CORRUPTION

WHAT IS CORRUPTION ?

ANY TYPE OF MISAPPROPRIATION SHOULD BE DEFINED AS CORRUPTION . OUR RELIGIOUS INSCRIPTION SAYS THAT MISAPPROPRIATION OF THOUGHT OR MENTAL BAD THINKING IN KALYUG IS NOT A SIN. BUT SHAPING THE SAME ON PHYSICAL EXPRESSION FOR SELF PROFIT END IS SINFUL AND CORRUPTION.

FOR EXAMPLE , IF ONE HAS KNOWLEDGE THAT AFTER JOINING A SERVICE HE IS ENTITLED TO TAKE FULLY PAID STUDY LEAVE FOR SPECIFIED PERIOD FOR WHICH ONE HAS AGREED TO RENDER HIS SERVICES FOR BLOCK OR PACKAGE OF THAT PERIOD BUT AFTER COMPLETING THE STUDY LEAVE MISAPPROPRIATION OF THOUGHT COMES TO PLAY INTO THE MIND AND HE GOES AWAY ON UNPAID LEAVE, THIS WILL BE CORRUPTION AND SIN. HE MAY CLAD AND COVER HIMSELF UNDER ANY KIND OF MAGIC SHOW. BUT GANDHIAN PHILOSOPHY, WHICH STRICTLY IS FOLLOWED FROM THE PHILOSOPHY OF RAM AND RAMAYAN AND ANNA HAS ALSO FULL FAITH IN IT, WILL NOT PARDON HIM. AND HE WILL BE CLASSIFIED AS CORRUPTED PERSON BECAUSE HE HAS NOT GIVEN ANY SERVICE TO THE INSTITUTION FOR THE MONEY TAKEN FROM IT.

Bhagalpur : Bihar - Behula / Jain Temple,Makbara of Said Abraham,Tilka Manghi Memorial

7. Bishari asthan Behula Temple- it is located in Nath nagar The temple of mahasati Behula is like Sawitry Satywan mythology in Magadh locality. Behul also got her husband return after his death by snake bite.So the site has gorgious festivity on the occasion of Nagpanchmi

8. Bhagwandas library- .The district level library is situated in Nayabazar mohala .It has large collection of novels of Hindi and Bengali writers ,besides books of other subjects of interest

9. The Jain Temple of Champa Nagar—Ahead of Nath nagar there is a wonderfully beautiful Jain temple at Champanagar. The temple is thoughrolly decorated with mirror which gives it a unique visits from other sites.

10. Makbara of Said Abraham—Said Abraham was governor of Bengal during the regime of Emperor Jahagir . He was husband of the sister of Empress Nurjahan. He was brave commander of The Mughal force and had won in many Battle fields. So the king had decorated him with title of ‘Fatah Jang”. His cemetory (Makbara) lies in Khanjarpur mohala The plinth of the makbara is 20’ high.It is 80’ wide.It has 5 domes One central dome is bigger than others.It has entrance from all four sides .It is spread over an area120’x120’.

11. SANDISH Compound—It is a big compound where various festivities are done, chief among them are independence day and republic day function and Rawan and Kumbh karan effigy burning during Dashhara.It is told that it was a big ditch. One collector of Bhagalpur whose name was Mr Sandish. While during his morning walk he started throwing debrises in it As a result other passerbys also did the same thing.Then an idea of filling it came under a systematic programme which resulted in outcome of a good useful compound .Now the name has been changed to Gandhi Maidan.

12 Tilka Manghi memorial—In struggle for independence our tribal parts in almost all part of the country have contributed their remarkable duties.In Bhagalpur area the reverence goes to Tilka Manjhi who organized the war of independence there. A big martyrs memorial has been erected with his statue to celebrate his memory on Tilka manjhi chock on one corner of Sandish compound and the mohala has also been named as Tilka Manjhi in his memory.

Chandi Asthan - Munger , Bihar

CHANDI / Chandika ASTHAN (MUNGER) 25:20”::86:35”

Continent-Asia

Country India

State Bihar

District-Munger

Distance from the national capital Delhi 1186km

Distance from the state capital Patna I75km

Pin code 811201

STD Code —06344

HASL 150”

River –The Ganges

Approach over the location—The site area is approachable by railways and roadways from the rest of the country. Munger railway station is connected by Jamalpur Junction on Kiul –Sahebganj loop line of the Eastern railway NH 31 from Patna ,then joining NH 28 at Mokama-Hashdiah leads to Munger on junction of NH 80 via Lakhisarai.

Language—Hindi,Magahi and Angika.

Lodging—Middle class hotels ,rest houses inspection bunglows Dharam salas and railway retiring rooms are available for stay.

FOOD-Rice-pulse,sabjee,bhujia, chapatti(bread) etc –along with non veg preparations of fish-mutton,chicken,egg etc are available as common meal in the market.Kachauri ,jalebi and singharas are common breakfast' snacks.

DRINK-Sweet water is availale for drinking purposes along with other soft and hard drinks.

Local transport-All types of local transport are available.Such as cycle rickshaw,auto rickshaws,tam tams jeeps and mini bushes.

About the site –The site is a pious place for Hindu devotees of mother Parwati.It is situated in Munger township itself. After getting at Munger railway station or Bus stand one can walk down to the site in half an hour or take cycle rickshaw or auto rickshaw and reach the site. It is an eye ball of gold and silver studded in a statue head representing mother Parwati.

Mythology goes that one eye ball of mother Sati dropped here out of destroyed and burnt dead body of Sati in hawan kund of Yaksh which was being taken by Shiva in the sky on his shoulder. This got that place empowered for that portion. This way one who worships at this place is cured from eye troubles,besides other blessings of physical and menial enrichment.

The original worshipping place is a cave.A large inverted karah(cauldron) shaped stone structure has developed here. According to local say there was a king named Karan(whether of Mahabharat is still debatable) who was devotee of mother Chandi. He used to sacrifice himself by plunging in hot boiling oil in the karah. Mother Chand pleased by his devotional sacrifice used to make him alive as well as give him gold worth his weight.

Which he dotated among poors of the area. This is called Karan chaura. Now a days it is overlapped by internat

ional Yoga university

FESTIVE PERIODS—Besides day to day worships and a bit special on Tuesday and Saturday Nawratra Durga puja and Chait nawmi (Ram nawmi) are main festivity of the

site.

VISITING PERIOD—All twelve month

OTHER NEAR ABOUT SITES – 1. Sita kund(hot spring) It is wonder site in

the sense that although it is hot spring but it becomes cold on full moon day .

2. Munger fort

3. Exsit temple of Hanuman with Ram and Lakshman on his shoulder from the bonds of Ahiravan in patal loke

4 Kast harni ghat of the Ganges

5. Yoga sansthan etc

Precaution –Naxal affected area

Guide—District information office may be contacted for recent details

Remarks—Attached with other heritage the site has good prospect of further development Medical facility of moderate standard is available at Munger.

Badgaon Suntemple Nalanda

BADGAON SUN TEMPLE

NALANDA 25:16”::85:30”

Continent-Asia

Country -India

State- Bihar

Dist- Nalanda

Distance from the national capital Delhi-1101km

Distance from the state capital Patna-90 km

Pin code- 803111

STD Code-6112

HASL 160”

River-Pariar

Approach-

Language-

Lodging-

Food-

Drink-,

Local transport-, q .v.Nalanda

ABOUT THE SITE—The site is one among among the several sun temples where famous Chath festival is celebrated with gaity and confirmed faith from very old days.The sun temple at Badgawnvillage is at about 2km north of Nalanda.

There is a sun pond for arghya performance It is said that leprosy and skin diseases are cured by taking bath in the pond during Chath.

OTHER SITE-Remnants of Nalanda andRajgir in nearby

FESTIVITY-Besides day today worship and special worship on Sunday and Chath is popular festivity of the site.

PRECAUTION—Naxal affected area

BELAUR SUN TEMPLE - Ara , Bihar

BELAUR SUN TEMPLE UDWANT NAGAR

ARA BHOJPUR 25:30'::84:45'

Continent Asia

Country India

State Bihar

District Ara

Distance from the national capital Delhi 965 km

Distance from the state capital Patna 76 km

Pin code 802 210

STD code

HASL 200'

River Pun Pun/Son

Approach—The site area is approachable by roadways as well as railways by covering a distance of about 15 km from Ara the district head quarters,which is well connected with rest of the country.

Language-, Lodging-,Food-,Drink-,Transport -,q .v.Aranya devi Ara

ABOUT THE SITE—The site is a beautiful and eye catching Sun temple. With a very big statue of Sun god Being nearer to river Punpun and Son canal festival of Chath worship gives special significance to the place.

OTHER SITE—1. Aranya devi temle and other site like 2. Jain temles 3. Kuvar singh native house at Jagdispur 4. Other -Durga andHanuman temples at Ara

Bhitiharwa Ashram - W.Champaran , Bihar

Bhitiharwa Ashram Bettiah (WEST CHAMPARAN) 

Continent Asia 

Country-India 

State –Bihar 

District -Betiah

Distance from national capital Delhi 1000km 

Distance from state capital Patna-312km 

Pin code 845438

STD Code 6284

 HASL 

River

Approach-,Language-,Lodging-,Food-,Drink-,Local transport-,q. v.Hazarimal Dharamsala Betiah

About the site—The site is important place in BIHAR ,because Mahatma Gandhi stayed here along with his wife Kasturba Gandhi during freedom fighting movement .Bhitiharwa is a village in Gaunaha block of West Champaran district.Freedom movement started by Gandhi later on came to be known as 'Champaran Satyagraha' in the Indian history.

It was decided to preserve this  place and articles used by Mahatma Gandhi and develop it as tourist place.

BAKHORAPUR KALI TEMPLE, ARA - Bihar

BAKHORAPUR KALI TEMPLE ARRA

Continent-Asia

Country-India

State-Bihar

District -Bhojpur(Arra)

Distance from country capital Delhi-975 km

Distance from state capital Patna 80km

Pin Code 802301

STD Code 06182

HASL

River

Approach –The site is approachable by road from Arra the dist heaquarter. Arra is connected by road and railways from rest of the country

Language-,Lodging-,Fooding-,Drink-,Local Transport—q.v. Arranya devi Ara

ABOUT THE SITE—The site is a KALI Temple establishment at about 25 kms SE of Ara .The premises is spread over in an area of about 100 acres.There are three gates to reach the garvgrih of the temple. The first magnificient gate inviting entry is about 60’ high Second gate lead s to the temple platform The third gate gives entry to the temple garvgrih after rising a few steps. Local say and few records show that this site existed since 1862AD. The temple was very ordinary.There was a high land which was used by local people as Akhara in Chait nawmi.The village used to suffer from different ailments. But in 1948 a dream came to a local priest. He was commanded to clean the premises and establishaKali temple there.He told the villagers.They also endorsed the idea all combined and Kali temple with 9 Durga pindis was established.The worship gave colour to the establishment.Villagers were freed from ailments and diseases.Those who were much benefited donated much to it.

Present grown up shape of the premises came in 1999 .It has its own rest shelters to stay school for children etc.

FESTIVITY—Besides day to day worship Chait Ram navmi and navratra Durga puja is the main festival celebration at the site.

BANGALAMUKHI MATA : MUZAFFARPUR - Bihar

BANGALAMUKHI MATA : MUZAFFARPUR

Continent Asia

Country India

State Bihar

Distance from country capital Delhi-1013 km

Distance from state capital Patna-75 km

Pin code 842001

STD Code 0621

HASL 112’

River –Burhi Gandak Bagmati

Approach-,Language-,Lodging-,Fooding

Drink-,Local transport-,qv-Garib nath Muzafarpur

ABOUT THE SITE—The site is Durga temple in Bengali tola of Muzafarpur.The Speciality is that mother Durga is generally worshipped as Ast bhuji mata ,but here she is worshipped as dusbhuji (ten handed) mata.

Remarks—Site of local importance .

BHAIRO OF GAYA - Bihar

BHAIRO OF GAYA

Continent—Asia

Country-India

State-Bihar

Dist-Gaya

Distance from national capital Delhi—1010km

Distance from state capital Patna-96km

Pin code 823001

STD Code o631

HASL500

River site- Falgu

Approach-, Language-,Lodging-,Food -,

Drink-,and Local transport-q.v-Gaya

About the site –The site is a temple of Kapal kal Bhairo. The temple premises was spreading over in an area of 5 acres. But now it is in small area.The well in the SE corner of the temple certifies it to be of higher tantrik place.Besides it there are remnants artistic stone sculpture there. Important among them is Sidhak Pavan Yantra.

The site is situated in Akash ganga area on Godawari road on the foot hills Godawari Pahari, a lower part of the famous Brahmjoni hill. Among 24 religious sectors of Gaya this Bhairo asthan region is in Godawari Kashi khand sector.

There are eight forms of tantras which are expressed here at this place.The Rudrak pal Sadhana has also connection with Bhairo hill of Ujjain.

FESTIVITY—Marg shirs (Magh Krishna asthami is celebrated as main Bhairo jayanti. Besides it Vishnupad darsan on Sunday and Mangala gauri worship on Tuesday attracts the devotees to Kal Bhairo also.

Bhasmi Devi Temple - Muzaffarpur : Minapur

BHASMI DEVI TEMPLE 26 :30:: 85 15 Minapur

Continent Asia

Country India

State Bihar

District –Muzaffarpur , Minapur

Distance from the national capital Delhi-1033km

Distance from the stats capital—Patna—95 km

Pin code 843128

STD 0621(Muzaffarpur)

HASL112”

River—Gandak

Approach over the location—The area under description is approachable by road as well as railways. It is about 20 kms from the district head quarter Muzaffarpur.

Language—Hindi and Maithili.

Lodging--Small rest shelters at Minapur, Middle class hotel rest houses tourist bungalows and inspection bunglows,lodges and dharamsalas at Muzaffarpur.

Food—Bihari style rice pulse sabji,bhunjia chura dahi at local hotels and mixedIndian style at Muzaffarpur.

Drink—Sweetwater is available for drnking purposes Bottled and branded drinks are also available at

Muzaffarpur Local Transport --Cycle rickshaws auto ricksaws jeep tracker and horse carts are main local conveyance.

About the site---The site is temple of goddess sati or Durga as sub power spot,It is said that right cheek of Sati Burnt body fell down here after it was cut into pieces by Sudarsan chakra of Lord Vishnu.

The Temple premises have its own Garden and is by the side of the Gandak river on Muzaffarpur Motihari road NH28 Till1957 killing of goat was an important feature of worship at the temple. But now worship is done by sweets and flowers.The statue of marble in the temple is said to be found by a trader in river flood who later got it established in the temple .

Other site –Scenic view of the bank of river Gandak

Festivity—Winter and summer navratra Durga puja.

Precaution –General precaution of roady affected area.

Guide—District information office

Remarks—General visiting place for local tourists and devoti worshippers

Baba Ji Ki Kuti - Bangaon, Saharsa

BABAJI KI KUTI BANGAON SAHARSA

25 50:: 86 30”

Continent Asia

Country India

State Bihar

District Saharsa

Distance from the national capital Delhi—857+435=1292km

Distance from the state capital Patna—75 km

Pin code 852201

STD Code—6478

HASL-150

Nearest River—Tilatar(branch of Sapt Kosi)

Approach over the location---The site is located 9 km west of Saharsa . Saharsa is connected with railways and roadways from rest of the country One has to take up local

time bound buses or mini buses or auto rickshaw to reach the site

Language—Hindi and Mathili.

Lodging--Middle class hotel and dharmasalas rest houses ,lodges,and a few retiring bunglows are available at Sarhsa Food—Rice pulse subjee, chura dahi Satu Jhal morhi, fish etc are met at Saharsa as main food ingredient. Besides, variety of snacks and sweets and non veg are also available.

Drink—Sweet water is available for drinking purposes. Other vriety of soft drink can be had on requirement.

Local transport—Auto rickshaw ,cycle rickshaw,time bound mini buses and tam tams are main local conveyance.

ABOUT THE SITE—The sit is a local heritage of Saharsa dist.It is an ashram of late saint Lakshminath He was born in Parsarma village.in 1793. He was vested with occult heavenly powers which he utilised in social services and God devotion. He was supposed to be reincarnation of saint Parsuram. The temple at Bangaun has statue of saint Lakshminath, his walking stick ,wooden foot wear (Kharaun) his bedding etc. These articles are worshipped by local people as remnants and signs of God.

Festivity—Mainly mundane and ygyo-paweit ceremonies with daily prayers of God

Bihar Sharif - Nalanda : Bari / Chhoti Dargah

BIHAR SHARIF, NALANDA 25;10;;8530’

Continent-Asia

Country-India

State-Bihar

District—Nalanda

Distance from national capital Delhi 1290 km

Distance from the state capital Patna 79km

Pin code-803101

STD Code 6112

HASL 400’

River –Paimar

Approach over the location—The area under description is head quarter of Nalanda district .It is well connected with roadways and railways from rest of the country.

Language—Hindi and Magahi

Lodging-Middle class hotels, Inspection bunglow, Rest houses,Lodges ,Dharamsalas and roadways motels are available.

Food-Bihar style food rice pulse ,sabji chapatti,etc all are available. Special food like Pulaow,Biryani,Kabab etc along with fish and other variety of veg and non-veg preparation are also available.

Drink-Sweet water is available for drinking .But in summer season ,there is difficulty as usual. Local as well as branded and bottled drinks are also available.

Local transport—Cycle rickshaw,auto rickshaw,mini buses,Jeep trackers and horse carts (Tanga) are main local conveyance.

AOUT THE SITE—The site area is situated on NH31. It is 30km south of Bakhtiarpur and 11km north of Rajgir. It has remained place ofIbadats of sufi saints. Their memorials in form of makbaras and dargah still exist in the city.Few impont among them are as below—

1.Bari dargah—It is situated by the side of the river on the hill slope.It is the mazar of Mokhdum Shah Sharif ud-din, also called Makhdum-ul-Mulk, on whos

e name the city derives its name.It was built in 1569. He died in 1379. His yearly festival the Urs is celebrated on 5^th of Shrawan month.

2.Choti Dargah—It is situated in Amber mohala of Bihasharif. It is an old and very big tomb of Makhdum Sultan Saiad Shah Ahmad Charampos Tang Barhana Rahmatulah Allaih He was an important saint of the 13^th century. He was born in 1236 and died in1335 . A few stories of his occult power is still famous in the area. One is while he was on tour of Tibet he was tried to be disturbed by locals there Then he simply raised his one finger. The chief of that group fell down So he was Teg Barhana(sword out of sord

bag). He always used to wear a skin of goat, so named Charampos. He is ranked to a very high order among other Sufi saints and Auliahs

3. TOMB OF BADRUDIN BADAR ALAM---It is situated near Bari dargah.

4. TOMB OF IBRAHIMBAYAYU—It is Situated1km north of town on the Quartzite hill or the Hiranya Parwat Saint Malli IBRAHM BAYU died here in 1353. It is under the security monument of ASI

OTHER SITES—DURGA and Ram temple and Hanumanmandir in the main market

Festive season—Urs mela, Navratri and Ramnawmi

Visiting period---Approachable all 12 months

Guide –District information office and Tourist centre.

Precaution—Nalanda district is naxal affected so general precaution is to be taken

Remark --

Babhandei Pokhar - Basopati , Madhubani - Bihar

BABHANDEI POKHAR 26;32’;;85;55

BASOPATI(MADHUBANI)

Continent Asia

Country India

State-Bihar

Distance from the national capital Delhi-1205km

Distance from the state capital Patna 177km

Pin code 847001

STD code 6276

HASL 150’

River Kamala

Climate Tropical

Approach---The site area is approachable by road from Madhubani at a distance of about 30km towards north.

Language---Hindi and Maithili

Lodging -Rest shelter at Basopati ,Middle class , hotels inspection bunglows and dharamsalas and rest houses and different type of lodges at Madhubani.

Food—North Bihar style Chura dahi(Curd, rice pulse ,sabji fish etc with variety of other veg and nonveg preparations .

Drink—Sweet water available for drinking purposes with other bottled and branded drinks.

Local transport-- Cycle rickshaw ,auto rickshaw, mini buses,jeep treckers,horse carts, buffalow carts,are main local conveyance at Madhubani and Basopati township.

About the site—The site is a lake spread over an area of about 6 acres. It is said that it was dug by some demon in one night . Formerly it was a good tourism place and good for bathing and boating,but now a days it has gone diminished and decayed.

Festivity—Chath puja

Other site-Kalyaneshwar Temple Kalna

Precaution—General precaution

Guide—District information office

Remarks—Local picnic spot.

Bideshwar Asthan - Madhubani , Bihar

BIDESHWAR ASTHAN

Lahana raj Madhubani 26:15’:: 86:05

Coninent—Asia.

Country—India.

State-Bihar

District—Madhubani

Distance from national capital Delhi 1195

Distance from state capital Patna-167km.

Pin code 847011

STD Code 6276

HASL 150’

River—Balan

Approach---The site area has approach by road as well as by railways. The nearest railway station is Lohana road. It is south of NH 57 and west of Jhanjharpur (Lohna Mauze no. 156)

Language –

Lodging-

Food-

Drink

and Local transport –q.v

Girijaasthan

ABOUT THE SITE—The site is a very old place of worship of lord Shiva. Statue of five gods of the 10^th century and a statue of lord Vishnu was also found. Besides, statue of lord Budha of 12th century was also found here in earth touching pose

Festival—Mahashivratri the festival of Shivarchana

Other site—Ugna Shiv temple near Sakri

Guide –District information office

Remark—Local tourist pilgrimage

Shopping—Madhubani painting and handicraft

Biratpur Chandiasthan - Sonbarsa - Saharsa, Bihar

BIRATPUR ,CHANDIASTHAN

SONBARSA RAJ 25:40 :: 86:45

Continent—Asia

Country—India

State---Bihar

Dist—Saharsa

Distance from the Country capital Delhi -900km

Distance from the state capital Patna—295km

Pin code—852129

STD code 6478

HASL--120

River—Kosi

Approach---The area can be approached by railways and road.The nearest railway station is Semri Bakhtiarpur on Muzafarpur Darbhanga Saharsa railway line.

Language—Hindi and Maithili  

Lodging - Middle class hotel,rest houses and inspection bunglows at Saharsa or old rest houses and Dharamsalas at Sonbarsaraj

Food—Indian Bihari style rice ,pulse sabji , chapatti, chokha and maithil style Chura dahi(curd) with sabji or bhujia Fish is easily available non veg . preparation of the area

DRINK—Drinking water is available but not so sweet.Other bottled drinks also available.

Local Transport-Cycle rickshaw , auto rickshaws and horse carts are main local conveyance

ABOUT THE SITE----The site under description is a temple of Chandimata or Chinmastika in Biratpur of Sonbarsa Raj Historically the temple is 300 years old. It was made by Pran devi of king Pran Singh of Jalseema. Temple of Katyaini at Dhamhara ghat and Tarasthan temple Mahisiare at equal distance from this place There are seven ponds around this temple .It is said that they werw dug by demon who tried to marry goddess chandi Chinmastika but could not do so because the ponds could not be completely dug before the sun rise in the morning.There is a small kund by the side of the temple .Water powered by hundreds of devotis daily flows down to the kund andit is absorbed there without overflowing.

OTHER SITES—The name of the region Biratpur bears relation with king Birat of Matasya pradesh , where pandwas remained during the periods of their exile in disguise.This is the place where Kichak brother-in-law of Birat was murdered by Bhim, bcause of trying abduction of Dropadi. It is substantiated by the fact that a horse jin (lagam) of 60kg and one foot wear of about 15 hand ie about 18ft length was found during an excavation near the place. Not only that abnormally long size bricks and stone slabs were also found during the excavation. Stone plate memorials of Kichak and Pandawas are seen at bit distance from the temple place near Jalseema.No body could grab these land pieces till now.

2 GARH BAZAR—This earthen hillock is at few distance from Biratpur. Seeing the height of the hillock from the ground level it transpires that here must have been palace of some king.

FESTIVITY---Tuesday is the festive day of the temple, when Bairagan worship is done by cutting Patha(goat) Previously it was done by killing Para(small baisan) Sweets and flowers are also used in worship of the deity So this worship is mixed of mantric and tantrik .Pure tantrik worship is done during Navratra.

Visiting period—All twelve month.

Guide—District information office may be contacted.

Remarks—A place of local tourist interest and for those who are interested in research over pre-historic stories of Mahabharat.

BHIMBANDH - Jamui Bihar

BHIM BANDH 25:07’:: 86 15’

Lakshmipur Jamui

Continent—Asia

Country—India

State---Bihar

Distance from the country capital Delhi –1087km.

Distance from the state capital Patna—150km

Pin code-811307

STD Code—6345.

HASL 326’

River—Dadua

Approach over the location----56 km from Munger, 20 km from Jamui Railway Station and 200 km from Patna Airport. The site is 15 km away from Lakshmipore block in Jamui district which is about 22km from Jamui. Jamui lies on main railway line from Delhi to Howrha, connecting the site from rest of the country.

Language—Hindi and Magahi Lodging---Rest house and dakbunglow at site. Dakbunglow at Lakshmipore Middle class hotels and inspection bunglows at Jamui

Food----Indian style rice pulse sabjee with veg and non veg preparation with snacks and sweets available at Lakshmipore , but not at site.

Drink –Sweet water is available for drinking purposes at the site from stream flows at the normal temp.

Local transport –There is nothing like local transport on the site . One has to arrange their own transport or hire a cycle rickshaw or reserve an auto rickshaw or jeep from 15 kms away from Lakshmipore

ABOUT THE SITE---While during Mahabharat period, after being defeated by Kaurvas in chaupad / chess the Pandvas had to live in unknown places and in disguise at several places in jungle .This site Bhimbandh is one of such places. There are big stone slabs near hot spring stream.It appears as if somebody has kept these slabs to cross the stream.But hear say is that Pandawas while in disguised period helped the villagers by damming a stream which was flowing with high velocity. Bhim being physically most capable the dam was named after his name.These stone slabs are remnant of the same dam. Presently it is known for its hot spring It was called green forest in 7^th century AD. as mentioned by Huensang in his tour diary. It is situated between the Kharagpur hills of Munger and hills of Jamui The Kharagpur hills have been notified as Bhimbhandh forest life sanctuary since 1976.The site under mention has hot springs at 6 places,namely

• 1 Bhimbandh
• 2 Rishi kund
• 3 Rameshwar kund
• 4 Sringi rishi kund
• 5 Hingania and
• 6 Bharari stream

Out of these Bhimbandh has display of hottest tempratures from 55 to 72 centigrade To ease the difficulty of tourists for taking hot water bath three tanks have been constructed to get the water warmer and cooler .These tanks hav been named Gandhi, Manas and Bhim sarovar.

Another warm water stream worth taking bath in natural state is in near by area called Rajaindhara. There is a temple of lord Shiva to satisfy the religious need of visitors. Ahead but nearby the temple in NE corner several hot springs are seen coming out from orifices in the earth attracts the tourists to visit the area twice .

Other sites –

1. Sawa lakh baba is another site between Lakshmipore and Bhimbandh. A deity who is worshiped by local Kora,Rai,and Khaira,Naia,Hansda, Hembram and Murmu etc scheduled tribes

2. Morbana hill—National bird peacock is seen here in open field

3. Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary -One can see here birds coming out from their eggs Thirsty animals drinking water by the side of the fountain. They may be Leopard,Bear,Sambher,Dear,Fox,Monkey,Rabbit,Crocodile,Cobra,Forest hen etc.

Visiting period and festivity—Suitable visiting period is from 15^th oct to 28thFeb. Festivities are on 1^st January for picnic and hot water bath by local and other distant visitor.

Precaution—Naxal and Malaria affected area

Guide—District information office may be contacted

Remarks--- It has potential to grow up as health resort provided law and order is improved

BOUNSI - MANDAR HILL : Banka , Bihar

MANDAR HILL - BOUNSI ( Balisa Nagar) 24:45”::87:05”

Continent –Asia.

Country—India

State—Bihar

District—Banka

Distance from country capital Delhi—1320 km

Distance from the state capital Patna—295 km

Pin code 813104

STD code –6424 (Banka)

HASL—1700”

River—Chandan.

Approach—The site is a terminal station of BHAGALPUR—MANDAR HILL railway line.It can be approached by road by buses running between Bhagalpur and Hasdiha.

Language-Hindi and Angika

Lodging – Stay places like small hotel Dharamsala and Inspection bungalow

etc are available

Food- Continental style rice pulse sabjee with maithil style Chura and Dahi are easily met with with varity of other preparations.

Drink—Sweet water is available for drinking purposes along with other bottled

and branded drinks.

Local Transport- Auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are main local conveyance.

About the site---The site is important from religious as well as geographical point of view. As imagined in the hindu religion philosophy originally this place was part of sea and this was the place where Lord Vishnu used to rest under the sea on the floating bed of Sheshnag. As the story goes in Markandey Puran or Durga sapt sati.Two demons Madhu and Katav were born out of ear . Now this place is of pilgrimage and worship..

Another case of mythological or pauranic story is the physical presence of Vishnu. These demons started harassing Brahama and other gods.They all went to Vishnu and prayed for destruction of Madhu and Katav .There was no difficulty in winning over to Katav. But Madhu was magic wizard who even after getting his neck cut used to harass smaller gods.

So lord Vishnu meditated to call a hill body called Mandar hill. After martially defeating Madhu the lord pressed his body with Mandar hill.Thus he became “Madhusudan” and Mandar hill near Baunsi bec of a big conch (Sankh) in a tank on the geographical profile on top of the Mandar hill. Although king Bali belonged to demon dynasty but his nature and behaviour were good to others . His bravery and alms donation were loved by the supreme god too. As religious stories go deities of human be-

ing becomes envious to such persons.So became the case with king Bali He

was instigated with the idea of becoming immortal like deities by drinking nectar which will come out of sea after churning these a Brave but simple demon king was convinced with cheating idea of deities . It was decided Bali will drink nectar to become immortal and other gems and valuables will be taken and distributed among deities . Mandarachal hill was only hill at that time suitable to churn the sea up to the bottom .So both the parties went there and tried to uproot it and bring it into the sea for that purpose.But they utterly failed, what to say of uprooting. They could not even got it displaced for a length of needle point.Then both the parties jointly prayed Lord Vishnu to fulfil their desire.Then almighty”s driver egale (Garur) of the chariot of almighty was sent to Mandar . It got the hill on his seat and brought it to the sea. Similarly snake Basuki was made rope .It was caught in one side by the deities on one side end by demons Thus by to and fro movements of both the parties the churning of the sea was done .As such following fourteen gems were found , namely

• Kamdhenu cow
• Uchaisharwa horse
• Erawat elephant
• Kaustiuve money
• Kalpadrum
• Rambha apsara
• Varuni virgin
• Parijat tree
• Moon
• Lakshmi
• Wine
• Nectar
• Poison
• Conch

Agglomeratic amigdoidal and conglomeratic depositional interface of geological stratification is seen around Mandar hill. It is told that it is marking of the ventral portion of the Basuki nag(snake) Nectar was not given to the demon king .Poison was taken by lord Shiva up to his neck through the conch which is still lying on the top of the Mandar hill. So it became blue and his name” Neel kanth”

Kaustuve money and Lakshmi was taken by Vishnu himself .

Moon was seated on the head hair of Shiva. Rambha and Varuni were taken by Indra Similarly other articles were taken by other gods according to their rank and strength. As per desire of Mandar hill Lord Vishnu got seated the Mandar hill top in form of Madhusudan Mention of this story comes in Vishnu puran and Bhagwat puran and the Mahabharat------

Mandaram shikharam dristwa ; Dristwa wa Madhusudanam .

Kamdhenu Mukhan drstwa ‘ Punar janm na Vidyate .

And

Chir –Chandanya madhe , Mandaro nam parwate, Tasya Rohan matrna,

Naro narayna bhawet (Vishnu puran)

Chiptwa Shirodadhan sarwa birutirn Tausadhi,

Mamtheram Mandaram kritwa netramkritwa Basuteim.Simadad Bhagawat Asthan (Bhagwat 6^th chapter)

RECENT HISTORICAL ASPECT--------An Afgan sardar Daud khan was ruler of Bengal in 1573 AD His chief commandant was Kala pahar a hindu convert.Kalapahar started harming and demolishing hindu religious places. Religious places of Barisnagar now Baunsi were also demolished between 1573 and 1600. There were about 26 temples on the Mandar hill.The remnants of these are still seen.

According to Yudh puran –There was a city near Mandar hill. Older stor

ies and folk songs mention that about 2200 years before there was a big city near Mandar. It had 88 ponds,53 roads and 52 markets. This city not other than Balish nagar with lapses of time now known as Baunsi.

As per mention in historical and pre historical literature and imagination there on out of numerous remnant ponds of Barish nagar now Baunsi most important is thePushkarani or Papharni pond situated in southern basal hill slope of Mandar hill. According to Rakhal Das Banerjee historian and archeologist this tank was built by wife of king Aditya Sen named Kon Devi.in 7^th A.D. The easiest way to rise over the hill is from near this pond. Steps have been made by breaking and carving the stones. It was during the time of some budhist king named Ugra bhairo as per the stone inscriptions there.The height of the hill is 700’ from the ground level.It is spread over in a radius of 2km area. Encircled by Ajgaibinath in north, Jathoranath in west and Baba baid nath in south it is call

ed triling region. The hill seen from a distance from west to east the blakish profile of the hill provides 7 steps of plateau like rock masses rising from basal platform to the topmost peak , where it is seen standing vertically as single mass of granitic rock at an angle of about 45 degree from the ground rising over the hill through the stone carved steps tourists, visitors or worshipers come across

1. Eight handed Headless Kali or Durga statue
2. Ahead of this is a statue of Sun on a sun pillar
3. Rising above it is three mouth Maha kal bhairo ten hand big statue
4. Rising above there is a statue of lord Ganesh.
5. Rising above is found a small statue of Sarswati
6. Inscripted stone slabs---It is near the statue of Kal Bhairo by side of the rising steps .Each line of the script is 3”long
7. A Plaw(Hal ) sign on the top of the Sarswati statue is supposed to be of Balrram instrument of fight besides learning with agriculture.
8. Two amigdoidal structure of rocks of about 1.5”in length. It is few feet ahead of the statue of Sarswati and is supposed to be print venntral part of snake Basuki after churning of the ocean.
9. Trisira temple Rising ahead is remnants of few temples and a broken statue of three headed Mahakal vairo locally called and trisira (three head) temple
10. Sita kund –Taking further rise the ridding slope takes aturn an angle of about 38 degree and the rise is more vertical. Two inscriptions of rocks are met with here .They are in four lines and clear.Their mention in the book “Corpus Inscriptus Indicaram Vol 111 by sri J F Float is met with This region is above the waist (Kati Prades)of the hill or half rise i .e about 300”After scaling the height and reaching over the flatter region big tank is seen which is called SitaKund . It is said that some times in pre-historic time Sita ji took bath in this pond while on to
11. ur to Mandar hill.
12. Engraved statue of lord Vishnu with Lakshmi on foot press and resting on snake bed and snake hood cover is seen on the right bank of of Sita kund. Indicating progressive stone art in prehistoric time
13. Gaya kund---Ahead of Sita kund and by the side of the foot path there is another pond called Gaya kund It is said that Sri Ram Chandra did shradh ceremony of his ancestors here. Besides it there are remnant of few demolished buildings.
14. Narsigh store –Ithas ever burning havankund
15. Statue of head of demon Madhu—Moving ahead towards Narsingh cave a big statue of head is found behind a tree which is called statue of demon Madhu
16. Narsingh cave—By the side of this one has to enter a tunnel in which bright shining on a stone is seen on a stone platform is the sign of god Narsingh.
17. Patal kund---Rising ahead above on the steps through the cave a tunnel like water reservoir is met with which has unending bottom. So this is called Patal kund .
18. Sankh kund—(Conch pond)—Rising above this a pond is met with in shape of a conch sankh or mollusk. There is a big stone cut conch at the bottom The weight of the conch is about 600 maunds ie about 6225 kg . During the dry spell of 1920-25and 1985 when the pond got completely dried the gigantic conch was seen by the people. It said that Lord Shiva took the halahal poison received by churning the sea by this conch keeping the effect upto his neck causing neck becoming blue and his one name becoming Nil kanth. It is also conjectured that it may be the conch of Lord Vishnu which is called Panch janya conch.
19. Kamakhya Yoni kund—This kund happens to be situated on one of the two ways for scaling further more height of the hill. It is a slot of about 5’ diameter. This is always covered by vermilion flower and akhat(rice). Saints say that meditation for sidhi of Kamakhya is done here by the devotees . It is also said that sri Ram Chandra ji also stayed near by this place when he came to visit Mandar
20. Two statues of Bajrang bali—On rising ahead on way is seen one big and one small statues of Hanuman is seen with vermilion cot .
21. Yagya shala—After crossing jungle and rising bit above a Ygya sala is met
22. Cave of Sukdeo muni –It is situated south of Ygya sala on difficult rising route Entry into the cave gives peculiar type of filling.
23. Statue of Kaliyug – There was statue of Kaliyug here (Dr Choudhary Mandar paricharcha1956) which was hit by stone by every visitor
24. Ram jharokha(window)It is situated on rise ahead in agnicone (SE) A full platform like celing is called Ram jharokha or the window of Ram
25. Vishnu’s foot print –It is a stone slab as studied and described by Buchanan it has foot print of lord Vishnu
26. Temple of Lakshmi and Sarswati with their foot prints –These are by the side of Ram jharokha on top of the hill.

Other site ---

• Madhusudan temple of Baunsi - It was built by a land lord Rup Narayan Deo in 18^th century AD . The statue of lord Madhusudan or Vishnu which was formerly on the top of the hill is now established in this temple in Pathak tola of the town. It was perhaps done after the destruction works done by Kalapahar
• Mandar Vidyapith –It is situated in the eastern side of the foot hill of the Mandar hill
• Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Stay platform –It is also situated near Vidyapith. It is said that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu while on way to Gaya in 1505 was indisposed and stayed here for three days and got cured. There is a marble plate inscribed like --Kalabya SarsunyaSatre Nigme, Mandar Namachale Sri Chaitanye Dayanidhe:Padyugm Bhakt Charchitam Sambhawe
• Remains of Lakh Dipa temple—It is in north of the Vidyapith It still preserves signs of hundreds of wall cavities for burning lamps(diya)
• Kapila Cow –A stone statue of cow and calf is near by it
• Nath temple –A stone temple of Shiv and Vishnu with few big rooms . Now property of Mandar Vidyapith
• Another Madhusudan Mathh –At the time of rath yatra lord Madhusudan is brought on elephant and after taking bath in the puskarni kund He is worshiped at this mathh .

FESTIVE SEASON AND VISITING PERIOD—Makar Sankratri,Rath yatra, Janmastmi and Durga puja are main festive periods to enjoy the visit. But one can easily reach here preferably in winter season and enjoy the occult pilgrimage.

But on the occasion of Makar sankrantri Fair one can enjoy eating Ladua (a local Sweet prepared with combination of powder of wheat and rice) lassi and khichree.

Precaution—General precaution of travelling on hilly terrain has to be taken. Besides it the area is partially affected by naxalites

Guide---District tourism and information office may be contacted.

Shopping---Sweets, stone and wooden articles of decoration and domestic use are available in Makar fair

Currency—Rupee is main currency

Remarks for future prospect—Being situated on state highway connecting Bihar and Jharkhand and on line with path way to Baidyanathdham( Deoghar) the area has enormous prospects of future development.

Bodh Gaya - Bihar : Thai/Tibetan Temple,Animesh Lochan

BODH GAYA----24:10::85:0”

Continent-Asia.

Country-India.

State-Bihar

Distance from the country capital - 995 km

Distance from the state capital Patna-110kms

Pincode 824231

STD code-0631(Gaya)

HASL 500”

Nearest riverside---Falgu

Approach over location The site under description is about about 12 to 15 kms from Gaya. Gaya is

well connected with rodways and railways from rest of the country.

Air route---General air route is up to Patna via Delhi and Kolkata. After

that one has to travel by road or railways The site being international tourist place facilities of landing and take up of chartered planes have been made at aerodrome at Gaya

Language—Hindi and Magahi is commonly spoken languae in the area

Lodging- A number of hotels of tourism department like Budh bihar Sujata Anand bihar are there with Europian and Asian facility. Besides, Dharamshalas and lodges are there to suit different categories of tourists.

Food---Bihari roti,sabjee,rice,pulse,chokha, chatni with other veg and non-veg preparation of required standard are available Different types of snaks like singhara, kachauri along with south Indian like Dosa,Idli, Bara etc with junk food like choumin, magi,and chau- chau etc are also available .

Local transport—Auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and horse carts are main conveyance.

About the site ----The site is a place where Lord Budha got enlightment of “Sa

myak Samadhi” after meditating for under a long pepper tree on the bank of river Falgu. After that he became Budha and Tathagat from Sidhart.With slapse of time maurya king Ashoka got constructed a sand stone platform called Bazrasan of 7x4’to memorise the samadhi asthal or the place of meditation.

A temple was also built by the Empmperor Ashoka in about 289BC.The temple is an

example of extraordinary hindu architect. It is called”Mahabodhi Temple” The platform of the temple is quadrangular and in 48 Sqr .ft.The temple rises as whole body in cow tail form or Pagodal mode.The neck of the temple can be imagined in circular mode.Four temple minarets are on four corners of first ceiling to beautify the symmetrical proportion of the te

mple.There are alcove and niches in all rounnd outer walls to keep the idols. A temple on Besar style (a combination of Arya and Dravid style) of such beauty and micro structure is not seen all over India. Big statue of Lord Budha “s, golden electro plated in earth touching mode is main attraction of devotees. As per the record devotees of Budha from Burma (now Myamar) renovated the temple in the year 1105.

There are numerous other small temple and math(monastry), chaitya,and praying platforms (manauti stups ) in the campus vicinity. The temple was lawfully renovated in 1883 by British archeologist Cunnigham and Beslar and Indian archeologist R L Mishra.

It is said that lord Budha spent seven weeks after getting enlightment in different

meditational poses at different spots. These spots are as worshipable for budhist devotees as other. These are-

1. Animesh Lochan—Lord Budha after getting enlightened spent about one week gazing straight over the Long Peppel tree. So this spot

is known as Animesh Lochan.

Devotees tourists and worshipers use to look to the temple and the tree and get paradise of pleasure for few moment.

2.CHAKRAMAN—It is said that while travelling lord Budha spent in meditation for about a week at this place Later on King Ashoka got 19 lotus flower ebedded platform built to memories and beautify it. This is in north side of the temple.This is also called KALAKMAN.

3. RATAN GARH—Lord Budha did spent 4^th week meditation at this placerays came outb from his body spreading over in all direction. This meditation is reffered in budhist literatures as “Pratitya Samutpad”. This is also in north of the temple.

4 . STONE PILLAR---This is just in front of Mahabodhi temple. This is also called Ajpal or Banian tree of shephered. Lord spent 5^th week of meditation at this place.

5. MUCHLIND POND- This is situated south of the temple. It is said that Lord Budha spent his 6^th week here on this pond. A statue of Budha with a coverage umbrella of expanded hood of snake is there on a cemented platform in the center of the tank.Playing of fishes in the transparent water of the tank gives solace and pleasure to the visitors. Visitors are allowed to give cereals to the fishes. Monkeys on the side by trees and bushes also eager to take the food have added attraction.

6. A TREE---There is a big tree of Neem. Satu and Madhu pandak two refugees gave meal to Lord Budha under this tree. Two Burmese traders also became diciple of Lord Budha under this tree .

7. ASHOKA PILLAR --It is also situated in south of Mahabodhi Temple. The height of the pillar made of sand stone is 15’. It is one of the platforms for Gaya sradh for the hindu devotees .Pind dan is done on Muchlind pond after doing pind dan on this platform. It is also said that during Ashoka time the height of the pillar was >100’.

8. MANAUTI LAMP CENTRE---People and visitors of all religions burn candle or earthen lamps for fulfilment of their desires .It beautifys the look after the sun set.

9. LARGE BELL—After getting down for about 20 steps there is a large bell in the left side. As so on as the central hanging pendulum is hit over the wall of the bell, the whole campus vibrates with the worshiping sound.

10. TORAN(ENTRANCE GATE)—It is situated on the eastern side of Mahabo

dhi Temple. It is made of sand stone and picture of lion dear and other animals encarved on it add beauty to it. It is said that it was built in 4^th or 5^th AD. It was emperor Ashoka, who got this Budhist place recognized as historical monument, Baricading of the campus with beautifully sculptured stone was also done during his time.

11. A BIG BUDHIST IC TOPE(STUP)- Near Loong Pepper Tree---It was also made by king Ashoka, which is main attarction of tourist and devotees these days.

12. BUDHA”S OPEN MOUTH STATUE--It ia statue com museum made by Dohjkayo a Japani Budhist institute. The height of the temple is 80’ and it is 40’wide. There ar

e racks in its stomach within a big hall like room Small idols of different style mode and poses numbering about 16300 have been decoratively displayed here. It was built in 1989.

13. ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM—It was established by central works department. Articles found during excavation round about Bodh gaya have been displayed here for benefits of the visitors.

14. BOOK STALL CUM LIBRARY—In the entry corridor there is a book stall cum library by RK Institute It contains valuable litratures of Budha and Ramkrishna

15 .KAL CHAKRA –Tibtan and Chinese budha temple have long and big kalchakra with deities depicted on it. It is a big and long cylindrical drum fixed on a strong vertical shaft through the bearings at two wholes at its two ends of the size of the shaft. It is said that getting it

moved clockwise cures of negative energy from the devotees. Such kal chakras are available in the local market in toy form also.

16. RED HINDU SHIV AND RAM TEMPLE –It is in front of and close to the gate of Mahabodhi temple showing existence and combination of different thoughts.

17. TIBETAN TEMPLE—It resembles monasteries of Tibet in archaeological make. Big Statue of Lord Budha in Tibetan style can be seen here. Besides, very big kal charka worship bell can also be seen Monks of this monastery wear a special d

resswith horny projection . They are called Lamas.

18. CHINESE TEMPLE- -This also resembles Tibetan temple in size and

gorgeousness .But its structural shape is pagodal .Other structures also slightly differ in profile from the Tibetan

19. THAI TEMPLE—It is not that big as those of Tibetan and Chinese, its roofing and thatching style is unique. It has combination of Pyramidal and pagodal thatching. In a neat and clean environment devotees can take up meditation and can worship their god.

Other sites--=Vishnupad temple and other religious and natural sites at Gaya can be seen .South of temple is Muklind Jheel and dry pond and Lotus pond. Burmese and Bhutanese temples.

FESTIVALS—Baishakh purnima is the date on which lord Budha was born and died and also attained the enlightenment. So this day and date is celebrated as Budh Jayanti which is main festival of Bodh Gaya

GUIDE—Forty five guides were recognized and given identity cards by tourism department for facilitating tourist in the year 1998.

PRECAUTION--The area is naxal affected and roudies affected

REMARKS---The site is in “A” category of international tourism and attached to packages of many tourist agencies.

Tomb of Magan Shah - Bihpur, Bhagalpur Dist.

TOMB OF MAGAN SHAH

This is situated in Milki village of Bihpur block of Nougachia sub division of Bhagalpur district. Hindus and Muslims both communities worship and offer prayer at the tomb by offering cloth-sheet( Chadar Chadhana) covering and killing chicken and goat. By doing so the wishes of worshippers is fulfilled. The gathering is also referred as Murgi mela.

VIKRAMSHILA MAHAVIHAR Antichak - Bhagalpur , Bihar

VIKRAMSHILA MAHAVIHAR –It is situated in Antichak near Kahalgaon . The site of excavation is on the bank of the Ganges on Pathar ghata . Result of excavation from 1960 to 1982 recovered big Budh tower(Astup) at Antichak, which proved that this was the real site of Vikram Shila mahabihar which was formerly thought at Sompur inBangladesh. This second international university was established by king of Pal dynasty.It had four toran dwars (Entry gates) in four directions.Each such gates had special entry gates. Teachers used to be present at each entry gates. Inscriptions reveal that this old university had eight Mahapandits and

one hundred sixty pandits.

Detailed knowledge of Vikramshila University is obtained from manuscripts in Tibatan language. Where from it is gathered that the university had 108 class rooms Out of this 53 were for magic classes (Tantra vidya pracost) and rest were for logic, grammar, and other literatures. Secret subjects were taught here is also proved by remains excavations at AntiChak.village . In the floors of the classes of the secret subjects rectangular tunnels of the size of 70 cm and above 2m depth are seen which are without any ladder steps. Jar baskets made of oyster and elephant bones earth soils were also found in excavation of Antichak. These must have been used as decorative wearing and jewelleries by the women folk there and then.

Stone idols of Maitraie,Manjushree,Marichi Mahakal,Aparajita,Tara,Jambal,Khadchari,Awlokiteshwar Singhnadawlokitesh

war and Mahachandroshan were also found in excavation of Vikramshila. Latter two idols have not been found independently anywhere.The university was demolished and burnt by Turky invaders in 1193 This is expressed in black spots in the excavation.

SATYA KUTIR Ashram—It is situated near Ghogha railway station on Bhagalpur Kahalgawn rail line. The temple was built in memory of Braham chary- Baba by his devotees. Baba was devoted to Sri Ram. His blessing benefited many peaple. School for poor people children and child labour eradication committee and other social works and religious festivals of Ramnam is organised by the ashram establishment.

GANI DHAM—It is situated on Bhagalpur Baunsi railway line locally the khatal owners and the gualas(cow men) who get their first calf, worship lord shiva here with the first milk of the cow. Local children birth is also celebrated likewise in the temple by powering milk on the Shivling in the temple

BRAMBHAKUR NATH : Sultanganj, Bihar

BRAMBHAKUR NATH

It is located at 7 km south of Sultanganj and 5 Km west of Asarganj Formerly the idol was on jungle road.,and it was called Banbhakurnath. People used to bow and worship while going through the road in the jungle. Few people were blessed and succeeded in achieving their wishes. So a collective effort gave the shape of big and beautiful temple.

Local people generally pray for birth of son.The demand prayer is called PHULYAS. It has connection with Banaili kothi of Bhagalpur.

SHIV SHIVA TEMPLE

It is situated at Dipti nagar NTPC colony at a distance of 8 km from Kahalgawn railway station on old Shahabganj loop line of Eastern railway . The temple area is spread over on 5 acre coverage of land mass. All built up is made of white marble. Neat and clean meditative environment of the temple gives solace to the worshipers and tourist visiting worth and twice.

BABA Bateshwar Asthan : Bhagalpur ,Bihar

BABA Bateshwar Asthan

Kahalgawn is about 33 kms far from Bhagalpur and Bateshwar asthan is further 10 km i.e. it is 43 kms from Bhagalpur. Flow of the Ganges is northerly here also so this place becomes religiously important. It is an isolated hilly area known as Bateshwar hill which is a part of Raj mahal system of trappean rocks. There are two temples of lord shiva. The temple on the bank of the Ganges is on a spheroidal block of hilly rock. This is called Bridheshwar nath or Burha baba Second temple. It is about 150 metres up slope on eastern side on the hill top. It is called Bateshwar nath or Madeshwar nath.

Mythology goes that the area was developed by Buddhist saint teacher and professor Kampilya, who mastered the art of meditation in Mahamundtri from the Nalanda university.

Another mythology goes that the area was ruled by rude administrator Vakul and Vikram He did not like salvation preaches of lord Budha So lord Budha on his retirement stay during one rainy season destroyed them on the rocks of Bateshwar. So the name Vikram shila.The place where Kali is in front of shivling is most suited for Tantra sadhna. This is also called place of 84 confirmed tantric -meditators,(chorasi sidho ki pith) Many saints are seen meditating before Kali temple at present also. Status of 84 medit-ating saint are seen encarved on the hills of Bateshwar asthan .The size of the stone block on which these statues have been made is 50’x 5’. They used to meditate in the cave and the tunnel whichare stil reserved in the hill. They are

1. Tri gufi--- West of thakurbari hill near the bank of the Ganges

2. Basibt meditation center near bateshwar temple.

3. Patalpuri cave—In the North West side of the hill, it is the biggest of all the caves.

Archiologist have found a statue of Bhairawi which has four eyes and twelve hands.Is made of eight metals(ast dhatu) It is preserved in Indian museum at Kolkata. Figures and sketches of Ramayan and Mahabharat are also seen engraved on different stone blocks of the hill.Many ful l size statues and partial statues of lord Vishnu ,Nagkanya and Budha can seen .A beautiful statue of the Sun God is also worshiped in the temple .

Naga baba temle is another attraction of the site.