Patna, a beautiful city on the banks of holy river Ganges, is famed as the capital of the state Bihar. This city in the north-east region of India has been continuing as a vibrant trade centre for many agricultural products including rice, sugarcane, sesame, wheat and oilseeds.
In ancient period, it was a serene and beautiful small hamlet a small hamlet fortified by the king Ajatashatru, a hero of ancient Indian history. Historically known as Pataliputra, Patna had praise worthy history, tradition and culture. It was ruled by many famous kings from well known dynasties including Maurya Dynasty. This ancient hamlet has many names under the rule of many dynasties. Patna was known as Kusum Dhvaja, Pataligrama, Azimabad, Padmavati and Pushpapura during ancient times.
Under the rule of Maurya Kings, this beautiful town was in the pinnacle of its period. During this golden period many renowned personalities including famous astrologists and scholars Ashvaghosha, Vatsyayana, Chanakya, Aryabhatta, Sthalabhadra and Panini lived here.
Ancient History of Patna
Patna once called Pataliputra the capital of Bihar,is among the world's oldest capital cities with unbroken history of many centuries as imperial metropolis. A very fertile arched stretch of land along the bank of the Ganga. The history and heritage of modern day Patna go back well over two millennia. Like Delhi, Patna too had been the regal seat of governance for successive kingdoms since ancient times. And to this day, it is the capital city of the state. As each ruler ascended in power and established dynastic glory, he gave his capital a new name. Thus, the ancient Kusumpura metamorphosed through Pushpapura, Pataliputra, Azeemabad and now into Patna, a continuous history ranging from 6th century BC to present times - a record claimed by few cities in the world.
It was Ajatshatru the Magadha king who first built a small fort in Pataligram on the bank of the Ganga in 6th century BC, which later blossomed into the ancient glory still to be seen in the neighboring archaeological sites at Kumrahar. Bhiknapahari, Agamkuan, Bulandi Bagh and Kankar Bagh. Pataliputra dominated the political fortunes of the whole of north India between 6th century BC and 5th century AD, a fact established by archaeological excavations.
After a temporary eclipse, in 16th century, Sher Shah Suri returned the city to its former glory and established the present Patna. After the decline of the Mughals, the British too found Patna a convenient regional capital and built a modern extension to this ancient city and called it Bankipore. It was in Gandhi Maidan in this area, that Mahatma Gandhi held his prayer meetings.
BEST CONTINENTAL RESTAURANT IN PATNA
• The Yellow Chilli Hira Place, Dak Bunglow Rd, Chajju Bagh, Patna 800001, India (Ranked #11 of 103 Restaurants in Patna)
• Angeethi Jagdeo Path, Patna, India (Ranked #33 of 103 Restaurants in Patna)
BEST ITALIAN FOOD RESTAURANT IN PATNA
• Shubhraj Fast Food Ashok Raj Path, Muradpur, Patna 800004, India (Ranked #35 of 103 Restaurants in Patna)
• Mausam Munch B-76, MauryaLok Complex | Near Basant Vihar and Archies, Patna, India (Ranked #62 of 103 Restaurants in Patna)
Located on the Buddha Marg, the Patna Museum is a must visit for a Buddhist tourist. The museum displays a rich collection of Buddhist art that date back mostly to Pala period, from 8th to 12th century. At a distance of 55km from Patna, Vaishali is regarded as the world's first republic. It was also associated with Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira. Nalanda is located at distance of 95 km from Patna and preserves the ruins of one of the most centers of learning in the ancient world Nalanda University.
Overnight stay in bodgaya hotel.
Chinese restaurant in Patna (Bihar)
CROWN CASTLE FINE DINE RESTAURANT near Boring Road Crossing, Patna 800001, India (Ranked #1 of 103)
Mainland China Bakarganj Road, DundaShahi Complex | SalimpurAhra, Bakerganj, Patna 563101, India (Ranked #2 of 103)
Raj Rasoi South Gandhi Maidan | Hathwa Twin Towers, Patna 800001, India (Ranked #3 of 103)
Thai restaurant in Patna (Bihar)
CROWN CASTLE FINE DINE RESTAURANT Near Boring Road Crossing, Patna 800001, India (Ranked #1 of 103 )
Kapil Dev's Elevens Lower Ground Floor,Dumraow Kothi | Frazer Road,, Patna 800001, India (Ranked #7 of 103 )
Patna Tourist Attractions - Local and Excursions
Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi Temple (Literally: "Great Awakening Temple"), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya, marking the location where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, is said to have attained enlightenment. Bodh Gaya (located in Gaya district) is located about 96 km (60 mi) from Patna, Bihar state, India. Next to the temple, on its western side, is the holy Bodhi tree. In the Pali Canon, the site is called Bodhimanda, and the monastery there the BodhimandaVihara.
Patna Buddhist Museum
Located on the Buddha Marg, the Patna Museum is a must visit for a Buddhist tourist. The museum displays a rich collection of Buddhist art that date back mostly to Pala period, from 8th to 12th century. Of special notice are two exceptionally beautiful statues of Avalokitesvara and Maitreya in the main gallery. The statues have their heads tilted to one side and their face conveying a gentle smile. The statues very effectively portray the ideal that the two statues stand for – compassion. On the upper gallery, you can see the bronze statues from Kurkihar.
The Bodhi Tree
The Bodhi tree is an auspicious ficus tree, the fifth generation plant of the original one, under which prince Siddhartha had attained enlightenment or the perfect knowledge. Under the tree is the Vajrasan, the platform on which Siddhartha had sat in meditation. Close to Vajrasan is Buddhapada, the footprints of the Buddha on stone and Chaukramana, the Jewel Walk, where it is believed that the Buddha strolled while in deep thought. Many sacred trees in India and other countries are originally raised from seeds brought from the ancient Bodh Gaya tree. Bhikkhuni Sanghamitra, daughter of the Indian emperor, Ashoka had taken a shoot of the original Bodhi tree to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE, where it was planted by the Sri Lankan ruler, Devanampiya Tissa at the Mahavira monastery in Anuradhapura, and is still a sacred place for the Buddhists.
Lotus Tank
In the north of the Maha Bodhi temple lies a large tank full of lotus plant. The Buddha is believed to have spent a week at this site.
Shaivite Monastery
The Shaivite monastery is situated adjacent to the Maha Bodhi temple, and has a cluster of four temples. These temples are surrounded by enchanting greenery and marked by architectural marvels and have several 'Samadhi' in their vicinity.
Bodh Gaya Museum
The Bodh Gaya museum fulfills the requirement of religious art lovers as it initiates one into the age of the Buddha's centered art forms. The museum houses artistic Buddhist sculpture collection from 1st century BCE to the 11th century CE.
Vaishali
At a distance of 55km from Patna, Vaishali is regarded as the world's first republic. It was also associated with Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira.
Nalanda
Nalanda is located at distance of 95 km from Patna and preserves the ruins of one of the most centers of learning in the ancient world. Nalanda University. The University existed during the 5th century and was supported by the Buddha.
Gaya
Gaya is just 12 km from Bodhgaya and is the base from where you can undertake a trip to very famous Barabar caves.
Rajgir
Rajgir is located 110 Km from Patna and is surrounded by verdant green hills. It was the ancient capital of the Magadha emperors and became an important place for many important events in the life of the Buddha.
Buddhist Monasteries near Patna
A number of Tibetan, Japanese and Burmese monasteries are located around the Maha Bodhi temple. The Tibetan monastery houses the massive Dharma Chakra or the Wheel of Law, while the Japanese monastery is famous for conducting vital discourse on Buddhism.
Patna - Nearby Attractions
Gaya and Barabar cave are two of the major attractions near the holy place of Bodh Gaya. Gaya is a place of religious sanctity for the Hindus and lies 12 kilometers from Bodh Gaya between Pretshila and Ramshila hills. It has a large number of the Buddhist temples. The Barabar caves are 32 kilometers away from Bodh Gaya and present a vivid picture of the Buddhist architecture.
