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===Behula-Bishari===
===Behula-Bishari===
In medieval Bengali literature, Mansamangal sings the tale of Mansa and Behula. Mansa is popular known as Bishari and Padma in the Angika-speaking belt. In the period from the thirteenth to the eighteenth century, many works based on this story were made. The religious purpose of these works was to render the importance of Mansa [https://www.livehindustan.com/bihar/bhagalpur/story-champanagar-devotees-worship-at-the-mansa-devi-temple-on-nagpanchami-3374975.html Mansa Devi], but these works are more known for the pious love of Behula (nicknamed Bari) and her husband Lakhander(Lakhindar or Lokhai, nicknamed Bala). This is the story of Bihula-Bishhari from capital of Angdesh Champanogori (Now in [[Chand Sadagar|Bhagalpur district called as Champanagar]]). However, this is not just a methological story, the evidence of the metal house or "Loha Bashor Ghor" (The word 'Bashor' in Angika refers to the room where bride and groom spends their first wedding night together) created by lord Bishwakarma on the request of [[Chandradhar Saudagar]] for Behula and her husband Lakhender to protect from snake bite is still been seen and reported when there is heavy rain in the region.
In medieval Bengali literature, Mansamangal sings the tale of Mansa and Behula. Mansa is popular known as Bishari and Padma in the Angika-speaking belt. In the period from the thirteenth to the eighteenth century, many works based on this story were made. The religious purpose of these works was to render the importance of Mansa [https://www.livehindustan.com/bihar/bhagalpur/story-champanagar-devotees-worship-at-the-mansa-devi-temple-on-nagpanchami-3374975.html Mansa Devi], but these works are more known for the pious love of Behula (nicknamed Bari) and her husband Lakhander(Lakhindar or Lokhai, nicknamed Bala). This is the story of Bihula-Bishhari from capital of Angdesh Champanogori (Now in [[Chand Sadagar|Bhagalpur district called as Champanagar]]). However, this is not just a methological story, the evidence of the metal house or "Loha Bashor Ghor" (The word 'Bashor' in Angika refers to the room where bride and groom spends their first wedding night together) created by lord Bishwakarma on the request of Chandradhar Saudagar for Behula and her husband Lakhender to protect from snake bite is still been seen and reported when there is heavy rain in the region.
Nonetheless, Mansa is the prime deity of the region and is known as the "Adhishthatri Bhagwati of Anga". She is referred as the Goddess who saves from snake bites and poison. Mansa is the daughter of Shiva and is born out of Lotus flower, and thus named "Padma or Paddawati". The five Mansa sisters are named chronologically as Jaya Bishari, Dutila Bhawani, Padma Kumari, Aadi Kusmin and Mayna Bishari". Along with Mansa sisters, Netula Dhobin or [[Netai Dhubuni]] is also worshipped in the Puja altar. Netula or Netai is the known to take Behula to the heaven and Dhubri District in Assam still sings the folk of Netula, where she belonged, being the worshipper of Goddess Kamakhaya. Mansa in Mahabharat is named as "Jaratkaru" and is worshipped to the saint of the same name and is thus known as "Jaratkaru Rishing Patni". She is the mother of Astik Muni. The city of Bhagalpur and it's adjoining areas celebrates the largest Mansa Puja in the country. "Bishari mela" or the local fair is arranged from "16th to 19th August" every year on the Singh nakshatra of Shravan Sankranti. In the honour of Behula, locals offer Manjusha Art to the goddess, which is the local art of the region, which has got its GI tag. The Manjusha Art is full fledgedly based on the tales of Behula and Mansa. Apart from this, locals sing "Behula-Bishari folksong" and perform "Jatra or Natak" (drama) to praise the Goddess and narrates the sacrifice of Behula to honor her.
Nonetheless, Mansa is the prime deity of the region and is known as the "Adhishthatri Bhagwati of Anga". She is referred as the Goddess who saves from snake bites and poison. Mansa is the daughter of Shiva and is born out of Lotus flower, and thus named "Padma or Paddawati". The five Mansa sisters are named chronologically as Jaya Bishari, Dutila Bhawani, Padma Kumari, Aadi Kusmin and Mayna Bishari". Along with Mansa sisters, Netula Dhobin or [[Netai Dhubuni]] is also worshipped in the Puja altar. Netula or Netai is the known to take Behula to the heaven and Dhubri District in Assam still sings the folk of Netula, where she belonged, being the worshipper of Goddess Kamakhaya. Mansa in Mahabharat is named as "Jaratkaru" and is worshipped to the saint of the same name and is thus known as "Jaratkaru Rishing Patni". She is the mother of Astik Muni. The city of Bhagalpur and it's adjoining areas celebrates the largest Mansa Puja in the country. "Bishari mela" or the local fair is arranged from "16th to 19th August" every year on the Singh nakshatra of Shravan Sankranti. In the honour of Behula, locals offer Manjusha Art to the goddess, which is the local art of the region, which has got its GI tag. The Manjusha Art is full fledgedly based on the tales of Behula and Mansa. Apart from this, locals sing "Behula-Bishari folksong" and perform "Jatra or Natak" (drama) to praise the Goddess and narrates the sacrifice of Behula to honor her.
[[File:Mansa Puja in Bhagalpur.jpg|thumb|Mansa Puja at Deepnagar chowk in Bhagalpur]]
[[File:Mansa Puja in Bhagalpur.jpg|thumb|Mansa Puja at Deepnagar chowk in Bhagalpur]]

Revision as of 06:49, 22 October 2022

This article is about the municipality in India. For its namesake district, see Bhagalpur district.

Bhagalpur
City
Ghantaghar, Bhagalpur
Ghantaghar, Bhagalpur
Nickname: 
The Silk City[1]
Bhagalpur is located in Bihar
Bhagalpur
Bhagalpur
Location of Bhagalpur in Bihar
Bhagalpur is located in India
Bhagalpur
Bhagalpur
Bhagalpur (India)
Coordinates: 25°15′N 87°0′E / 25.250°N 87.000°E / 25.250; 87.000
Country India
StateBihar
DistrictBhagalpur
Urban AgglomerationBhagalpur
Municipal CorporationBhagalpur Municipal Corporation
Government
 • MayorSeema Saha (BJP)
Area
[2]
 • Total
30.17 km2 (11.65 sq mi)
Elevation
[3]
52 m (171 ft)
Population
 (2011)[4]
 • Total
410,210
 • Density14,000/km2 (35,000/sq mi)
DemonymBhagalpuri
Language
 • OfficialHindi[5]
 • Additional officialUrdu[5]
 • RegionalMaithili[5][6]
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Postal Index Number
812001-81XXXX[7]
STD Code0641
Vehicle registrationBR-10
Websitebhagalpur.nic.in

Bhagalpur is a city in the Indian state of Bihar, situated on the southern banks of the river Ganges. It is the 2nd largest city of Bihar by population and also the headquarters of Bhagalpur district and Bhagalpur division. Known as the Silk City, it is a major educational, commercial, and political center, and listed for development under the Smart City program, a joint venture between Government and industry. The Gangetic plains surrounding the city are very fertile and the main crops include rice, wheat, maize, barley, and oilseeds. The river is home to the Gangetic dolphin, the National Aquatic Animal of India,[8] and the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary is established near the town. The city holds the largest Manasa Puja and one of the largest processions in Kali Puja, an intangible cultural heritage of the region.[9]

Demography

See also: List of cities in Bihar

As of the 2011 India census, the Bhagalpur Urban Agglomeration has a population of 410,210, of which 218,284 were males and 191,926 were females. It is the 3rd largest city in Bihar in terms of urban population. the total population in the age group of 0 to 6 years is 55,898. The total number of literates are 286,125, with 160,720 males and 125,405 females. The effective literacy rate of 7+ population is 80.76%, of which while the male literacy rate is 84.95% with women at 75.95%.[4]

Climate

Climate data for Bhagalpur (1981–2010, extremes 1901–2012)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 31.9
(89.4) 		35.8
(96.4) 		42.6
(108.7) 		45.3
(113.5) 		46.4
(115.5) 		46.0
(114.8) 		42.3
(108.1) 		39.7
(103.5) 		38.6
(101.5) 		40.0
(104.0) 		37.4
(99.3) 		32.2
(90.0) 		46.4
(115.5)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 23.0
(73.4) 		27.1
(80.8) 		33.4
(92.1) 		37.6
(99.7) 		37.5
(99.5) 		36.4
(97.5) 		33.3
(91.9) 		33.4
(92.1) 		33.2
(91.8) 		32.7
(90.9) 		29.6
(85.3) 		24.9
(76.8) 		31.9
(89.4)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 12.4
(54.3) 		15.4
(59.7) 		20.6
(69.1) 		24.2
(75.6) 		26.0
(78.8) 		27.2
(81.0) 		26.9
(80.4) 		26.9
(80.4) 		26.4
(79.5) 		23.9
(75.0) 		19.1
(66.4) 		14.2
(57.6) 		21.9
(71.4)
Record low °C (°F) 4.2
(39.6) 		5.0
(41.0) 		10.8
(51.4) 		13.1
(55.6) 		14.5
(58.1) 		19.5
(67.1) 		22.4
(72.3) 		20.1
(68.2) 		21.5
(70.7) 		15.4
(59.7) 		11.1
(52.0) 		3.9
(39.0) 		3.9
(39.0)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 13.6
(0.54) 		9.4
(0.37) 		9.4
(0.37) 		23.9
(0.94) 		75.6
(2.98) 		201.7
(7.94) 		300.8
(11.84) 		256.5
(10.10) 		217.2
(8.55) 		85.5
(3.37) 		5.2
(0.20) 		7.5
(0.30) 		1,206.3
(47.49)
Average rainy days 1.1 1.2 0.9 1.8 4.7 8.9 14.0 11.7 9.6 3.4 0.5 0.7 58.5
Average relative humidity (%) (at 17:30 IST) 70 58 47 45 55 68 78 77 77 71 67 70 65
Source: India Meteorological Department[10][11]

Flora and fauna

Greater adjutant (Garuda)

Greater adjutant

Greater adjutant (Leptoptilos dubius), a member of the stork family, associated with the mythical bird Garuda, has a Rescue and Rehabilitation Area located in Bhagalpur, the second largest of its kind. Loss of nesting habitat and feeding sites through drainage, pollution and disturbance, together with hunting and egg collection, caused a massive dip in the population of the species. Garuda birds were first spotted nesting and breeding on a silk cotton tree near a village in the Ganga-Diara area in Bhagalpur in 2007. In May 2006, 42 birds were seen by the Mandar Nature Club team for the first time. Prior to this, the species had never been seen in Bihar during its breeding period. Four years after these endangered birds of the stork family started nesting and breeding in Bhagalpur district, their number eventually increased, from 78 to over 500,[12] making Bhagalpur one of only three places to host Garudas; the others being Cambodia and Assam.[13]

The greater adjutant is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List 2004 of threatened species and listed under Schedule IV of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This huge stork has a naked pink head, a very thick yellow bill and a low-hanging neck pouch. The neck ruff is white. The bird looks like a vulture. Other than the pale grey edge on each wing, the rest of the greater adjutant's body is dark grey. Younglings have a narrower bill, thicker down on the head and neck, and entirely dark wings. A Garuda bird measures 145–150 cm (about three feet) in length and four to five feet in height.[14]

Gangetic River Dolphin

The strech of 50kms from Sultanganj to Kahalgaon is considered as the abode of Dolphins in Bhagalpur. Gangetic River Dolphin is the National Aquatic Animal of India, and the government has initiated to put up a research centre in the city. In Angika language, locals call it "Souns". The best time to visit and see Dolphins is between September to February.

Local attractions

Kali Puja

Kali Puja is one of the most important festivals in and around the region. Several Kali Temples and Puja Mandaps are decked up on Deepawali to worship Kalika. The procession after the Puja is so long that it takes 36 hours to complete one big phase of Murti Bisarjan. Kali Puja holds the cultural significance of the Anga Region. The procession after the Puja is the intangible cultural asset to the city.[15]

Kali Puja at Rati Kalibari near Budhanath in Bhagalpur

Behula-Bishari

In medieval Bengali literature, Mansamangal sings the tale of Mansa and Behula. Mansa is popular known as Bishari and Padma in the Angika-speaking belt. In the period from the thirteenth to the eighteenth century, many works based on this story were made. The religious purpose of these works was to render the importance of Mansa Mansa Devi, but these works are more known for the pious love of Behula (nicknamed Bari) and her husband Lakhander(Lakhindar or Lokhai, nicknamed Bala). This is the story of Bihula-Bishhari from capital of Angdesh Champanogori (Now in Bhagalpur district called as Champanagar). However, this is not just a methological story, the evidence of the metal house or "Loha Bashor Ghor" (The word 'Bashor' in Angika refers to the room where bride and groom spends their first wedding night together) created by lord Bishwakarma on the request of Chandradhar Saudagar for Behula and her husband Lakhender to protect from snake bite is still been seen and reported when there is heavy rain in the region. Nonetheless, Mansa is the prime deity of the region and is known as the "Adhishthatri Bhagwati of Anga". She is referred as the Goddess who saves from snake bites and poison. Mansa is the daughter of Shiva and is born out of Lotus flower, and thus named "Padma or Paddawati". The five Mansa sisters are named chronologically as Jaya Bishari, Dutila Bhawani, Padma Kumari, Aadi Kusmin and Mayna Bishari". Along with Mansa sisters, Netula Dhobin or Netai Dhubuni is also worshipped in the Puja altar. Netula or Netai is the known to take Behula to the heaven and Dhubri District in Assam still sings the folk of Netula, where she belonged, being the worshipper of Goddess Kamakhaya. Mansa in Mahabharat is named as "Jaratkaru" and is worshipped to the saint of the same name and is thus known as "Jaratkaru Rishing Patni". She is the mother of Astik Muni. The city of Bhagalpur and it's adjoining areas celebrates the largest Mansa Puja in the country. "Bishari mela" or the local fair is arranged from "16th to 19th August" every year on the Singh nakshatra of Shravan Sankranti. In the honour of Behula, locals offer Manjusha Art to the goddess, which is the local art of the region, which has got its GI tag. The Manjusha Art is full fledgedly based on the tales of Behula and Mansa. Apart from this, locals sing "Behula-Bishari folksong" and perform "Jatra or Natak" (drama) to praise the Goddess and narrates the sacrifice of Behula to honor her.

Mansa Puja at Deepnagar chowk in Bhagalpur

Budhanath Temple

Spread over three acres Budhanath temple is located on the banks of the Uttarvahini Ganga (flowing from south to north) River. Being one of the oldest temples in the region, it witnesses influx of devotees throughout the year. It is about twenty minutes from the main town. Reference of Baba Budhanath can be found in Shiva Purana as Baba Bal Vridheshwarnath. Also, this name has been stated in the first segment of the eighth segments of Shiva Purana. The lingam of this place of worship is self-incarnated nevertheless as to when it came into being is still unknown. Idol of Ma Bhavani can be seen beside the Shivalinga or Lingam.[16]

Shri Champapur Digamber Jain Temple

The tallest statue of Lord Vasupujya, Champapur

Champapur is an ancient and historic Teerth Kshetra of Jainism. Champapur is the place where all the five Kalyanaks i.e., Garbha, Janam, Tapa, KevalGyan and Moksha Kalyanak of Bhagwan Vasupujya, the 12th Jain Teerthankar, have taken place. The Champapur was the capital of ‘Anga Janpada'. The Anga Janpada was one of the 52 Janapada established by Adi Teerthankar Bhagwan Rishabh Deo. Champapur also existed as Mahajanapada among the six Mahajanapadas during the time of Bhagwan Mahavira Swami.

The three Chaturmas of Bhagwan Mahavira Swami during his Dikshakal, religious propagation centre of Anga-Banga-Magadh-Vaishali, test of modesty of Sati Subhadra and Anantmati, Aahardan to Bhagwan Mahaveer Swami by Sati Chandan Bala have taken place in Champapur. Champapur is also related to great stories of 'origin of Harivansha, Shripal-Mainasundari, Shri Dharma Ghosh Muni, King Karna of Mahabharata, King Mudrak and great architect Vishvakarman’.[17]

The main temple of Champapur Siddha Kshetra is quite ancient (about 2500 years). This temple being symbolic of 'Panch Kalyanaka' is adorned with 5 altars, magnificent spire and 2 columns of fame. It is said that there were 4 'Columns of Fame (Keerti Stambha)’ which existed in four corners of the campus of the temple. Later on the 2 out of 4 were destroyed in the earthquake of year 1934 & repair (Jirnoddhar) of other 2 columns was done in 1938. The 'Columns of Fame' are about 2200 years ancient.[18]

Vikramshila Mahavihara

Maharshi Mehi Ashram

Maharshi Mehi Ashram, Kuppaghat, Bhagalpur

Maharshi Mehi Ashram is situated along the river side. Kuppaghat, Bhagalpur has grown into a sacred spiritual spot for thousands as Saint Maharishi spent many years in intense meditation on the inner light and sound at Bhagalpur.

Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary

Bateshwarnath Mahadev

Ajgaibinath Mahadev

Jayprakash Udyaan

Mahashay Deori

Tetri Durga Mandir

Baharampur Durga Mandir

Jama Masjid, Champanagar

Saint Benedict's Church

The church with the gothic architecture is located at the heart of the city. It has used the fine architecture and has come up as one of the most popular churches in the region. The interior and exterior design of the church is eternal bliss. During Christmas and Easter, the church and the whole Court area is decked up like a queen.

Saint Benedict's Church at Court Area in Bhagalpur

Khanqah-e-Shahbazia

Founded in 1577 AD, the Khanqah-e-Shahbazia is one of the most revered shrines of Bhagalpur. It houses the grave of Maulana Shahbaz, a saint whose 13th-generation descendants still run the place.[19] Maulana Shahbaz Rahmatullah is considered one of the 40 Sufi saints sent to spread the message of Allah.[20] The Sajjadah Nasheen (direct descendant of the saint) is supposed to spend his life within the confines of the Khanqah and take care of its management, lead prayers and offer spiritual services. It is said that they are exempted from appearing in a court of law.

The Mosque was built by Aurangzeb and was frequently visited by him. Every Thursday, visitors assemble at the place to be blessed. Most of the visitors are said to be from the eastern parts of India and Bangladesh. There is a belief that the water in a pond here has medicinal qualities that can cure illness and snake bites. Archeological Survey of India has discovered some ancient manuscripts from the basement of Khanqah e Shahbazia.[20]

The Khanqah is also famous for its library, which has a vast collection of Arabic and Persian theological texts, including a copy of the Qur’an transcribed by Murshid Quli Khan, the Nawab of Murshidabad, Bengal.[19]

Colleges

Bhagalpur College of Engineering

Media

Print media include the Hindi Dainik Jagran, Dainik Bhaskar, Aaj, Hindustan (under Hindustan Times) and Prabhat Khabar; the Urdu The Inquilab[21] and Taasir, while English Times of India, The Telegraph and Hindustan Times are also available.

Broadcast media include All India Radio (Frequency 1458 kHz, 1206 kHz) 90.4 FM Radio Active (Bhagalpur), and AIR FM Rainbow India 100.1.M, sadhna plus news channel

Telecommunications services include BSNL, Airtel, Vodafone Idea, Reliance Jio.

Airtel, Jio, BSNL and Sify are providing broadband services in this region.

Notable people

Adjacent boundaries of Bhagalpur

See also

References

  1. ^ "Bhagalpur: The Silk City". Outlook India. 16 June 2017. Retrieved 29 September 2019.
  2. ^ "Welcome to Bhagalpur Municipal Corporation(BMC)". bhagalpurnagarnigam.in. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  3. ^ "Geographic coordinates of Bhagalpur, India. Latitude, longitude, and elevation above sea level of Bhagalpur". Dateandtime.info. Archived from the original on 11 May 2018. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  4. ^ a b "Urban Agglomerations/Cities having population 1 lakh and above" (PDF). Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Archived (PDF) from the original on 17 October 2013. Retrieved 12 May 2014.
  5. ^ a b c Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities (2015). 52nd Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India (June 2014−July 2015) (PDF) (Report). Ministry of Minority Affairs; Government of India. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2017. Retrieved 4 October 2019.
  6. ^ "language | Bhagalpur District, Government of Bihar | India". bhagalpur.nic.in. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
  7. ^ "BHAGALPUR Pin Code - 812001, Jagdishpur All Post Office Areas PIN Codes, Search BHAGALPUR Post Office Address". ABP. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  8. ^ "River dolphin crowned India's aquatic animals : Latest Headlines, News – India Today". Indiatoday.intoday.in. 6 October 2009. Archived from the original on 14 June 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2012.
  9. ^ "मां विषहरी पूजा: बिहुला विषहरी की गाथा का साक्षी है अंग का इतिहास". Hindustan (in Hindi). 17 August 2019. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
  10. ^ "Station: Bhagalpur Climatological Table 1981–2010" (PDF). Climatological Normals 1981–2010. India Meteorological Department. January 2015. pp. 127–128. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
  11. ^ "Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. December 2016. p. M32. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
  12. ^ "Garuda's population now 500 in Bhagalpur, Bihar". Zee News. 21 June 2015. Archived from the original on 23 July 2015.
  13. ^ "Rescue and Rehabilitation centre was opened in Bhagalpur". Prabhat Khabar. Archived from the original on 21 July 2015.
  14. ^ "World's third nestling spot for the 'Leptoptilos dubius' "Garuda"species is in Bhagalpur, Bihar". theweekendleader. Archived from the original on 21 July 2015.
  15. ^ Kali Puja 2021: भागलपुर में आज परबती की बुढिय़ा काली सहित 85 प्रतिमाओं की निकलेगी भव्‍य विसर्जन यात्रा
  16. ^ "Bhagalpur Tourism, Travel and Tourism in Bhagalpur city, Bihar". Bhagalpuronline.in. Archived from the original on 31 March 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  17. ^ "Jain Temple Nathnagar, Bhagalpur". jainteerth. Archived from the original on 22 July 2015.
  18. ^ "Shri Champapur Digamber Jain, Bhagalpur". jain. Archived from the original on 23 July 2015.
  19. ^ a b "Bhagalpur: The Silk City". Outlook Traveller. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  20. ^ a b "Khanqah e Shahbazia, Bhagalpur | Sightseeing, History, Timings | Holidify". www.holidify.com. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  21. ^ "Jagran Prakashan launches multiple editions of Inquilab in Bihar". afaqs!. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  22. ^ "Story". Epaper.jagran.com. 27 July 2015. Archived from the original on 3 June 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  23. ^ "Neha Sharma | Actresses". Koimoi.com. 20 June 2014. Archived from the original on 4 May 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  24. ^ "Godda(Jharkhand) Lok Sabha Election Results 2014 with Sitting MP and Party Name". Elections.in. Archived from the original on 30 May 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  25. ^ "An Indian by accident". timesofindia.com. 14 August 2015. Archived from the original on 7 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
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