Bihar, one of the most spiritually significant states in India, is home to numerous ancient temples, sacred pilgrimage sites, and historical landmarks. Known as the land of enlightenment, Bihar has deep religious ties to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Whether you are a devotee, history enthusiast, or traveler seeking spiritual solace, visiting Bihar’s famous temples in 2025 will be a soul-enriching experience.
This guide explores ten must-visit temples in Bihar, highlighting their history, significance, best time to visit, and travel tips to help you plan an unforgettable spiritual journey.
1. Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya – The Place of Enlightenment
The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the world. It is the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this temple attracts millions of visitors from across the globe.
Why Visit?
- Houses the descendant of the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha meditated.
- Features a magnificent 50-meter-tall temple structure, built in traditional Indian architectural style.
- The temple complex includes ancient stupas, meditation gardens, and the Animesh Lochan Chaitya shrine.
Best Time to Visit
- October to March: Pleasant weather, best for exploring the temple and surrounding monasteries.
- Buddha Purnima (May 2025): Celebrated with grand ceremonies, chanting, and meditation sessions.
How to Reach?
- By Air: Gaya International Airport (12 km away)
- By Train: Gaya Junction (16 km away)
- By Road: Connected via NH-22, with regular buses and taxis from Patna (110 km)
2. Vishnupad Temple, Gaya – A Sacred Hindu Shrine
Located on the banks of the Falgu River, Vishnupad Temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples in Bihar. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is believed to house a footprint of Lord Vishnu engraved in a basalt rock slab. The temple is also an important site for performing Pind Daan (ritual offerings for ancestors).
Why Visit?
- Sacred Footprint of Lord Vishnu enshrined in the temple’s sanctum.
- The best place to perform Pind Daan, a Hindu ritual to honor ancestors.
- The temple architecture, built by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar in the 18th century, is a stunning example of ancient craftsmanship.
Best Time to Visit
- Pitru Paksha Mela (September-October 2025): Ideal for those performing ancestral rituals.
- Chhath Puja (October-November 2025): A vibrant festival celebrated with great devotion.
How to Reach?
- By Air: Gaya International Airport (10 km away)
- By Train: Gaya Junction (4 km away)
- By Road: Well-connected to Patna, Varanasi, and Ranchi
Suggested Itineraries for Bihar tour:
- 5-Day Bihar Hill Getaway – Scenic Tour Itinerary
- 6-Day Bihar Buddhist Trail – Pilgrimage Tour
- 8-Day Spiritual Journey – Uttar Pradesh & Bihar Tour
- 5-Day Bihar Religious Tour – Sacred Sites Itinerary
3. Baidyanath Temple, Deoghar – One of the Twelve Jyotirlingas
Although Deoghar is now in Jharkhand, Baidyanath Dham Temple has deep cultural and religious connections with Bihar. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and a major destination for Shiva devotees. The temple is also famous for the Kanwar Yatra, where thousands of devotees carry holy Ganga water to offer at the temple.
Why Visit?
- Considered one of the most powerful Jyotirlingas, attracting devotees from across India.
- A spiritually significant place where Lord Shiva is worshipped as the “Supreme Healer” (Vaidya).
- Hosts the Shravani Mela (July-August 2025), one of the biggest religious gatherings in India.
Best Time to Visit
- Shravan Month (July-August): Peak time for Kanwar Yatra.
- Maha Shivaratri (March 2025): Grand celebrations and night-long prayers.
How to Reach?
- By Air: Deoghar Airport (10 km away)
- By Train: Jasidih Junction (8 km away)
- By Road: Regular buses and taxis from Patna, Ranchi, and Kolkata
4. Patan Devi Temple, Patna – The Shakti Peeth of Bihar
Patan Devi Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, is a highly revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is believed to be the site where the right thigh of Goddess Sati fell. The temple is a major center of worship for devotees seeking blessings from the Divine Mother.
Why Visit?
- One of the oldest temples in Bihar, mentioned in ancient Hindu texts.
- The temple attracts devotees during Navratri, where special pujas and celebrations take place.
- The divine aura and spiritual significance make it an important pilgrimage site.
Best Time to Visit
- Navratri (September-October 2025): The temple is beautifully decorated with grand celebrations.
- Durga Puja (October 2025): Witness vibrant rituals and processions.
How to Reach?
- By Air: Jay Prakash Narayan Airport, Patna (10 km away)
- By Train: Patna Junction (6 km away)
- By Road: Easily accessible via taxis and auto-rickshaws from anywhere in Patna
5. Mundeshwari Temple, Kaimur – India’s Oldest Functional Temple
Mundeshwari Temple in Kaimur district is considered the oldest functional Hindu temple in India, dating back to 108 AD. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti, this temple is an architectural marvel with intricate carvings and inscriptions.
Why Visit?
- Believed to be the oldest continuously worshipped temple in India.
- Unique octagonal structure, representing ancient Nagara-style temple architecture.
- Houses idols of Lord Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, and Nandi.
Best Time to Visit
- Maha Shivaratri (March 2025): The temple hosts special prayers and celebrations.
- Winter Season (October-February): Pleasant weather for exploration.
How to Reach?
- By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, Varanasi (160 km away)
- By Train: Bhabua Road Railway Station (22 km away)
- By Road: Well-connected via NH-19 from Patna and Varanasi
6. Janki Temple, Sitamarhi – Birthplace of Goddess Sita
Located in Sitamarhi, Janki Temple is one of the most revered temples in Bihar, dedicated to Goddess Sita, the consort of Lord Rama. According to Hindu mythology, this temple marks the birthplace of Goddess Sita, making it a major pilgrimage site for devotees, especially during Ram Navami and Vivah Panchami.
Why Visit?
- Considered the birthplace of Goddess Sita, a highly sacred site for Hindus.
- The temple’s white marble structure and domes give it a divine and grand appearance.
- Annual fairs and festivals like Vivah Panchami (marking Sita-Rama’s marriage) attract thousands of pilgrims.
Best Time to Visit
- Ram Navami (April 2025): Celebrated with grand processions and religious rituals.
- Vivah Panchami (December 2025): Symbolizing the divine wedding of Lord Rama and Sita.
How to Reach?
- By Air: Jay Prakash Narayan Airport, Patna (140 km away)
- By Train: Sitamarhi Railway Station (5 km away)
- By Road: Well-connected via NH-104 from Patna and Muzaffarpur
7. Taraknath Temple, Sasaram – The Shiva Temple of the Mauryan Era
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Taraknath Temple in Sasaram is an ancient and lesser-known temple believed to have origins dating back to the Mauryan period. The temple’s stone carvings and inscriptions indicate that it was built over 2,000 years ago.
Why Visit?
- A historically significant temple linked to the Mauryan Empire.
- Features intricately carved stone pillars and ancient sculptures.
- Located near Sher Shah Suri’s Tomb, making it a great stop for history lovers.
Best Time to Visit
- Maha Shivaratri (March 2025): The biggest celebration in the temple.
- Sawan Month (July-August): Popular among devotees performing Jalabhishek rituals.
How to Reach?
- By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, Varanasi (140 km away)
- By Train: Sasaram Junction (2 km away)
- By Road: Connected via NH-19 from Patna and Varanasi
8. Budhi Kali Temple, Munger – The Oldest Kali Temple in Bihar
Budhi Kali Temple in Munger is one of the oldest and most powerful temples dedicated to Goddess Kali in Bihar. The temple is particularly famous for its black stone idol of Goddess Kali, believed to have divine powers.
Why Visit?
- One of Bihar’s oldest temples dedicated to Goddess Kali.
- Devotees believe that prayers here fulfill wishes and remove negative energy.
- The temple is located near Munger Fort, allowing visitors to explore historic ruins.
Best Time to Visit
- Navratri (September-October 2025): Special pujas and cultural events.
- Diwali & Kali Puja (October-November 2025): Celebrated with grand festivities.
How to Reach?
- By Air: Patna Airport (185 km away)
- By Train: Munger Railway Station (3 km away)
- By Road: Accessible via NH-80 from Bhagalpur and Begusarai
9. Thawe Temple, Gopalganj – The Miraculous Temple of Goddess Durga
Thawe Temple in Gopalganj is dedicated to Maa Thawewali (Goddess Durga) and is believed to have miraculous powers. The temple has a rich history associated with Saint Bhagat Jai Govind, a devotee of the goddess, whose unwavering faith led to divine interventions.
Why Visit?
- Known for powerful miracles and deep-rooted devotion to Goddess Durga.
- The temple’s unique architecture and serene atmosphere make it a great spiritual retreat.
- Hosts a grand Navratri festival, attracting thousands of devotees.
Best Time to Visit
- Navratri (September-October 2025): Best time to experience the temple’s spiritual energy.
- Chaitra Navratri (March-April 2025): Celebrated with special rituals and processions.
How to Reach?
- By Air: Patna Airport (160 km away)
- By Train: Thawe Junction (2 km away)
- By Road: Well-connected via NH-27 from Patna and Gorakhpur
10. Durga Temple, Ramnagar (Bhabua) – A Hidden Spiritual Gem
The Durga Temple of Ramnagar, located in Bhabua, Kaimur district, is a hidden spiritual gem dedicated to Goddess Durga. This ancient temple is set amidst lush green hills, offering a peaceful and scenic atmosphere.
Why Visit?
- A lesser-known yet powerful temple dedicated to Goddess Durga.
- Offers a blend of spirituality and natural beauty, perfect for meditation and peace.
- Annual Durga Puja celebrations are vibrant and attract devotees from across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Best Time to Visit
- Durga Puja (October 2025): Grand celebrations with rituals, music, and cultural performances.
- Winter Season (November-February): Best for a quiet, spiritual retreat.
How to Reach?
- By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, Varanasi (150 km away)
- By Train: Bhabua Road Railway Station (18 km away)
- By Road: Well-connected via NH-19 from Patna and Varanasi
Final Thoughts
Bihar’s rich spiritual heritage is reflected in its magnificent temples, which hold deep religious, historical, and cultural significance. While temples like Mahabodhi Temple, Vishnupad Temple, and Baidyanath Dham are widely known, these five additional temples provide a unique and enriching experience for devotees and travelers alike.
Complete List of 10 Must-Visit Temples in Bihar (2025)
- Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
- Vishnupad Temple, Gaya
- Baidyanath Temple, Deoghar
- Patan Devi Temple, Patna
- Mundeshwari Temple, Kaimur
- Janki Temple, Sitamarhi
- Taraknath Temple, Sasaram
- Budhi Kali Temple, Munger
- Thawe Temple, Gopalganj
- Durga Temple, Ramnagar (Bhabua)
Whether you are seeking divine blessings, ancient history, or spiritual peace, these temples promise a memorable and fulfilling journey in Bihar. Plan your trip in 2025 and experience the spiritual grandeur of Bihar’s sacred sites.
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