Continents such as Asia and Europe, as well as other regions around the world, offer various opportunities for holistic living. One such place is Swaswara, located at Om Beach in Gokarna. For accommodation in Shekhawati, Piramal Haveli is a recommended option. If you're looking for luxury travel in a sacred city, Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa is a great choice. Experience the lifestyle of Lucknow by staying at Clarks Awadh. When visiting Patna, make sure to check out the Bihar Museum, which showcases the history and culture of Bihar in an engaging way, particularly for younger visitors.
Similar to many other museums, this particular one also requires a significant amount of focus and dedication. However, the good news is that photography is permitted, allowing visitors to capture memorable moments with the beautiful artifacts.
Here are some notable items that you shouldn't miss when visiting the Bihar Museum in Patna.
The Didarganj Yakshi is a well-known sculpture in Bihar, depicting a female figure holding a whisk in her hand. It was previously displayed prominently at the Patna Museum but now holds the same significant place at the Bihar Museum.
The exhibit can be found in the specially designated room on the ground level. Visitors have the opportunity to freely move around and observe the artwork from various perspectives. The stone's luster is truly mesmerizing, as are the well-balanced proportions of the sculpture.
I often ponder about the beauty of the whisk holder and wonder how beautiful the person she is whisking would be. Unfortunately, we can only speculate. The whisk holder is skillfully crafted from soft Chunar sandstone and dates back to the ancient Mauryan period.
The Bihar Museum showcases numerous Buddha images, as Bihar holds great significance in the life of Buddha. He spent a major part of his life in this region, including his enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. Therefore, it is not surprising that the museum exhibits a wide variety of Buddha statues and images from different historical periods.
Within the vicinity, there are numerous stone and metal sculptures that are worth appreciating. Personally, I am particularly drawn to the immense statue that portrays the Bhumi Sparsh Mudra, also known as the earth touching gesture, symbolizing the moment of enlightenment. The background surrounding this statue is meticulously designed to recreate the serene forest environment, transporting you to that specific moment in time.
Metal statues of the Standing Buddha are also something you shouldn't overlook.
Learn More – Gaining Insight into the Stories Depicted in Buddhist
The art of Paper Mache is a popular form of artistic expression in Bihar. In this particular instance, a captivating sculpture of a traditional deity named Matrika has been created using the technique of 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, I did not come across any such images. Hopefully, this traditional practice is not disappearing altogether.
In addition to that, there are wall paintings made with paper mache that have a three-dimensional appearance.
Mithila Paintings, specifically the Kohbar Paintings of Madhubani, are discussed in detail in our previous post. These paintings are created as a ritual during wedding ceremonies.
The Bihar Museum is home to a collection of exquisite paintings, showcasing vibrant colors as well as red and white hues. It is an ideal destination to delve into the intricate details of Kohbar art, which encompasses various symbols associated with auspiciousness, prosperity, and fertility.
Experience the life of a Mauryan royalty in the ancient city of Patna, also known as Pataliputra, which served as the capital of the powerful Mauryan empire. The remains of the renowned Sabhagriha, or hall, have been discovered in Kumrahar, located in present-day Patna. The Bihar Museum has recreated a portion of this hall, allowing visitors to get a glimpse of the grandeur and splendor
There is a Mauryan throne available for sitting and taking pictures. It provides a memorable experience that can be cherished and carried with you.
The Brahmi script is not easily readable by most people today. It contains ancient writings that hold the secrets and knowledge of the past. When we come across these unique characters, they signify a written record or a communication left behind by our ancestors. They can be considered as capsules that transport us back in time.
I am fascinated by this large wall that showcases an intricate geometric design. I particularly enjoy the photo of me 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, numerous statues, known as Murtis, were discovered in the wall niches. Many of these sculptures are currently exhibited at the ASI Site museum located near the site. Visitors have the opportunity to view old photographs from the excavation period.
The Bihar Museum has reconstructed the niches and displayed both replicas and original sculptures in them. This allows visitors to easily imagine what Nalanda was like in the past. I have fond memories of the stunning Vishnu sculptures made of gleaming polished stone.
Surya Murtis are religious statues or idols associated with the worship of the Sun. Bihar is known for its rich tradition of sun worship, which is primarily observed through the unique Chhath Puja festival. Throughout Bihar, numerous temples dedicated to the Sun can be found, reflecting the deep cultural significance of this form of worship in the region.
In certain villages, Surya Murtis, which are statues of the sun god, have been discovered either in village ponds or through unplanned excavations. If you are interested in witnessing some exceptional Surya Murtis, you can visit the Bihar Museum located in Patna.
I have a memory of a large sculpture that depicts the Sun traveling in a chariot pulled by seven horses. One can recognize the Surya Murti sculpture by observing a male figure holding two fully bloomed lotus flowers in his hands. Another distinguishing feature is the inclusion of large gum boots and the presence of seven horses.
When you visit the sculpture exhibit, make sure to check out the life-sized stone statues of Matrikas on the ground floor.
Familiarize Yourself with the Archaeological Map of Bihar
Bihar has a rich history as one of the longest inhabited regions in India. It was known as Magadha and Anga during the era of the Mahabharata, and later became the prominent city of Pataliputra under the Mauryan dynasty. Additionally, Bihar was home to esteemed educational institutions such as Nalanda, Vikramashila, and Odantpuri.
This region holds a rich historical past that is concealed within its various layers. A visually appealing map showcases the numerous archaeological sites located in Bihar. It provides an insightful depiction of the methods employed during archaeological excavations. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the tools utilized by archaeologists and gain knowledge about the typical artifacts discovered, such as coins, tools, and pottery.
I found this particular section to be highly informative and visually captivating.
Animated Madhubani Paintings
Madhubani Paintings are commonly associated with Bihar and are considered a distinctive feature of this region globally. During my visit to the Bihar Museum, I was delighted to encounter an innovative display of animated Madhubani paintings. These panels showcased digital paintings that came to life and moved when I stood in front of them.
Gently, the music that is connected to the scene is being played from the speakers located above. During my visit, there was a large gathering of people, making it challenging to fully appreciate the music. However, I believe it is an excellent method to gain insight into the culture of Bihar.
In addition to that, there are various other attractions at the Bihar Museum where visitors can explore a wide range of art forms originating from Bihar, including Manjusha, Seekhi art, and terracotta carvings.
The Wildlife of Bihar exhibition showcases realistic models of the diverse wildlife found in Bihar. I particularly enjoyed observing the detailed wildlife map. It would be great if there are proper facilities and accommodations in those areas to allow visitors to witness the wildlife in their natural habitat.
The children's section at this location encourages kids to engage in creative activities.
In order for a civilization to thrive, commerce plays a crucial role, and this was true for Bihar over the course of history. The Bihar Museum offers visitors a window into the world of trade, showcasing coins, traded goods, and providing insights into the lives of traders. The exhibition also includes interesting displays of unique weights and measures.
If you are visiting Patna, make sure to check out Bihar Museum as it is situated in a central location and is easily noticeable.
To fully explore it, it is recommended to allocate a minimum of a few hours, but it would be best to set aside an entire day.
Inside the museum, there is a restaurant that offers the opportunity to dine on Litti Chokha.
To obtain additional information, refer to the museum's website and view their map.
I really enjoyed reading your blog post about the Bihar Museum in Patna. Your enthusiasm for travel and discovery is evident in your writing, making it an interesting and informative read for those interested in history, art, or cultural exploration. Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights, and for inspiring readers like me to include the Bihar Museum in our list of places to visit.
I am excitedly anticipating reading more of your engaging travel blog posts in the coming times. Continue with your exceptional efforts!
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