Continents like Asia and Europe, as well as the rest of the world, offer various destinations for holistic living. One such destination is Swaswara at Om Beach in Gokarna. If you're looking for accommodation in Shekhawati, Piramal Haveli is a great option. For a luxurious travel experience in the pilgrimage city of Pushkar, consider staying at the Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa. Experience the vibrant lifestyle of Lucknow by staying at Clarks Awadh. When visiting Patna, don't miss the Bihar Museum, which is located in the heart of the city. This museum showcases the history and heritage of Bihar in an engaging way, particularly for young visitors.
Similar to many other museums, this particular museum also requires a significant amount of focus and time. Fortunately, photography is permitted, allowing visitors to capture personal photos alongside the beautiful artifacts.
Here are some notable items that you should definitely visit when you go to the Bihar Museum in Patna.
The Didarganj Yakshi is a famous sculpture that can be found at the Bihar Museum. It depicts a Yakshi holding a whisk in her hand and was once a prominent piece at the Patna Museum before being moved to its current location.
The object is exhibited in the specially designated room on the ground level. Visitors have the opportunity to explore it by walking around and observing it from various perspectives. The impressive luster of the stone and the harmonious proportions of the body are truly awe-inspiring.
I often ponder about the beauty of the whisk holder and how even more beautiful the person she is whisking would be. Unfortunately, we can only speculate. The whisk holder is made from delicate Chunar sandstone and was created centuries ago during the reign of the Mauryas.
The Bihar Museum houses a collection of Buddha images. Bihar is known for its association with Buddha, as he spent a significant portion of his life in this region and achieved enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. It is not surprising, therefore, that the museum showcases various statues and images of Buddha from different historical periods.
There are numerous stone and metal sculptures that are worth appreciating. Personally, I am particularly drawn to the sizable sculpture depicting the Bhumi Sparsh Mudra, which symbolizes the moment of enlightenment through the earth touching gesture. The setting of the statue is designed to resemble the surrounding forest, immersing you in that specific moment and place.
Metal statues of the Standing Buddha are another must-see attraction.
Discover more – Gaining insights into the narratives depicted in Buddhist art
The art form of paper mache is widely practiced in Bihar, and one example of this craft is a huge sculpture of a folk deity named Matrika, created using paper mache.
The image depicts two women standing back to back while holding a child. I was informed that similar images can be seen in the villages of Bihar. However, during my visits to these villages, I did not come across any such images. Hopefully, this is not a tradition that is disappearing.
In addition to that, there are wall paintings made of paper mache that have a three-dimensional aspect.
Madhubani is known for its traditional Mithila Paintings, and one specific type of these paintings is called Kohbar. Kohbar is a unique ritual painting that is typically created during wedding ceremonies. If you want to learn more about Mithila Paintings, we have a detailed post that provides in-depth
The Bihar Museum is home to a collection of impressive paintings that showcase the vibrant colors of Kohbar. These artworks offer a great opportunity to explore the intricate details and symbolism related to auspiciousness, prosperity, and fertility.
Experience the life of a Mauryan royalty by visiting Patna, the historical capital of the powerful Mauryan empire. The remains of the renowned Sabhagriha, or hall, can be seen in Kumrahar, which is now located in Patna. The Bihar Museum has recreated a replica of this hall to the best of their ability, offering visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of the past.
There is a throne from the Mauryan period that you can sit on and have your picture taken. It is a souvenir that you can keep as a memory.
The Brahmi script, which not many people can decipher, contains the secrets of the past within its unique characters. When we come across these ancient writings, it signifies that we have stumbled upon an inscription or a message left behind by our ancestors. In a sense, these scripts can be seen as capsules that transport us back in time.
There is a massive wall that allows you to appreciate this intricate design. I really enjoy having a photo of myself standing beside it.
The Nalanda University, which was once a thriving institution, now lies in ruins with its red brick walls exposed. During the excavation of the site, numerous Murtis (sculptures) were discovered in the recesses of the walls. These artifacts are currently exhibited at the ASI Site museum located near the site. Visitors have the opportunity to view photographs from the time of the excavation.
The Bihar Museum has reconstructed the niches and displayed both replicas and original Murtis in them, allowing visitors to easily imagine what Nalanda looked like in the past. I have vivid memories of the stunning Vishnu Murtis made of polished stone.
Surya Murtis
Bihar is known for its reverence towards the sun. In fact, it is the only region where the tradition of sun worship is carried out through the Chhath Puja. Numerous temples dedicated to the sun can be found throughout Bihar.
In certain villages, statues of the Sun God known as Surya Murtis have been discovered either in village ponds or during unplanned excavations. A collection of the finest Surya Murtis can be observed at the Bihar Museum located in Patna.
One memorable sculpture I recall is of the Sun riding on a chariot pulled by seven horses. You can recognize the Surya Murti sculpture by observing a male figure holding two fully bloomed lotus flowers in its hands. Another distinguishing feature is the presence of large gum boots and the seven horses.
When you visit the sculptures, make sure to also check out the life-sized statues of Matrikas made from stone on the first floor.
Familiarize Yourself with the Archaeological Map of Bihar
Bihar, a region in India, has a rich history of being inhabited for a long time. It was known as Magadha and Anga during the Mahabharata era, and later became the prominent city of Pataliputra during the Mauryan Empire. Bihar was also home to renowned educational institutions such as Nalanda, Vikramashila, and Odantpuri.
The history of this land is deeply ingrained within its layers. A visually appealing map showcases the various archaeological sites in Bihar. It presents a fascinating portrayal of the process and techniques used in archaeological excavations. Through this, one can gain insights into the tools utilized by archaeologists and discover the common artifacts unearthed, such as coins, tools, and pottery.
I found this particular portion to be highly informative and visually captivating.
When it comes to Madhubani Paintings, we often associate them with Bihar as they are a distinctive feature of this region known globally. During my visit to the Bihar Museum, I was delighted to witness an innovative rendition of Madhubani paintings. I discovered panels displaying digital paintings that came to life and animated before my eyes when I stood in front of them.
Gently, the background music connected to the scene is heard playing from the overhead speakers. During my visit, there was a large gathering nearby, making it challenging to fully appreciate the music. Nonetheless, I believe it is an excellent means of gaining insight into the culture of Bihar.
In addition to this, there are various other attractions at the Bihar Museum where you can explore a wide range of art forms from Bihar. These include the Manjusha art, Seekhi art, and terracotta carvings.
The section dedicated to the wildlife of Bihar showcases dioramas depicting the various species found in the region. I found the map of wildlife particularly interesting. However, I am hopeful that there are proper tourism facilities in place at these locations, allowing visitors to witness the wildlife in their natural habitat.
The children's section at this location provides an engaging and imaginative experience for kids.
The Bihar Museum showcases the tools and artifacts that were essential for commerce in the great civilization of Bihar throughout history. Visitors can see a collection of coins, traded goods, and learn about the lives of traders. An interesting exhibit also includes unique weights and measures used in commercial transactions.
If you are in Patna, make sure to visit Bihar Museum, which is conveniently located in the city center. It is impossible to overlook this prominent attraction
It is recommended to allocate a minimum of a few hours to fully experience it, although dedicating an entire day would be preferable.
Within the museum, there exists a dining establishment that offers the delightful option of enjoying Litti Chokha.
To find additional information, take a look at the museum's website, specifically the map section
I really appreciate your blog post about the Bihar Museum in Patna. It is evident that you have a great enthusiasm for travel and discovering new things, which makes your writing both interesting and educational. Your personal experiences and knowledge have inspired me, and I'm sure other readers as well, to include a visit to the Bihar Museum in our future travel plans. Thank you for sharing your insights and encouraging us to explore the rich history, art, and culture that the museum has to offer.
I am very excited to read more of your fascinating travel blog posts in the coming days. Keep up the amazing job you're doing!
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