   PLACES TO VISIT IN BIHAR SHARIF

Makhdum Shah Sharif-ud-din Mosque: A chief spot for the tourists to visit, Makhdum Shah Sharif-ud-din Mosque has been constructed in the year 1569. Makhdum-ul-Mulk is another name by which this mosque is known. In order to commemorate the death anniversary of saint, the regional Mohammedans pay a visit to the tomb.        

Jarasandha ka Akhara: Rajgir, which is situated in the district of Nalanda, contains Jarasandha ka Akhara. This location is especially renowned for being a Ranbhumi, which stands for the meaning, battlefield. The name of the location has been derived from the name of the Maghdan Emperor, Jarasandha. The fight between the two people namely Bhima and Jarasandha, a worshipper of Shiva, took place right on this location. However, Bhima won the battle and he killed Jarasandha during the fight. 

    

Odantapuri: Other names given to Odantapuri are Odantapura and Uddandapura. In the 7th century, Pala Dynasty’s leading emperor named Gopala discovered this place. The location functions as an eye opener for the Tibetan Buddhists and it is also a renowned location in order to gain knowledge about Buddhism. It is also believed that Sam Ye is the name of another monastery, which was constructed in the year 749 AD. It was constructed after getting influenced from the Odantapuri. Later on, this place was captured and controlled by the Khaji rulers. 

HOW TO REACH BIHAR SHARIF

By road: Numerous important cities namely Patna, Rajgir, Silao, Nalanda, Harnaut, Hilsa, Ranchi and many more, are linked to this town via roads. Many a number of buses are there for travelling to other major places, since the town is the district headquarters. 

By rail: On the train line, which links Bakhtiyarpur and Tilaiya through Rajgir, the town of Bihar Sharif is situated.

By air: The Patna Airport is the closest air terminal located to the town. Numerous flights to other principal cities of India are present in a daily basis.