Bihar holds a sacred place in history as the birthplace of both Buddhism and Jainism, two of the world’s most influential religions. It was in Bodh Gaya that Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and became Gautama Buddha, laying the foundation of Buddhism. Today, the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a revered pilgrimage destination for Buddhists worldwide.

Similarly, Bihar is deeply connected to Jainism, as it is the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, who spread the principles of non-violence, truth, and asceticism. Vaishali, an ancient city in Bihar, is where Mahavira was born and spent a significant part of his life preaching Jain philosophy.

The state is home to numerous Buddhist and Jain heritage sites, including Rajgir, Nalanda, and Pawapuri, which hold immense spiritual, historical, and cultural significance. These sacred landmarks continue to attract devotees, historians, and tourists, keeping Bihar’s legacy as the cradle of Buddhism and Jainism alive.