Tourist Places in Saharsa

The famous Tourist Places in Saharsa, Bihar include Sant Karu Khirhari Temple, Mahpura, Surya Mandir, Kandaha, and Shri Ugratara Sthan, Mahishi.

About Saharsa, Bihar

• Location:
  • Saharsa is a district situated in the northeastern part of Bihar, India.
  • It is bordered by the districts of Madhepura, Khagaria, Supaul, and Madhubani.
• Geography:
  • The district is primarily characterized by fertile plains and is traversed by the Kosi River.
  • The Kosi River is known for its changing course and potential for flooding.
• Administrative Divisions:
  • Saharsa district is administratively divided into subdivisions and blocks to facilitate governance and development.
  • The district falls under the Kosi division in Bihar.
• Economy:
  • Agriculture forms the backbone of Saharsa’s economy, with a significant portion of the population engaged in farming.
  • Crops like rice, wheat, maize, and pulses are cultivated in the region.
  • There are also small-scale industries and trade activities contributing to the local economy.
• Cultural Heritage:
  • Saharsa has a mix of cultural influences from Hindu and Islamic traditions.
  • Festivals like Chhath Puja, Makar Sankranti, Eid, and others are celebrated with fervor.
• Tourist Attractions:
  • Kosi Barrage: An important engineering structure built to manage the Kosi River’s course and mitigate flooding.
  • Simri Bakhtiyarpur: Known for its historical temple ruins and cultural significance.
  • Nauhatta: A town with historical sites of interest.
  • Mahishi: This place holds religious importance, associated with the legend of Mahishasura.
• Education:
  • Efforts are being made to enhance the education system in Saharsa, with schools and colleges offering various educational programs.
  • Literacy rates are gradually improving in the district.
• Transportation:
  • Saharsa is connected through road and rail networks to nearby towns, cities, and states.
• Challenges:
  • The district faces challenges related to infrastructure development, healthcare access, and basic services.
  • The recurring issue of floods caused by the Kosi River affects the lives and livelihoods of the local population.
• Local Cuisine:
  • The cuisine of Saharsa includes traditional Bihari dishes like litti-chokha, thekua, sattu, and various sweets.
• Language and Culture:
  • Bhojpuri is the predominant language spoken in the district.
  • Local cultural practices and folk traditions contribute to the vibrant cultural fabric of Saharsa.
• Natural Beauty:
  • The district’s landscape features picturesque views, particularly along the Kosi River, offering serene and scenic surroundings.

Tourist Places in Saharsa, Bihar

Sant Karu Khirhari Temple, Mahpura

• Location and Significance:
  • The temple of Saint Karu Khirhari is situated on the bank of the Kosi River.
  • Saint Karu Khirhari is revered for his devotion to Lord Shiva and his dedicated service to cows, which led to his attainment of divinity.
  • The temple holds great significance, attracting people from various walks of life who come to offer milk as a symbol of devotion to Karu Baba.
• Devotion and Offerings:
  • Devotees visit the temple to pay homage to Saint Karu Khirhari and to express their devotion.
  • The act of offering milk is a traditional practice that showcases the reverence and dedication of the worshippers.
• Location and Accessibility:
  • The temple is located near Mahpura village, approximately 2 kilometers away from the Mahishi block office.
  • Despite its proximity to the Kosi River and its location alongside the eastern Koshi Embankment, the temple has endured the challenges posed by the river’s unpredictable behavior.
• Survival Against Odds:
  • The temple has withstood the ravages of the turbulent Kosi River, highlighting its resilience and spiritual significance to the local community.
• Government Initiatives:
  • Recognizing the temple’s historical and cultural importance, the Bihar Government has announced plans to develop the Karu Khirhari temple into a major tourist destination.
  • This initiative aims to not only promote the spiritual and cultural value of the temple but also contribute to the local tourism sector.
• Tourist Attraction:
  • The development efforts intend to attract a larger number of tourists and visitors to experience the spiritual ambiance of the temple and the surrounding area.
  • The temple’s association with Saint Karu Khirhari’s remarkable devotion and the picturesque setting along the Kosi River can enhance the tourist experience.
• Cultural Heritage:
  • The temple’s association with Shiv-Bhakti and cow dedication reflects the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region.
  • It serves as a living testament to the deep-rooted spiritual beliefs of the local community.
• Symbol of Resilience:
  • The temple’s survival against the challenges posed by the Kosi River reinforces its symbolic importance as a place of faith and strength.
• Local Engagement:
  • The temple’s prominence draws not only tourists but also the local population, fostering a sense of community and unity.
• Spiritual Pilgrimage:
  • The temple of Saint Karu Khirhari provides a sacred space for devotees to embark on a spiritual journey, paying homage to the saint’s devotion and seeking blessings.
• Cultural Revival:
  • The development efforts could potentially lead to the revival of traditional practices, cultural celebrations, and festivals associated with the temple.
• Overall Impact:
  • The transformation of the temple into a tourist spot has the potential to positively impact the local economy, promoting tourism and generating livelihood opportunities for the local population.

Surya Mandir, Kandaha

• Significance and Recognition:
  • The SUN Temple located in Kandaha village holds both religious and historical importance.
  • Its significance has been officially acknowledged by the Archaeological Survey of India, similar to the Surya Mandir in Dev of Aurangabad district.
• Location:
  • The Kandaha Surya Mandir is situated in the Pastwar Panchayat of Mahishi Block.
  • Geographically, it is located approximately 16 kilometers to the west of the Saharsa district headquarters.
• Accessibility:
  • To reach the temple, one can take the route to Tarasthan, Mahishi, and then travel about 3 kilometers north from Gorho Ghat Chowk.
• Idol and Architecture:
  • The temple is distinguished by its remarkable architecture and features a magnificent idol of Surya Bhagwan (the Sun God).
  • The idol is depicted riding a seven-horsed chariot and is intricately carved on a single granite slab.
• Historical Inscriptions:
  • Inscriptions present at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum (garbh grih) of the temple carry historical significance.
  • Historians have deciphered these inscriptions, revealing that the temple was constructed during the rule of King Narsimha Deo of the Karnata dynasty.
  • King Narsimha Deo ruled over Mithila during the 14th century.
• Restoration and Renovation:
  • The temple faced damage at the hands of the Mughal emperor Kalapahad, who is known for his destructive actions.
  • However, the renowned saint poet Laxminath Gosai played a pivotal role in the temple’s restoration and renovation.
• Cultural Heritage:
  • The temple stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region, reflecting the art, architecture, and religious practices of the time.
• Religious Pilgrimage:
  • The Kandaha Surya Mandir serves as a destination for religious pilgrims, drawing devotees seeking the blessings of the Sun God.
• Artistic Significance:
  • The intricately carved idol and the architectural elements of the temple exemplify the artistic skills of the craftsmen of that era.
• Local Landmarks:
  • The temple’s location near Gorho Ghat Chowk and its connection to nearby places like Tarasthan and Mahishi contribute to its visibility and accessibility.
• Historical Context:
  • The temple’s historical inscriptions shed light on the rulers and dynasties that held influence over the region in the past.
• Symbol of Resilience:
  • The temple’s survival through the ages, despite challenges and damage, represents the enduring nature of faith and cultural heritage.
• Community Engagement:
  • The temple, as a site of religious and historical importance, fosters a sense of community and connection among the local population.
• Tourism Potential:
  • The recognition by the Archaeological Survey of India and the temple’s unique features position it as a potential tourist attraction, contributing to local tourism and heritage awareness.

Shri Ugratara Sthan, Mahishi

• Location and Name:
  • The Shri Ugratara Mandir is situated in Mahishi village, Saharsa.
  • The temple is located approximately 17 kilometers to the west of Saharsa station.
• Deity and Devotion:
  • The temple is home to the ancient idol of Bhagwati Tara, a revered form of the goddess.
  • Devotees, both local and from distant places, visit the temple to seek blessings and pay their respects.
• Idol’s Antiquity:
  • The idol of Bhagwati Tara is known for its antiquity, carrying historical and cultural significance.
  • Its age and historical background make it a point of interest for researchers and devotees alike.
• Other Deities:
  • Apart from the main deity, the temple houses two smaller female deities on either side of the main idol.
  • These deities are worshipped as Ekjata and Nil Saraswati, adding to the spiritual ambiance of the temple.
• Religious Pilgrimage:
  • The Shri Ugratara Mandir serves as a religious pilgrimage site, attracting devotees who come to seek blessings and offer prayers.
• Cultural and Spiritual Heritage:
  • The temple contributes to the cultural and spiritual heritage of the region, reflecting the devotion and practices of the community.
• Local and Distant Devotees:
  • The temple’s reputation and historical significance draw not only local worshippers but also devotees from distant places.
• Devotional Practices:
  • Devotees engage in various devotional practices, including offerings, prayers, and rituals, to express their reverence.
• Symbolism and Worship:
  • The presence of the additional deities alongside Bhagwati Tara enhances the spiritual symbolism of the temple and its significance.
• Community Gathering:
  • The temple serves as a focal point for the local community, fostering a sense of unity and shared faith.
• Religious Festivals:
  • The temple likely hosts religious festivals and events that attract increased footfall of devotees, adding vibrancy to the area.
• Heritage Awareness:
  • The temple’s historical and cultural value contributes to raising awareness about the region’s rich heritage.
• Tourism Potential:
  • Due to its antiquity, spiritual significance, and cultural importance, the Shri Ugratara Mandir has the potential to attract tourists interested in history and spirituality.
• Preservation Efforts:
  • The temple likely benefits from preservation and maintenance efforts to protect its historical artifacts and spiritual ambiance.
• Blessings and Faith:
  • For devotees, the temple represents a place of seeking blessings and strengthening their faith, fostering a deep spiritual connection.

Disclosure : Source of Information about the Tourist Places in Saharsa is https://saharsa.nic.in/