Summary
Bihar is one of the most sacred destinations to visit during Shraddh and Pitru Paksha. The holy city of Gaya is the heart of Shraddh rituals, where devotees perform Pind Daan at Vishnupad Temple and on the banks of the Phalgu River. Nearby, Bodh Gaya adds a peaceful touch with the Mahabodhi Temple and monasteries where pilgrims pray for their ancestors’ souls. In Patna, the Ganga Ghats like Gandhi Ghat and Kangan Ghat attract families for Shraddh rituals, along with visits to Mahavir Mandir and Patan Devi Temple. Spiritual travelers also visit Sitamarhi Janaki Temple, believed to be Goddess Sita’s birthplace, and explore Rajgir and Nalanda, where heritage and pilgrimage come together. With budget and luxury hotels in Gaya, Bodh Gaya, and Patna, a Shraddh trip to Bihar offers both spiritual fulfillment and comfortable stay options. This makes Bihar the most important place for ancestor rituals and pilgrimage travel.Kindly Read Best Places to Visit in Bihar During Shraddh
Gaya – The Heart of Shraddh Rituals
Gaya is the most important place in India for Shraddh rituals. The Vishnupad Temple and Phalgu River are considered sacred for offering Pind Daan (ancestral offerings).
Devotees from all over the world visit Gaya during Pitru Paksha. Priests here guide families through ancient rituals.
The city is full of spiritual energy, and the Ghats are filled with devotees chanting mantras.
Cost of rituals: Pandit-guided Pind Daan usually costs between Rs1,500 to Rs5,000, depending on the rituals performed.
Where to Stay in Gaya:
Hotel Vishnu International Gaya – A comfortable hotel near Vishnupad Temple, starting at around Rs2,000 per night.
Maya Heritage Gaya – A mid-range stay with modern facilities, around Rs1,800 per night.
Hotel Grand Palace Gaya – Spacious rooms, family-friendly, about Rs2,200 per night.
Bodh Gaya – Peaceful Spiritual Retreat
Just a few kilometers from Gaya, Bodh Gaya is famous as the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
During Shraddh, people also visit the Mahabodhi Temple to pray for peace to their ancestors’ souls.
The mix of Buddhist monks chanting and pilgrims performing Shraddh makes this place very special.
You can also explore monasteries from Thailand, Japan, and Bhutan here.
Where to Stay in Bodh Gaya:
Hotel Bodhgaya Regency – A popular choice near the Mahabodhi Temple, rooms start at Rs2,500 per night.
Maha Bodhi Hotel & Resort – Comfortable stay with a spiritual ambiance, about Rs3,000 per night.
Hotel Sujata Bodh Gaya – Heritage-style hotel with peaceful gardens, priced around Rs2,800 per night.
Patna – Ganga Ghats and Temples
Patna, the capital city, has many holy ghats where people perform Shraddh rituals by the Ganga River.
Gandhi Ghat and Kangan Ghat are especially crowded during Pitru Paksha.
The city also offers temples like Mahavir Mandir and Patan Devi Temple, where devotees pray after performing rituals.
Where to Stay in Patna:
Hotel Maurya Patna – Luxury stay with premium services, about Rs5,000 per night.
Hotel Patliputra Continental – Modern amenities with good location, around Rs4,000 per night.
Amalfi Grand Patna – Comfortable mid-range hotel, prices start from Rs3,200 per night.
Sitamarhi – Land of Goddess Sita
Sitamarhi is believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita, making it spiritually important.
Many devotees come here during Shraddh to offer prayers, believing that Goddess Sita blesses their ancestors’ souls.
The Janaki Temple is the main attraction here.
Where to Stay in Sitamarhi:
Hotel Vaidehi Residency Sitamarhi – Budget-friendly stay with clean rooms, about Rs1,200 per night.
Hotel Janaki International – Good family stay option, around Rs1,800 per night.
Rajgir & Nalanda – Heritage and Pilgrimage Together
Rajgir, surrounded by hills, is a sacred town associated with both Buddhism and Jainism.
Devotees also visit Nalanda University ruins, combining Shraddh rituals with a heritage experience.
Hot springs in Rajgir are believed to have healing powers, and pilgrims take a dip before rituals.
Where to Stay in Rajgir/Nalanda:
Indo Hokke Hotel Rajgir – A Japanese-style hotel near Vishwa Shanti Stupa, approx. Rs3,500 per night.
Hotel Rajgir Residency – Comfortable with family dining, about Rs2,000 per night.
Hotel Nalanda Regency – Located near Nalanda ruins, priced at Rs2,200 per night.
Approximate Expenses During Shraddh Trip to Bihar
Stay (per night): Rs1,200 – Rs5,000 depending on choice of hotel.
Food (per day): Rs300 – Rs700 per person for vegetarian meals.
Ritual Costs: Rs1,500 – Rs5,000 depending on rituals.
Local Transport: Rs200 – Rs800 per ride (auto/taxi).
Best Places to Visit in Bihar During Shraddh FAQ’s
1. Why is Gaya important for Shraddh rituals?
Gaya is considered the holiest place in India for Shraddh because of the Vishnupad Temple and the Phalgu River, where Lord Vishnu blessed the ritual of Pind Daan for ancestors’ salvation.
2. What is the cost of Shraddh rituals in Gaya?
The cost of Pind Daan in Gaya usually ranges from Rs1,500 to Rs5,000, depending on the type of rituals and offerings chosen.
3. Can I perform Shraddh in Bodh Gaya?
Yes, many devotees visit Bodh Gaya during Pitru Paksha. They offer prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple and nearby monasteries along with Shraddh rituals.
4. Are hotels available near Vishnupad Temple in Gaya?
Yes, there are budget and mid-range hotels in Gaya near Vishnupad Temple, such as Hotel Vishnu International and Maya Heritage, with prices starting from Rs1,800 per night.
5. Which other cities in Bihar are popular during Shraddh?
Apart from Gaya and Bodh Gaya, devotees visit Patna Ganga Ghats, Sitamarhi Janaki Temple, Rajgir, and Nalanda for spiritual and heritage experiences.
6. How crowded does Gaya get during Pitru Paksha?
Gaya becomes extremely crowded during Pitru Paksha, with thousands of pilgrims arriving daily. It is advised to book hotels and pandit services in advance.
7. What should I carry while traveling for Shraddh rituals?
Carry light cotton clothes, a water bottle, essential medicines, and some puja items if required. Most items for rituals can also be arranged locally.
