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Bihar, the birthplace of Buddhism, is home to some of the most revered Buddha temples, each with a rich historical and spiritual importance. From the site of Buddha’s enlightenment to historical monasteries, the state offers a profoundly fulfilling experience for pilgrims and tourists alike. This journey across Buddha temples in Bihar connects you with Lord Buddha’s profound teachings while also allowing you to learn about the region’s rich cultural history. Whether you are a devout Buddhist or a history buff, these sacred spots in Bihar are bound to inspire and enlighten.
Top 8 Buddha Temples In Bihar
Buddha Temples in Bihar are the center attraction for any visitor, these ancient temples offer peace, solitude as well as historical insight into the state’s culture:
1. Mahabodhi Temple
Mahabodhi Temple, one of the most holy sites in Buddhism and the most popular temple in Bihar. It is believed to be the spot of the Buddha’s Enlightenment (Bodhi). The temple has been one of the most important pilgrimage destinations for Buddhists for over two thousand years. It is one of the oldest temples in Bihar. The original structure, later replaced, was built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka.
Timings: 7 AM – 5:30 PM
Location: Gaya, Bihar
Nearby Attractions: Bodh Gaya tree, Great Buddha Statue
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2. Giriyak Stupa
Photo: DiverDave / Wikimedia Commons
The Giriyak Stupa, also known as Jarasandha-ka-baithak (Jarasandha’s Throne), is an ancient cylindrical stupa found in Bihar’s Nalanda district. The stupa is now a cylindrical structure with a brickwork veneer on its walls. It measures 8.5 meters in diameter and 6.5 meters in height, with a square foundation that is 4.4 meters high. The stupa is now a cylindrical structure with a brickwork veneer on its walls.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Location: Rajgir Hills in Nalanda district of Bihar
Nearby Attractions: Giriyak Reservoir Cascade Aerator
3. Jivakarama Vihara
Photo: BPG / Wikimedia Commons
The Jivakarama vihara, also known as Jivaka Amravana vihara, Jivakambavana, or Jivakavanarama, is an ancient Buddhist monastery or vihara founded during the Buddha’s lifetime. The archeological evidence suggests that this vihara was built extremely early, most likely between 530 to 400 BCE. The initial monastery consisted of two long parallel and oblong halls, vast dormitories where the monks could eat and sleep, in accordance with the basic laws of the sangha, with no separate chambers.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Location: Rajagriha in Nalanda district
Nearby Attractions: Bimbisara’s jail, Venuvana Monastery, Gridakuta hill
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4. Kesariya Stupa
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta / Wikimedia Commons
Kesariya Stupa is one of the most famous temples in Bihar, due to its direct connection to Emperor Ashoka. Construction of the stupa at this location began in the third century BCE. Kesariya Stupa has a circumference of over 400 feet and a height of 104 feet. The original Kesariya stupa was most likely built around 250 BCE, around the time of Ashoka, as the remains of an Ashoka Pillar capital were discovered there.
Timings: 5 AM – 6 PM
Location: Kesariya, Tajpur Deur, Bihar
Nearby Attractions: Ashokan Pillar of Vaishali, Barabar Caves, Gurpa Hills
5. Lomas Rishi Caves
Photo: Photo Dharma / Wikimedia Commons
Lomas Rishi Cave, also known as the Grotto of Lomas Rishi, is one of the man-made Barabar Caves in the Barabar and Nagarjuni hills. It was constructed during the Mauryan Empire’s Ashokan period in the 3rd century BC as part of the holy architecture of the Ajivikas, an ancient religious and philosophical community in India that countered with Jainism and eventually went extinct.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Location: Barabar and Nagarjuni hills
Nearby Attractions: Sudama Cave, Falgu River, Nagarjuni Caves, Nalanda University Archaeological Complex, Vulture’s Peak
Suggested Read: Must-Visit Hill Stations Near Bihar For Your Next Adventure
6. Saptaparni Caves
Photo: BPG / Wikimedia Commons
One of the best temples in Bihar is the Sattapanni Caves. It is embedded in a hillside. The Saptaparni Cave is important in the Buddhist tradition because many believe it was the location where Buddha spent some time before his death and where the first Buddhist council was held after his death. It is here that a council of a few hundred monks decided to appoint Ananda, Buddha’s cousin, and Upali, Buddha’s companion, to compose Buddha’s teachings for the future generations.
Timings: 6 AM – 4 PM
Location: 2 km southwest from Rajgir, Bihar
Nearby Attractions: Pandu Pokhar, Rajgir Hot Springs, Ajatshatru Fort
7. Telhara Monastery
Photo: KashKarti / Wikimedia Commons
Telhara Monastery is one of the oldest temples in Bihar. It is a buddhist monastery that dates back to the 1st century. Mentions of the monastery can be found in the travelogs of Chinese monks including Xuanzang. An inscription discovered at Nalanda mentions a temple renovated by a man named Baladitya, a Jyavisa of Telaḍhaka who moved from Kaushambi, in the eleventh year of Mahipala Deva.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Location: Telhara, Nalanda district
Nearby Attractions: Ghora Katora Lake, Ajatashatru Stupa, Viswa Shanti Stupa
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8. Wat Thai Bodhgaya Temple
Photo: Photo Dharma / Wikimedia Commons
Wat Thai Bodhgaya, also known as the Thai Monastery, was erected in 1956 by Thailand’s government at the request of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to boost bilateral relations. The monastery was built with the goal of spreading Buddhist ideals across society. It is the only Thai temple in India. The location radiates peace and serenity, which makes it perfect for anyone seeking peace and a vacation from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Location: Bodh Gaya, Bihar
Nearby Attractions: Thai Monastery, Great Buddha Statue
A pilgrimage to Buddha temples in Bihar is both spiritual and culturally enlightening. These temples, steeped in history and peacefulness, give a deep connection to Lord Buddha’s teachings. Whether you’re meditating under the Bodhi Tree or exploring the ancient ruins of Nalanda, each temple and location offers a unique experience that fills you with calm and wisdom. Arrange accommodations and travel plans with TripXL and enjoy a smooth journey.
Cover Photo: Vamshi director / Wikimedia Commons
