Here's Why You Should Add Buxar To Your Bihar Travel Itinerary

Every school child in India has heard of Buxar, albeit in the context of the famous Battle of Buxar (1764), where the forces of the East India Company vanquished the army of the Mughals, the Nawab of Bengal, and the Nawab of Awadh. Today, Buxar, located on the banks of the Ganga, is one of the most prominent towns of western Bihar. Although there aren't too many sights here to attract visitors—most of the tourist spots have either mythological, historical, or religious significance and are not much to look at—Buxar offers an insight into India’s history.HistoryThis town has been known since the epic period for being the seat of eminent saints, a battlefield for gods and demons according to the Puranas, and a combat zone between foreign invasion and countrymen in modern Indian history. Excavations have revealed a connection between Buxar and the civilizations of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa.The name Buxar is said to be derived from "VyaghraSar." Legend has it that the tiger face of Rishi Vedshira, a curse by Sage Durvasha, was restored after bathing in a holy tank here named VyaghraSar. Over time, Buxar has been known by many names: Siddhashram, Vedgarbhapuri, Karush, Tapovan, and Chaitrath.According to mythology, Sage Vishwamitra, the family guru of Lord Rama, had a sacred ashram here, along with 80,000 saints, on the banks of the holy Ganga. Lord Rama is said to have killed the demoness Tadika here, and both Rama and his brother Lakshman received their teachings in Buxar. Ahilya, the wife of Sage Gautam who was turned to stone, regained her human form through a touch of Rama’s feet at Ahirauli, 6 km from Buxar town.On An Art Trail Through BiharThe Kanwaldah Pokhara, also known as VyaghraSar, is now a tourist spot. The significance of Buxar is mentioned in epics like the Brahmana Purana and the Varaha Purana. During the Mughal period, the Battle of Chausa between Humayun and Sher Shah Suri was fought nearby in 1539 CE.Things to See & DoBuxar FortBuilt by King Rudra Deo in 1054 CE, the Buxar Fort is located on an artificial mound on the banks of the Ganga. Excavations in 1926-27 along the riverbank unearthed two seals with inscriptions in the early Brahmi script dating back to the 3rd and 4th century CE. In 1812, Francis Buchanan noted the fort had only its southern side and bastions intact. He mentioned that the fort had a subterranean passage that housed ancient images and was known as Patalganga. When Alexander Cunningham visited the fort in 1871-72, he did not find any historical artefacts there. He said that it was a purely Brahmanical site and that it had nothing of archaeological interest. On A Historical Journey Through Sasaram, BiharKathkauli MaidanThe Battle of Buxar was fought on the Kathkauli Maidan (field). The British built a memorial at the site to commemorate their victory and honour the soldiers who died during the battle. It now lies in ruins near Kathkauli village, about 9 km east of Buxar on NH84.Sita Ram Upadhyaya MuseumEstablished in 1979, the museum was renamed in 1993 in honour of Buxar resident, Sita Ram Upadhyaya who donated many artefacts to the museum. It houses a collection of stone statues, coins, and terracotta figures amongst other exhibits.Ram Rekha GhatAccording to the great Indian epic, The Ramayana, Lord Rama drew a line on the Ganga river with his bow so that demons could not cross into that territory. The Ram Rekha (literally Rama’s line) Ghat is believed to be that holy site. According to folklore, Rama, Laxman (his younger brother), and sage Vishwamitra crossed the Ganga at this spot on their way to Janakpur for Sita’s swayamvara (a ceremony in which a woman chooses the man she wants to marry). There is a mark on the riverbank, which is believed to be the impression of Rama’s feet. During the festival of Makar Sankranti (January 14), people throng the ghat to take a dip in the holy river, after which they eat khichri (a dish made of lentils and rice). Hence, it is also known as Khichri Parv (festival). The ghat sees a lot of devotees during the Chhath festival as well.Navlakha MandirThe Navlakha temple, also known as Charitravan Baikunth, is one of the most famous temples of Buxar. Its structure is influenced by the temple architecture of South India. According to folklore, Lord Rama completed his studies under sage Vishwamitra in Charitravan, where the temple is located.A Guide To Nalanda, Bihar: What To See, Do And EatBaba Nath MandirBuilt on the banks of the Ganga, the temple has 22 Shiva linga collected from all over the country. The Baba Nath temple is located close to the Buxar Fort.Bihariji MandirJaiprakash Singh, the Maharaja of Dumraon estate, about 19 km east of Buxar on NH84, ordered the construction of this temple in 1825. The temple is significant because Ustad Bismillah Khan, the renowned shehnai maestro and a native of Dumraon, used to play the instrument in the temple along with his father Bachai Miyan, who was the official shehnai player of the estate.Brahmeshwarnath MandirLocated in Brahmapur, 38 km east of Buxar on NH84, Brahmeshwar Nath is a temple dedicated to Shiva. It is believed that Tulsidas, the author of a retelling of the Ramayana, worshipped Shiva here. During the month of Shravan, many Shiva devotees walk from Ram Rekha Ghat to Brahmeshwar Nath temple to make offerings.Lost In Time: Unveiling The Ancient Barabar Caves Near Bodh GayaAngrez KabristanThe Angrez Kabristan (English cemetery) houses the graves of the British soldiers who died during the Battle of Buxar and the 1857 uprising. It is located in the Kairpurawa locality of Buxar.Navratan Garh QuilaRaja Rudrapratap Narayan Singh built Navratna Garh (also known as Bhojpur Quila or Raja Bhoj Quila) in 1633 CE. It is said that there were 52 lanes and 56 doors in the fort. According to folklore, the fort used to shine so brightly at night that it was visible from Delhi, and that is why the Mughal officer Abdullah Khan demolished it within three years of construction. Hence, there are barely any remains of the fort today.According to folklore, Raja Bhoj of Malwa (Madhya Pradesh) conquered the area now known as Bhojpur and settled here. There are ruins in the region believed to be the palaces of Raja Bhoj and his descendants. However, there is no historical evidence to back this claim. When Francis Buchanan visited the site in 1812 CE, he noticed traces of the old channel of the Ganga (which is now more than 20 km north) there. From this, he concluded that Bhojpur was once an extensive town that the river had washed away.ChausaThis place located 11 km west of Buxar is known for the Battle of Chausa (1539 CE), in which Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun and gained dominion over Bihar and Bengal. Excavations around Chausa have yielded bronze statues of Jain tirthankaras, ancient coins, and a terracotta panel now housed in the Patna museum, among other antiquities.Take A Step Back In Time At These Historical Sites In BiharImportant EventsPanchkoshi ParikramaThe Panchkoshi Parikrama (circumambulation) is a pilgrimage in which people walk through five villages around Buxar in five days. During the pilgrimage, they eat litti chokha, a local delicacy. On the last day, litti chokha is cooked all over Buxar, especially in Charitravan.Sita Ram Vivah MahotsavThe Sita Ram Vivah Mahotsav (popularly known as Siya Poonchh) is an annual fair held at Ram Rekha Ghat. During this fair, people gather on the banks of the Ganga for a religious celebration, which signifies the marriage of Sita and Rama. The event includes rituals, pujas, and local cultural performances.The InformationWhen to Go?October to MarchGetting ThereAir: Patna (approx 150 km, 3 hours away); Taxi to Buxar: ₹3,150-3,465.Rail: Buxar Station is connected to Patna and major North Indian cities like Howrah, Mumbai, and New Delhi.Road: Buxar has good road connectivity, including a bridge linking it to Ballia district, UP.Bus: State and private buses connect Buxar to major cities. Where to Stay & EatBSTDC’s Vishwamitra Vihar: Tel: 06183-232383. Tariff ₹1,000-1,200. Features 15 rooms, a suite, a restaurant, and power backup.Apsara Hotel: Tel 09431083521. Tariff ₹300-1,000. Offers AC/non-AC rooms and Indian cuisine.Small local eateries are available, though options are limited.