Munger is a city in the eastern state of Bihar, India. It is situated on the banks of the Ganga River and has a population of about 3.8 lakh. Munger is one of the oldest and most important cities in Bihar, and has a rich history, culture, and heritage. In this article, we will explore the history, culture, and attractions of Munger, and discover why it is one of the most fascinating cities in Bihar.
Munger: A City with Ancient Roots
Munger has a long and glorious history, dating back to the ancient times. According to the legends, Munger was the capital of the Anga Kingdom, which was mentioned in the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.
Munger was also the place where Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, attained enlightenment, and where Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, preached his first sermon.
Munger was ruled by various dynasties and empires, such as the Mauryas, the Guptas, the Pala, the Sena, the Khilji, the Tughlaq, the Mughals, the Nawabs, and the British. Munger was a center of education, trade, and administration, and witnessed many historical events and movements, such as the Bengal Renaissance, the First War of Independence, and the Champaran Satyagraha.
Munger: A City with Diverse Culture
Munger has a diverse and vibrant culture, influenced by various religions, languages, and arts. Munger is associated with many saints, sages, and scholars, who have contributed to the Indian culture and civilization. Some of them are Kabir, Guru Nanak, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Rabindranath Tagore, Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, and Munshi Premchand. Munger is home to many faiths and festivals, such as Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Christianity, and celebrates Durga Puja, Muharram, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Mahavir Jayanti, Buddha Purnima, and Christmas. Munger is also known for its languages and arts, such as Angika, Maithili, Urdu, Hindi, English, and Bengali, and its music, dance, painting, and literature.
Munger: A City with Amazing Attractions
Munger has many amazing attractions, both natural and historical, that appeal to the visitors. Some of the main attractions are:
1. Munger Fort
The Munger Fort is one of the oldest and largest forts in India, and covers an area of about 222 acres. The fort was built by various rulers, and has many features and elements, such as the gates, the moat, the bastions, the temples, the mosques, the palace, and the museum. The fort is a cultural hub, and has witnessed the evolution of various religious and literary traditions. The fort is also associated with various saints, sages, and scholars, such as Mahavira, Gautam Buddha, Kabir, Guru Nanak, and Raja Ram Mohan Roy. The fort also played a role in the freedom struggle of India, and was the site of the Munger Revolt of 1764, and the Munger Arsenal of 1915. The fort is open from 9 am to 5 pm, and the entry fee is Rs. 10 per person. The best time to visit the fort is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the fort is illuminated at night.
2. Chandika Asthan
The Chandika Asthan is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Chandika, a form of Goddess Durga. The temple is located inside the Munger Fort, and is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where the body parts of Goddess Sati fell. According to the legend, the right eye of Goddess Sati fell here, and hence the temple is also known as Naina Asthan. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site, and attracts thousands of devotees, especially during the Navratri festival. The temple is open from 6 am to 8 pm, and there is no entry fee. The best time to visit the temple is during the Navratri festival, when the temple is decorated and the devotees offer prayers and sacrifices to the Goddess.
3. Sita Kund
The Sita Kund is a hot spring located near the Munger Fort, and is believed to be the place where Goddess Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, bathed after being freed from the demon king Ravana. The spring is considered to be sacred, and has medicinal properties. The spring is also a tourist attraction, and offers a scenic view of the Ganga River and the hills. The spring is open from 6 am to 6 pm, and there is no entry fee.
4. Bihar School of Yoga
The Bihar School of Yoga is a yoga institution founded by Swami Satyananda Saraswati in 1964. The institution is located in the Ganga Darshan Ashram, and offers various courses and programs on yoga, meditation, and spirituality. The institution is a pioneer in the field of yoga, and has influenced many yoga practitioners and teachers around the world. The institution is open from 6 am to 8 pm, and the admission fee is Rs. 500 per person.
5. Ganga River
The Ganga River is the lifeline of Munger, and provides many opportunities for recreation and adventure. The river is a source of water, irrigation, and transportation, and also a place of worship and culture. The river offers a beautiful view of the sunrise and sunset, and the visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in the river. The river also hosts various festivals and rituals, such as the Ganga Aarti, the Chhath Puja, and the Kumbh Mela. The river is open throughout the year, and there is no entry fee.
How to reach Munger
If you want to visit Munger, you can reach it by different modes of transportation, such as road, rail, or air. Here are some ways to reach Munger:
By road: Munger is well connected by road to other cities in Bihar, such as Patna, Bhagalpur, Gaya, and Darbhanga. You can take a bus, a taxi, or a private vehicle to reach Munger by road. The distance from Patna to Munger is about 180 km, and it takes around 4 hours to cover it by road.
By rail: Munger has a railway station, called Jamalpur Junction, that is connected to major cities in India, such as Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai. You can take a train from any of these cities to reach Jamalpur Junction, and then take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach Munger. The distance from Jamalpur Junction to Munger is about 8 km, and it takes around 20 minutes to cover it by road. You can also take a train from Patna Junction to Jamalpur Junction, which takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes1.
By air: Munger does not have an airport, but the nearest airport is Patna Airport, which is about 190 km away from Munger. You can take a flight from any major city in India to Patna Airport, and then take a bus, a taxi, or a private vehicle to reach Munger by road. It takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes to cover the distance from Patna Airport to Munger by road.
Best Time to Visit Munger
The best time to visit Munger is between September and March, when the weather is pleasant and mild. Munger experiences a humid subtropical climate with cold winters and warm summers. The average temperature ranges from 10°C to 32°C during this period. This is also the time when Munger celebrates many festivals and events, such as Durga Puja, Muharram, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Mahavir Jayanti, Buddha Purnima, and Christmas.
We hope you enjoyed this article on Munger and learned something new and interesting about this historical and cultural city in Bihar.