blogs

Important Religious Places Near Patna

Patna is surrounded by important religious and pilgrimage sites representing Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, Jainism, Buddhism and Christianity. Within the city, visitors can explore Mahavir Mandir, Patna Sahib, Badi Patan Devi, Agam Kuan and historic mosques and Jain temples. Day trips can extend to Gaya, Bodh Gaya, Nalanda and Rajgir.

Patna is a useful base for exploring Bihar’s religious heritage. Some sites are within a few kilometres of the city centre, while major pilgrimage destinations such as Gaya, Bodh Gaya and Nalanda require a longer day trip. Distances and travel times can vary with traffic, so the figures below should be treated as approximate.

What Are The Most Important Religious Places Near Patna?

The following destinations cover the major faith traditions represented in Patna and the surrounding region. For city attractions, Patna Junction is a useful reference point; destinations outside the city are better planned as separate excursions.

Religious place	Approx. location from Patna	Main significance
Mahavir Mandir	Near Patna Junction	Hinduism
Buddha Smriti Park	Near Patna Junction	Buddhism
Agam Kuan & Shitla Mata Temple	Gulzarbagh	Ancient Hindu heritage
Badi Patan Devi	Patna City	Hinduism
Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib	Patna City	Sikhism
Gurudwara Guru Ka Bagh	Patna City	Sikhism
Kamaldah Jain Temple	Gulzarbagh	Jainism
Padri Ki Haveli	Patna City	Christianity
Maner Sharif	About 25 km west of Patna	Sufi Islam
Gaya	About 100 km south of Patna	Hinduism, Buddhism & Jainism
Nalanda	About 90 km from Patna	Buddhism & ancient learning
Bodh Gaya	About 110 km from Patna	Buddhism
Rajgir	About 100 km from Patna	Buddhism, Jainism & Hinduism

Which Hindu Temples And Sacred Sites Should You Visit In Patna?

Patna has several Hindu religious sites ranging from major urban temples to ancient archaeological and pilgrimage landmarks. Some can be visited together because they are located in the same part of the city.

Mahavir Mandir

Located directly opposite Patna Junction, Mahavir Mandir is one of Bihar’s most prominent Hanuman temples and attracts thousands of devotees. The temple is particularly known for its Naivedyam prasad, prepared by specialists associated with the Tirupati tradition.

The temple has a long history, with a 1948 Patna High Court judgment recording its establishment in 1730 and its later renovation in 1984. The complex also runs charitable institutions and healthcare and educational initiatives.

Practical information: Bihar Tourism lists the temple as open from 5 AM to 10 PM, with free entry. Visitors should remove footwear and maintain silence, particularly during busy prayer periods.

Badi Patan Devi Temple

Badi Patan Devi is one of Patna’s best-known Shakti temples and is dedicated to forms of the goddess including Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati.

It is traditionally believed to be one of the Shakti Peethas, with the local religious tradition associating the site with the body of Sati. This belief should be understood as part of the temple’s religious tradition rather than as an established historical fact.

The temple is in Patna City and is particularly busy during major Hindu festivals such as Navratri.

Shitla Mata Temple

Near the ancient Agam Kuan in Gulzarbagh is the Shitla Mata Temple, dedicated to Shitala Devi. The temple is associated with the worship of the folk deity Shitala Devi, traditionally revered for protection against diseases such as smallpox and chickenpox.

Its location makes it particularly useful to combine with Agam Kuan and Kamaldah Jain Temple when exploring the religious heritage of eastern Patna.

Agam Kuan

Agam Kuan is an ancient well and archaeological landmark associated with the Mauryan period and Emperor Ashoka. Bihar Tourism describes it as one of the notable ancient remains of Patna and places it near the Kumrahar area.

For visitors interested in the intersection of religion and ancient history, Agam Kuan is different from a conventional temple visit. It can be combined with the nearby Shitla Mata Temple to explore both the archaeological and religious traditions associated with the site.

Which Sikh Religious Places Should You Visit In Patna?

Patna has an exceptional connection with Sikh history because Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born here. The Patna Sahib area therefore forms one of the city’s most important pilgrimage zones.

Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib Patna Sahib

Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as Patna Sahib, is one of the five Takhts of Sikhism and marks the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

The historic gurudwara is located in Patna City and is the central destination for Sikh pilgrims visiting Bihar. It can be combined with other nearby Sikh sites, including Gurudwara Guru Ka Bagh and Kangan Ghat.

Visitors should cover their heads, remove footwear before entering the prayer area and maintain appropriate conduct. Photography should follow the rules displayed at the complex.

Gurudwara Guru Ka Bagh

Gurudwara Guru Ka Bagh is associated with Sikh history and is located around 3 km east of Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib. Its proximity to Patna Sahib makes it easy to include in the same pilgrimage route.

The site has a sarovar and a relatively peaceful setting, making it a useful second stop after visiting the main Patna Sahib complex.

Gurudwara Handi Sahib

Gurudwara Handi Sahib in Danapur is another Sikh pilgrimage site associated with Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s early life. It can be included when planning a wider Sikh heritage tour around Patna rather than a short Patna City itinerary.

Because historical accounts and local traditions can differ in detail, visitors interested in the shrine’s history should refer to the gurudwara’s own current information when planning a pilgrimage.

Which Jain Religious Places Are Near Patna?

Jain heritage is an important but sometimes overlooked part of Bihar’s religious landscape. Patna itself has historic Jain sites, while nearby Nalanda and Pawapuri form part of the wider Jain pilgrimage circuit.

Kamaldah Jain Temple

Located near Gulzarbagh Railway Station, Kamaldah Jain Temple is one of the oldest Jain temples in Patna. Its religious importance is associated with the Jain teacher Sthulibhadra, and the site includes a mausoleum associated with the Jain saint.

Bihar Tourism lists the temple’s visiting hours as 6 AM to 6 PM, with free entry. Visitors should remove footwear, dress modestly and avoid photography inside.

The temple is particularly convenient to combine with Agam Kuan and Shitla Mata Temple.

Jain Sites Around Nalanda And Rajgir

For a longer Jain pilgrimage, the region around Rajgir, Nalanda and Pawapuri offers significantly more options. Pawapuri’s Jal Mandir is one of the most important Jain destinations in Bihar, while Kundalpur near Nalanda is associated with Lord Mahavira. Bihar Tourism lists both as part of its Jain Circuit.

Which Islamic Religious Places Can You Visit Near Patna?

Patna and its surrounding areas have a strong Islamic and Sufi heritage, ranging from historic mosques in the city to major Sufi shrines outside it.

Maner Sharif

About 25 km west of Patna, Maner Sharif is one of the best-known Sufi pilgrimage destinations near the city. It is home to the Bari Dargah associated with Makhdoom Yahya Maneri and the Chhoti Dargah associated with Makhdum Shah Daulat.

The shrines are also notable for their Mughal-era architecture. Maner Sharif is best treated as a separate half-day excursion rather than squeezed into a Patna City sightseeing route.

Pathar Ki Masjid And Historic Mosques

Patna’s older neighbourhoods also contain historic Islamic architecture. Pathar Ki Masjid and other historic mosques around Patna City provide an opportunity to explore the city’s Mughal and Indo-Islamic heritage alongside its temples, gurudwaras and churches.

When visiting mosques, travellers should dress modestly, remove footwear where required and avoid photography during prayers unless it is clearly permitted.

Which Buddhist And Christian Religious Places Should You Visit?

Patna’s religious heritage also includes important Buddhist and Christian landmarks, making it possible to explore several faith traditions within the same city.

Buddha Smriti Park

Located on Fraser Road near Patna Junction, Buddha Smriti Park is one of the easiest Buddhist sites to add to a central Patna itinerary. The park includes the Patliputra Karuna Stupa, sacred Bodhi trees, a meditation centre and a museum containing Buddhist-related artefacts and presentations.

Practical information: Bihar Tourism currently lists visiting hours as 9 AM to 6 PM and an entry fee of ₹20 per person.

Because the park is close to Mahavir Mandir, the two can be visited together.

Padri Ki Haveli

Padri Ki Haveli, also known as St Mary’s Church, is recognised by Bihar Tourism as the oldest church in Patna and Bihar. The church was first built in 1713, while the present structure was designed in 1772 by Venetian architect Tirreto. It survived attacks including those associated with Nawab Mir Qasim and the events of 1857.

The church is also associated with Mother Teresa, who trained there before beginning her missionary work. Visitors should maintain silence and avoid photography during prayers.

Which Religious Places Can You Visit On A Day Trip From Patna?

If you have more than one day, some of Bihar’s most important pilgrimage destinations are outside Patna itself. These should be treated as day trips rather than ordinary city sightseeing stops.

Gaya

Gaya is around 100 km south of Patna and is sacred to Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. The city is particularly important for Hindu pilgrimage and is home to Vishnupad Temple, while nearby sites include Mangala Gauri and Brahmayoni. Bihar Tourism estimates around two hours by train from Patna, although road travel time varies.

Bodh Gaya

Bodh Gaya is around 110 km from Patna and is one of the world’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. It is where Siddhartha Gautama is traditionally understood to have attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree.

The Mahabodhi Temple is the principal pilgrimage site. Bihar Tourism currently lists the temple as open from 6 AM to 6 PM with free entry.

Nalanda

Nalanda is approximately 90 km southeast of Patna. The archaeological remains of Nalanda Mahavihara represent one of the most important centres of ancient Buddhist learning and are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nalanda works particularly well as part of a combined Nalanda–Rajgir–Pawapuri itinerary.

Rajgir

Rajgir is another major religious destination in the wider Patna region. It is associated with both Buddhist and Jain traditions, while its hills and ancient sites also feature prominently in Hindu traditions.

Bihar Tourism notes that Rajgir is close to Nalanda, making the two practical to combine in a longer day trip. Pawapuri and Kundalpur can also be incorporated into a Jain-focused itinerary.

How Can You Plan A Religious Tour From Patna?

The best itinerary depends on how much time you have.

For a few hours: Visit Mahavir Mandir and Buddha Smriti Park. Both are close to Patna Junction, allowing you to cover two major religious landmarks without crossing the city.

For a full day in Patna: Visit Mahavir Mandir and Buddha Smriti Park in the morning, then travel towards Patna City for Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib, Gurudwara Guru Ka Bagh and nearby historic religious sites.

For Jain heritage: Combine Kamaldah Jain Temple with Agam Kuan and Shitla Mata Temple within Patna. For a longer pilgrimage, plan Nalanda, Rajgir and Pawapuri separately.

For Buddhist heritage: A dedicated day trip to Bodh Gaya is more practical than trying to combine it with several Patna attractions.

For Sufi heritage: Visit Khanquah Mujeebia or Maner Sharif depending on the time available, with Maner better suited to a dedicated excursion.

What Should You Know Before Visiting Religious Places In Patna?

Dress modestly and carry footwear that is easy to remove, as shoes are not permitted in many temples, gurudwaras and Jain sites. At Sikh shrines, head covering is expected. At mosques and dargahs, visitors should dress respectfully and follow local prayer-time restrictions.

Photography rules vary. For example, Bihar Tourism specifically advises avoiding photography inside Kamaldah Jain Temple and during prayers at Padri Ki Haveli.

Timings and entry arrangements can change during festivals, special religious events or maintenance. Check the relevant official tourism or religious-site information before setting out, particularly if you are planning an early-morning darshan or a multi-site itinerary.

Where Should You Stay When Visiting Religious Places In Patna?

For a religious trip, choosing a centrally located hotel can reduce travel time between Patna’s major attractions. Chanakya Hotel Patna is located on Bir Chand Patel Marg in the central part of the city, with easy access to Patna Junction and other major landmarks.

The hotel offers Standard, Deluxe and Executive rooms as well as Suites, with amenities including Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms and in-house dining. Its location also provides convenient access to Patna’s commercial and government districts, making it suitable for both leisure and business travellers.

If you are planning temple visits, Sikh pilgrimage stops or day trips to destinations such as Gaya and Bodh Gaya, a centrally located stay can make the overall itinerary easier to manage. For a comfortable base while exploring the city’s religious heritage, consider the best hotel in Patna for your travel needs.