Bihar-Sharif Sightseeing, Quick Facts, History, Packages, Tours & Excursions

The major crowd puller is the tomb of Saint Mallik Ibrahim Bayu, at the summit of the Pir Pahari. The main tomb is made of bricks, carrying an inscription about the death of the 14^th century Sufi saints. Around it are a few smaller tombs. The annual Urs festival is held here and attracts thousands of worshippers each year.

The Tomb of Makhdum-ul-Mulk built in 1569 becomes a centre of attraction when his anniversary is celebrated annually. Another attraction is the Choti Dargah, the shrine of Badruddin Badr-I-Alam.

The tomb of Malik Ibrahim Vaya located on the Bari Pahari is a magnificent monument built on the summit of a rocky hill. Around it are the ruins of the Jail of Jarasandh, an emperor of Magadha. The view of the city from this point is beautiful.

Explore the remains of Odantapuri, a great Vihara or college of Buddhist learning, that are in a well maintained condition.

Other Activities

Just 7 km away is Pawapuri, the sacred pilgrimage centre of Jains and has a magnificent marble temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira.

Nalanda University ruins are 15 km away. This ancient university was known through out Asia during the age of Ashoka and was destroyed by the Muslim ruler Bakhtiyar Khilji in the 12^th century.

A visit to Rajgir, 28 km away, would be an inetresting experinece. The Brahma Kund is known to have curing properties. Buddhist ruins, water falls, mountains and lush greenery makes Rajgir, a place worth visiting.

Shop for hand-woven cotton dhurries and curtains which are famous at Bihar Sharif.

TOURISM INFORMATION

BSTDC Hotel Gautam Vihar,

Rajgir-803 152.

Phone: 06112-255273

Bihar Sharif is located in the Nalanda district of Bihar. It is situated 80 km from Patna and about 14 km from the Nalanda university ruins. Bihar Sharif was the capital of the 10^th century Pala dynasty and has a rich collection of ancient structures. Later, it was the capital of the Muslim Governors deputed in Bihar during the 13^th to 16^th century. The city was an active centre of Muslim learning and art. Today it is a small town with a rich cultural past and is a major Muslim pilgrimage centre. The old portion of the town has superb examples of medieval Islamic architecture while thousands of pilgrims come to pay their respects at the tomb of Makhdum Shah Sharif-ud-din, a 14^th century Muslim saint. The annual event of Urs is celebrated at the tomb of Malik Ibrahim Baya.