Patna पटना

Patna, the ancient Pataliputra, was the capital of the Magadha empire, and was home to rulers such as Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka. It stands on the Ganga, and its history connects Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Sikh traditions in a single city. It is also the gateway to the pilgrimage sites of Bihar, including Gaya, Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda and Vaishali, which are visited by travellers from many faiths.

Bari Patan Devi and Choti Patan Devi are two goddess temples, and the former is counted among the Shakti Peethas by local tradition, with the town's older name associated with Patan Devi. Mahavir Mandir, near the railway junction, is a very large Hanuman temple that is among the most visited in northern India and is known for its public charitable work. Hanuman Mandir Patna Junction is a small station shrine, and the Agam Kuan, an ancient well that is linked to the Mauryan period, sits beside a Sheetala Mata shrine. Takht Sri Patna Sahib marks the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. Chhath Puja, a sun worship festival, is the great celebration here, when families gather at the Ganga ghats at dawn and dusk. Autumn Navratri is also observed with devotion. The ghats are crowded on festival days, so plan carefully. Modest dress is expected, and gurdwaras require a covered head and bare feet. Check photography policies at each place.