Continents like Asia and Europe, as well as the rest of the world, offer various options for holistic living. One such place is Swaswara, located on Om Beach in Gokarna. For accommodation in Shekhawati, Piramal Haveli is a great option to consider. If you're looking for luxury travel in a pilgrimage city, the Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa is a top choice. Experience the vibrant life of Lucknow with a stay at Clarks Awadh. When visiting Patna, make sure to visit the Bihar Museum, which showcases the history and heritage of Bihar in a unique and engaging way.
Similar to many other museums, this particular museum requires a significant amount of focus and time. Fortunately, they do allow photography, so you have the opportunity to capture pictures of yourself alongside the beautiful artifacts.
Here are some notable items that you should definitely check out when visiting the Bihar Museum in Patna.
The Didarganj Yakshi is a well-known sculpture that can be found in the Bihar Museum. This beautiful statue depicts a Yakshi holding a Chanvar, or whisk, in her hand. In the past, it was prominently displayed at the Patna Museum, but it now holds the same prominent position at the Bihar Museum.
The object is exhibited in the specially designated area located on the ground level. Visitors have the opportunity to freely move around and observe it from various perspectives. The stone's impressive luster and the well-proportioned body of the object leave spectators amazed.
I often ponder about the level of beauty possessed by the object being whisked, considering the beauty of the whisk holder itself. Unfortunately, we can only speculate. The object being whisked is skillfully carved from delicate Chunar sandstone, dating back to the ancient Maurya era.
The Bihar Museum houses numerous Buddha images. Bihar is known as the place where Buddha spent most of his life and achieved enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. Therefore, it is not surprising to find a wide variety of Buddha statues and images from various periods in this region.
There are numerous stone and metal statues that are worthy of admiration. Out of all of them, my personal favorite is the sizable one that showcases the Bhumi Sparsh Mudra, which symbolizes the moment of enlightenment by touching the earth. The background surrounding this statue beautifully recreates a forest, transporting you to that specific moment and place.
Metal Standing Buddha statues are a must-see attraction that should not be overlooked.
Learn more about the interpretation and significance of narratives depicted in Buddhist art
The art form known as Paper Mache is popular in Bihar, and it involves creating sculptures out of paper pulp. One example of this is a large sculpture of a folk deity called Matrika made using the paper mache technique.
The image depicts two women standing back to back while holding a child. I was informed that similar images can be found in the villages of Bihar. However, during my visits, I did not come across any such images. Hopefully, this tradition is not disappearing.
In addition to that, there are wall paintings created using paper mache that have a three-dimensional effect.
Madhubani is known for its traditional art form called Mithila Paintings. To gain a better understanding of these paintings, you can refer to our comprehensive article on Madhubani Paintings. In that article, we discussed the significance of Kohbar paintings, which are created as part of wedding rituals.
The Bihar Museum showcases a variety of vibrant paintings, including both colorful and red & white ones. This museum is an excellent destination for gaining a deeper understanding of Kohbar, as it features numerous symbols associated with auspiciousness, prosperity, and fertility.
Experience the grandeur of the Mauryan empire by becoming a part of the royal court in Patna, formerly known as Pataliputra, the capital city. The remains of the renowned Sabhagriha or the royal hall have been discovered in Kumrahar, located in Patna. The Bihar Museum has sought to recreate this magnificent hall to the best of its abilities.
There is a Mauryan throne available for sitting and taking pictures on. It serves as a keepsake that you can bring with you.
The Brahmi script is not easily decipherable by most people. It contains the secrets and knowledge of the past within its unique characters. When we come across these characters, it signifies that they were used to inscribe or convey messages from our ancestors. In a sense, they serve as vessels that allow us to travel back in time.
There is a large wall that allows one to appreciate this intricate design. I greatly appreciate the photo of me standing beside it.
The Nalanda University, which was once a grand ancient institution, now lies in ruins with its red brick structure exposed. During the excavation process, numerous sculptures, known as Murtis, were discovered in the wall niches of the university. These sculptures are currently showcased at the ASI Site museum, which is located near the site. Visitors have the opportunity to view old photographs from the time of the excavation.
In the Bihar Museum, replicas and original statues have been placed in recreated niches. This allows visitors to easily imagine the appearance of Nalanda in the past. I have a vivid memory of the stunning Vishnu statues made of polished stone.
Surya Murtis, or sun sculptures, are prevalent in Bihar, a region known for its devotion to sun worship. The practice of worshiping the sun persists in Bihar through the celebration of Chhath Puja, making it a unique location for such rituals. Throughout the state, numerous sun temples can be found, reflecting the deep roots of sun worship in Bihar.
In certain villages, Surya Murtis have been discovered either within village ponds or during unplanned excavations. A collection of exceptional Surya Murtis can be observed at the Bihar Museum in Patna.
There is a vivid memory I have of a large sculpture depicting the Sun being carried on a chariot pulled by seven horses. One can easily recognize the Surya Murti by observing a male figure holding two fully bloomed lotus flowers in its hands. Additionally, the sculpture is distinguished by the presence of oversized gum boots and the depiction of the seven horses.
In addition to viewing sculptures, visitors can also observe life-sized Matrikas made of stone on the first floor.
Familiarize Yourself with Bihar's Archaeological Map
Bihar, a region in India, holds the distinction of being one of the longest continuously inhabited areas in the country. Throughout history, it has been referred to as Magadha and Anga during the time of the Mahabharata. It was also known as Pataliputra during the reign of the Mauryans, and it housed renowned educational institutions such as Nalanda, Vikramashila, and Odantpuri.
The land of Bihar holds a rich history that is concealed within its layers. A map displays the archaeological sites in a visually appealing manner. It showcases the process of archaeological excavations in an engaging manner. Visitors can explore the tools used by archaeologists and gain knowledge about the common artifacts discovered such as coins, tools, and pottery.
I found this portion of the content to be highly informative and visually captivating.
Madhubani Paintings, which are famously associated with Bihar, are considered as the representation of this region on a global scale. During my visit to the Bihar Museum, I was delighted to witness an innovative take on Madhubani Paintings in the form of animated versions. These panels showcased digital paintings that come to life when you stand in front of them.
Gently, the music connected to the scene resonates from the speakers positioned overhead. During my visit, there was a large gathering surrounding the area, making it challenging to fully appreciate the music. However, I believe that it serves as an excellent means to gain insight into the cultural essence of Bihar.
In addition, there are various other attractions to explore at the Bihar Museum. These include a display of different art forms that originate from Bihar, ranging from Manjusha paintings to Seekhi art and terracotta carvings.
The Wildlife of Bihar exhibition showcases dioramas that depict the various wildlife found in Bihar. I found the map of wildlife to be quite interesting. I just hope that there are enough tourism facilities in those areas so that people can actually witness the wildlife in their natural habitats.
The children's section at this location creatively engages and captures the interest of kids.
The Bihar Museum showcases the various tools and resources that have been essential for trade and commerce throughout the history of the region. The exhibition includes a collection of coins, traded items, and insights into the lives of traders. Additionally, there is an interesting display of unique weights and measures used in commerce.
If you are in Patna, you must visit the Bihar Museum as it is conveniently situated in the central area. It is impossible to overlook its presence.
It is recommended to allocate a minimum of a few hours to fully experience it, although dedicating a whole day would be optimal.
Inside the museum, there is a dining establishment where patrons have the option to enjoy a traditional dish called Litti Chokha.
To find out more information, you can refer to the museum's website and look at their
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