Places of Interest

Shri Ugratarasthan, Mahishi

Shri Ugratara Mandir, Mahishi, Saharsa is situated at a distance of about 17 km west of Saharsa railway station in Mahishi village. In this ancient temple, the idol of Bhagwati Tara is said to be very old and draws devotees from far and wide. On either side of the main deity, there are two smaller female deities which are worshipped by the people as Ekjata and Nil Saraswati.

Mandan Bharti Dham, Mahishi

“Where parrots and mynahs are deliberating in chaste Sanskrit whether Vedas are eternal (i.e. need no proof) or have to be proven with the help of other scriptures and disciples are singing the hymns, is the abode of Mandan Mishra.”

This was the reply given to the great Adi Shankaracharya by a pitcher-woman when he inquired about the home of the great Indian philosopher of Mimansa, Pandit Mandan Mishra. Pt. Mishra was known to be a student of the Mimansa scholar Kumarila Bhatta.

This holy place is situated in Mahishi Block of Saharsa district where the two stalwarts of Indian philosophy met together about twelve hundred years ago. It is said that a religious discourse (Shastrarth) was held between the great Shankaracharya and the local great Mimansa scholar Mandan Mishra. Bharti, wife of Mandan Mishra, who was also a great scholar, served as the judge for the discourse.

Surya Mandir, Kandaha, Mahishi

The Sun Temple at Kandaha village is an important religious and historical place which has been duly recognized by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), similar to the Surya Mandir in Dev, Aurangabad district.

Kandaha Surya Mandir is situated in Pastwar Panchayat of Mahishi Block. It is located nearly 16 km west of the Saharsa district headquarters, and about 3 km north of Gorho Ghat Chowk on the way to Tarasthan, Mahishi.

Here in Kandaha, a magnificent idol of Surya Bhagwan riding a seven-horsed chariot is carved on a single granite slab. At the door of the sanctum sanctorum (garbh griha), there are inscriptions deciphered by historians confirming that this sun temple was built during the period of King Narsimha Deo of the Karnata dynasty, who ruled over Mithila in the 14th century. It is said that the temple was damaged by Kalapahad and later renovated by the famous saint-poet Laxminath Gosain.

Sant Karu Khirhari Temple, Mahishi

Situated on the bank of the Kosi River near Mahpura village (2 km away from Mahishi block office), this temple is dedicated to Saint Karu Khirhari, who is said to have attained divinity by virtue of his Shiv-Bhakti and dedication to cows. People from all walks of life come to offer milk to Karu Baba. Despite being located on the riverside of the eastern Koshi Embankment, it has survived the turbulent river. The Bihar Government has announced plans to develop Karu Khirhari temple as a major tourist spot.

Chandikasthan, Biratpur, Sonbarsa

Biratpur village under Sonebarsa block is famous for an ancient temple of goddess Chandi. This village is also associated with King Birat of the Mahabharata period, where the Pandavas lived for 12 years during their exile.

Tantric scholars and devotees attach much significance to this Chandi temple, which is said to form an equilateral triangle (Trikon) with the Katyayani temple near Dhamhara Ghat and the Tara temple at Mahishi. During Navratri, devotees visit from distant places to offer prayers.

Babaji Kuti, Bangaon, Saharsa

The famous site of Babaji Kuti is situated nearly 9 km west of the Saharsa district headquarters. A huge banyan tree, under which the remains of Laxminath Gosaiji have been preserved, is a centre of great reverence for people of all sects and religions.

Dewan Ban Mandir, Nauhatta

A Shivling is established in the temple situated at Sahpur-Manjhoul in Nauhatta block. It is believed that the Linga was established by Maharaja Shalivahan around 100 BC. Hindus celebrate the festival of Jitiya named after Jimutbahan, son of Maharaja Shalivahan. Description of this place is found in the Shiv Purana. Although the ancient shrine at Dewan Ban was washed away by the Kosi river, local residents built another temple in the adjacent area.

Nauhatta Block Headquarter

Nauhatta is an old historic village, prominent since the Mughal era, and currently serves as a block headquarters. The village features a Shiva temple about 80 feet in height. Damaged during the 1934 earthquake, it was reconstructed by Raja Srinand Singh of Srinagar Estate.

It also houses the grave of Madho Singh on an earthen mound about 50 feet high, who became a martyr in the battle of Ladri Ghat. Offerings are made at the grave by people of all communities.

Durga Mandir, Okahi, Sattar Kataiya

Located in Sattar Kataiya block, this village contains an ancient idol of goddess Durga discovered during an excavation. According to local belief, Sone Lala Jha received a divine instruction in a dream to excavate a specific location, where the idol was subsequently found and enshrined. A major fair is held here on Maha Ashtami Puja every year.

Rakta Kali Temple, Matsyagandha, Saharsa

A formerly waterlogged barren area in Saharsa town has been developed into a scenic tourist spot known as Matsyagandha. The complex features the Rakta Kali temple and an oval-shaped temple with idols of 64 Yoginis engraved on the inner walls. The Bihar Tourism Department has established a tourist complex here.