Naulakha Mandir
The Architectural Marvel of Charitravan: The Naulakha Mandir, also known as Charitravan Baikunth, is a highly renowned temple in Buxar dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Charitravan Baikunth). Its name, Naulakha, literally translates to "nine lakhs," referring to the massive sum of 900,000 rupees (a staggeri ng amount in the 19th century) that was spent on its construction, showcasing the extraordinary devotion and opulence of its benefactors. The temple is celebrated for its distinctive architectural style, which is often noted to be influenced by the grand temple architecture of South India, a rare sight in this region of Bihar. The temple's structure, intricate carvings, and vibrant color palette set it apart from other local shrines, making it a major attraction for architecture enthusiasts and devotees alike. Legend holds that Lord Rama completed his studies under Sage Vishwamitra in Charitravan, making this area spiritually significant:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1-2 Hours:Place Type:
Religious and Architectural Marvel:Entry Fees:
Free Entry: Entry for general Darshan is free.
Donation and Puja Services: Voluntary donations for maintenance are appreciated. Specific services like Archana or large-scale Puja ceremonies will require a set fee from the priest:...Free Entry: Entry for general Darshan is free.
Donation and Puja Services: Voluntary donations for maintenance are appreciated. Specific services like Archana or large-scale Puja ceremonies will require a set fee from the priest:Timing:
Regular Timings: Generally open from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (5:00 AM to 7:00 AM) for quiet contemplation or late afternoon (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM) to catch the Aarti in the cooler hours.
...Regular Timings: Generally open from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (5:00 AM to 7:00 AM) for quiet contemplation or late afternoon (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM) to catch the Aarti in the cooler hours.
Seasonality: Winter (October to March) is the most comfortable season for a visit:Special Events:
Ram Navami: Celebrated grandly in March or April due to the locality's connection to Lord Rama.
Janmashtami: The birth of Lord Krishna (an Avatar of Vishnu) in August or September is a major festival here, featuring elaborate decorations and...Ram Navami: Celebrated grandly in March or April due to the locality's connection to Lord Rama.
Janmashtami: The birth of Lord Krishna (an Avatar of Vishnu) in August or September is a major festival here, featuring elaborate decorations and midnight Puja.
Diwali: The festival of lights in October or November is celebrated with beautiful illumination of the entire temple complex:Best Photo Spots:
The Main Entrance Gopuram (If present) The entrance structure offers the best photo, capturing the colorful facade and detailed carvings.
The South Indian Style Shikhara: A wide-angle shot of the towering spire, highlighting its contrast with the North Indian surrou...The Main Entrance Gopuram (If present) The entrance structure offers the best photo, capturing the colorful facade and detailed carvings.
The South Indian Style Shikhara: A wide-angle shot of the towering spire, highlighting its contrast with the North Indian surroundings.
Interior Carvings: Close-up shots of the detailed, painted sculptures within the Mandapa:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Examining the Sculptures: Spend time closely observing the intricate carvings and painted mythological scenes on the exterior and interior walls of the temple.
Photography of the Colorful Exterior: Capture the unique architectural style and the vibrant color scheme of the temple, which offers a great photographic subject.
Offering Prayers: Perform Darshan of the principal deities, Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi, and seek blessings.
Attending the Aarti: Participate in the evening Aarti to experience the temple's devotional vibrancy.
Relaxing in the Courtyard: The courtyard often offers a peaceful, shaded area to relax and absorb the spiritual ambiance.
Connecting with Local Devotees: Discuss the temple's...
Information
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Why Famous:
The Cost and the Architecture: It is primarily famous for its name, symbolizing its immense construction cost (Nine Lakhs), and for its rare and distinct architecture that brings a flavor of South Indian temple design to North India.
The Vishnu ...The Cost and the Architecture: It is primarily famous for its name, symbolizing its immense construction cost (Nine Lakhs), and for its rare and distinct architecture that brings a flavor of South Indian temple design to North India.
The Vishnu Shrine: It is a central place of worship for Vaishnavites (devotees of Vishnu) in the Buxar region, particularly revered for its beautiful idol of Lord Vishnu and associated deities like Lakshmi: -
Architecture:
South Indian Temple Influence: The architecture is famously influenced by the Dravidian or other South Indian temple styles, which is evident in the detailed sculptures, ornamentation, and potentially the Gopuram (towering gateway), contrasting with the dominant North Indian...South Indian Temple Influence: The architecture is famously influenced by the Dravidian or other South Indian temple styles, which is evident in the detailed sculptures, ornamentation, and potentially the Gopuram (towering gateway), contrasting with the dominant North Indian Nagara style.
Intricate Carvings and Ornamentation: The temple is adorned with exquisite, minute carvings and detailed decorative elements, predominantly depicting Vishnu's Avatars (incarnations) and scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Building Material: Built primarily using brick and high-quality stone, finished with plaster that is often painted in vibrant, contrasting colors, which is a characteristic of later period South Indian or Maratha-influenced temples.
Dimension: It is a large, multi-level complex with a significant courtyard and a high superstructure, reflecting the immense cost and effort put into its construction: -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Patna Airport (PAT), approximately 130 KMS. From Patna, take a taxi or bus to Buxar.
By Train: Nearest station is Buxar Railway Station (BXR), approximately 3 KMS away. An auto-rickshaw or taxi can reach the temp... -
Near Tourist Places:
Nath Baba Temple (500 meters); Ram Rekha Ghat (1 KM); Buxar Fort (1. 5 KMS); Sita Ram Upadhyaya Museum (2 KMS); Buxar Railway Station (4 KMS); Gola Bazaar Buxar (4 KMS); Ahilya Uddhar (8 KMS); Katkauli Ka Maidan (11 KMS); Bihari Ji Temple, Dumraon (18 KMS); Brahmeshwar Nath Temple (42 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Health & safety: Be respectful of the colorful paint and sculptures; do not touch or lean on them. Carry water and wear comfortable shoes.
Packing: Dress modestly, as it is a major temple.
Photography: Foc...
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