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{{Use British English|date=November 2011}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}

{{Culture of Bihar}}'''[[Hinduism]]''' is the most followed religion in [[Bihar]], followed by nearly 82.7% of total population as per [[2011 Census of India|2011 Census]]. [[Islam]] is the second-most followed religion which is followed by nearly 16.8% of population. There is also a significant population of [[Jainism|Jains]] and [[Christians]] in the state.{{Pie chart|thumb=right|label5=[[Buddhism]]|value8=0.24|color8=Black|label8=Not stated|value7=0.01|color7=Chartreuse|label7=Other religions|value6=0.02|color6=brown|label6=[[Jainism]]|value5=0.02|color5=yellow|value4=0.02|caption=Religion in Bihar (2011)<ref name="census2011">{{cite web|title=Population by religion community – 2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=Census of India, 2011|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|archive-date=25 August 2015}}</ref>|color4=darkkhaki|label4=[[Sikhism]]|value3=0.12|color3=DodgerBlue|label3=[[Christianity]]|value2=16.87|color2=Green|label2=[[Islam]]|value1=82.69|color1=darkOrange|label1=[[Hinduism]]}}

==History of religion in Bihar==
{{See also|Sikhism in Bihar|Jainism in Bihar|Christianity in Bihar}}
[[Hindu]] [[Goddess]] [[Sita]], the consort of [[Rama|Lord Rama]], is believed to have been born in [[Sitamarhi district]] in the [[Mithila (region)|Mithila region]] of modern-day Bihar.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sitamarhi|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/546790/Sitamarhi|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427100105/http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/546790/Sitamarhi|archive-date=27 April 2015|access-date=30 January 2015|publisher=Britannica}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=History of Sitamarhi|url=http://sitamarhi.bih.nic.in/profile/index.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220171523/http://sitamarhi.bih.nic.in/profile/index.htm|archive-date=20 December 2014|access-date=30 January 2015|publisher=Official site of Sitamarhi district}}</ref> It was the [[Magadha|Ancient Bihar]] that give birth to new Indic religions: [[Buddhism]] and [[Jainism]]. [[Gautama Buddha]] attained [[Bodhi|Enlightenment]] at [[Bodh Gaya]], a town located in the modern day district of [[Gaya District|Gaya]] in Bihar. [[Vasupujya]], the 12th Jain [[Tirthankara]] was born in [[Champapuri]], [[Bhagalpur]]. Vardhamana [[Mahavira]], the 24th and last [[Tirthankara]] of [[Jainism]], was born in [[Vaishali (ancient city)|Vaishali]] around the 6th century BC.<ref>Pathak Prabhu Nath,''Society and Culture in Early Bihar'', Commonwealth Publishers, 1988, p. 140</ref> [[Bodh Gaya]] in Bihar is an important pilgrimage center for the global Buddhists. The tenth [[Sikh Gurus|Guru of the Sikhs]], [[Guru Gobind Singh]], was born here in 1666 and spent his early years here before moving to [[Anandpur Sahib|Anandpur]].<ref name="Johar" /> The [[Gurdwara]] at [[Patna Sahib]] marks the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh.<ref name="Johar" />

==Religious demographics==
{{See also|Demographics of Bihar}}The main religions in the [[States and union territories of India|Indian state]] of [[Bihar]] are [[Hinduism]] (practiced by 82.7% of the population) and [[Islam]] (16.9%) as of 2011.

=== Total number ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" |
|-
! colspan="3" | Religion (in no.)<ref name="Censusindia.gov.in">{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Census_data_finder/C_Series/Population_by_religious_communities.htm|title=Total population by religious communities|publisher=Censusindia.gov.in|access-date=20 November 2014}}</ref>
|-
! Religion
!2001 Census!! 2011 Census
|-
| Hinduism
|69,076,919|| 86,078,686
|-
| Islam
|13,722,048|| 17,557,809
|-
| Christianity
|53,137|| 129,247
|-
| Sikhism
|20,780|| 23,779
|-
| Buddhism
|18,818|| 25,453
|-
| Jainism
|16,085|| 18,914
|-
| Other
|52,905|| 13,437
|-
| not stated
|n/a|| 37,817
|-
| Total
|82,998,509|| 103,998,509

|}

=== Total percentage ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: right;"
! colspan="3" |Religion (in %)<ref name="Censusindia.gov.in" />
|-
!Religion
!2001!! 2011
|-
| Hinduism
|83.22|| 82.7
|-
| Islam
|16.5|| 16.9
|-
| Christianity
|0.06|| 0.12
|-
| Sikhism
|0.03|| 0.02
|-
| Buddhism
|0.02|| 0.02
|-
| Jainism
|0.02|| 0.02
|-
| Other
|0.06|| 0.01
|-
| Non-religious
|n/a|| 0.2
|}

==Hinduism==
{{Main|Bihari Hindus}}
[[File:Sun-temple DEO Aurangabad Bihar,India.jpg|thumb|180x180px|Deo Sun Temple, [[Deo, Bihar|Deo]]|left]][[Hinduism]] is the main religion of the state, being practiced by 82.7% of the total state population. The Hindu population in Bihar is 86,078,686 as of 2011 census report. Hindus are majority in all the districts in Bihar except [[Kishanganj district|Kishanganj]]. Most of the festivals stem from it. There are many variations on the festival theme. While some are celebrated all over the state, others are observed only in certain areas. But Bihar being so diverse, different regions and religions have something to celebrate at sometime or the other during the year. So festivals take place round the year.[[Image:Vishnupadh Temple.jpg|thumb|200px|<center>[[Vishnupad Mandir]], [[Gaya, India|Gaya, Bihar]]</center>]]On arrival in any part of this state, a tourist finds around him evidence of the extent to which religion enters into the daily life of the people. The calendar is strewn with festivals and fairs of different communities living together. Many of these are officially recognised by the days on which they take place being proclaimed as Government holidays.

The battle cries of the [[Bihar Regiment]], consisting of 17 battalions, are "Jai [[Bajrang Bali]]" (''Victory to [[Hanuman|Lord Hanuman]]'').
=== Hindu Pilgrimage ===
{{Main|Hindu Pilgrimage in Bihar}}

Hindu Pilgrimage sites in Bihar are as follows:{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*[[Mahavir Mandir]]
*[[Sitamarhi]]
*[[Deo, Bihar]]
*[[Madhubani, India|Madhubani]]
*[[West Champaran]]
*[[Munger]]
*[[Buxar]]
*[[Jamui]]
*[[Darbhanga]]
*[[Mithila (region)|Mithila region]]
{{div col end}}

==Buddhism==
[[Image:mahabodhitemple.jpg|200x200px|thumb|[[Mahabodhi Temple]]]]The name Bihar derives from the Sanskrit word ''[[vihāra]]'', an important institution of [[Buddhism]] meaning "abode". The land of Bihar is considered important in Buddhism as [[Siddhartha Gautama]] was said to have attained enlightenment in [[Bodh Gaya]] under the [[Bodhi Tree]], making [[Bodh Gaya]] the holiest site in [[Buddhism]] and a key place of pilgrimage associated with the [[Mahabodhi Temple]] Complex in Bihar's [[Gaya district]]. [[Gautama Buddha]] preached many sermons in different places in Bihar, including [[Vaishali (ancient city)|Vaishali]] and [[Rajgir]]. Even after his [[Mahaparinirvana|Mahaprinirvana]], disciples carried on the doctrine of [[Buddhism]] in the regions of [[Magadha]], [[History of Bihar#Late Vedic Kingdoms|Bihar]]. [[Gautama Buddha]]'s disciples opened several monasteries and universities such as [[Nalanda University]] and [[Vikramshila University]]. [[Magadha]] emperor [[Ashoka|Ashoka the Great]] became a [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] and made [[Buddhism]] the [[state religion]], spreading its [[Buddhist ethics|doctrine]] to different parts of India and abroad.

=== Buddhist Pilgrimage ===
{{Main|Buddhist Pilgrimage in Bihar}}
Buddhist pilgrimages in Bihar are as follows:
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*[[Mahabodhi Temple]]
*[[Bodhi Tree]]
*[[Bodh Gaya]]
*[[Gaya, India|Gaya]]
*[[Vaishali (ancient city)|Vaishali]]
*[[Pawapuri]]
*[[Nalanda]]
*[[Rajgir]]
*[[Kesariya]]
*[[Vikramashila]]
*[[Areraj]]
*[[Patna|Pataliputra]]
{{div col end}}

==Sikhism==
{{Main|Sikhism in Bihar}}
{{See also|Agrahari Sikh}}
The capital of Bihar, [[Patna]], is one of the holiest cities in [[Sikhism]]. The tenth [[Sikh Gurus|Guru of the Sikhs]], [[Guru Gobind Singh]], was born here in 1666 and spent his early years here before moving to [[Anandpur Sahib|Anandpur]].<ref name="Johar">{{cite book|last=Johar|first=Surinder Singh|title=Guru Gobind Singh: A Study|publisher=Marwah Publications|year=1979|pages=23}}</ref> The [[Gurdwara]] at [[Patna Sahib]] marks the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh.<ref name="Johar" /> Patna was visited by [[Guru Nanak]] in 1509 as well as [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]] in 1666. [[Takht Shri Harmandir Saheb]] (also known as [[Patna Saheb]]) is one of the [[Takht (Sikhism)|Five Takhts]] of [[Sikhism]]. [[Guru Nanak Dev]] visited Patna and stayed in GaiGhat in 1509, and later same place was visited by [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]] along with his family in 1666.<ref>{{cite web|title=Archived copy|url=http://www.gurbaani.com/gurd/gurdawaras6.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111054434/http://www.gurbaani.com/gurd/gurdawaras6.htm|archive-date=11 January 2010|access-date=2010-02-01}}</ref> Gurdwara Pahila Bara (commonly known as [[Gurdwara Ghai Ghat]]) is dedicated to these two Guru and is situated at the same holy place.
[[Image:Harmandir Patna.jpg|thumb|200px|<center>[[Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib]], [[Patna]]</center>]]Other shrines are [[Gurdwara Gobind Ghat]]<ref>[http://www.takhatpatnasahib.com/Gurdwara-Kangan-Ghat.aspx Gurdwara Gobind Ghat] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527214504/http://www.takhatpatnasahib.com/Gurdwara-Kangan-Ghat.aspx|date=27 May 2009}}</ref> and [[Gurdwara Guru ka Bagh]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Gurdwara Guru ka Bagh (archived copy)|url=http://www.takhatpatnasahib.com/Gurdwara-Guru-Ka-Bagh.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217005152/http://www.takhatpatnasahib.com/Gurdwara-Guru-Ka-Bagh.aspx|archive-date=17 February 2012|access-date=2012-08-15}}</ref> [[Gurdwara Bal Leela]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Gurdwara Bal Leela (archived copy)|url=http://www.takhatpatnasahib.com/Gurdwara-Bal-Leela.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527213026/http://www.takhatpatnasahib.com/Gurdwara-Bal-Leela.aspx|archive-date=27 May 2009|access-date=2010-02-01}}</ref> is directly related to the childhood of Guru Gobind Singh. [[Gurdwara Handi Sahib]] was built in the memory of [[Guru Teg Bahadur]], who stayed here in 1728 with [[Mata Gujri]] and [[Bala Preetam]].<ref>[http://www.takhatpatnasahib.com/Gurdwara-Haandi-Saheb.aspx Gurdwara Handi Sahib] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527214459/http://www.takhatpatnasahib.com/Gurdwara-Haandi-Saheb.aspx|date=27 May 2009}}</ref>

After the [[partition of India]] in 1947, many [[Sikh]]s came to Patna.<ref>[http://www.engr.mun.ca/~asharan/bihar/sikhism.html "The Sikhism"]</ref> The total population of Sikhs in Bihar is only 20,780. Most of Bihari Sikhs are [[Nanakpanthi]]. Most of the Sikhs are residing in Patna and mainly they are self-employed or in business.

=== Sikh Pilgrimage ===
{{Main| Sikh Pilgrimage in Bihar}}
Sikh pilgrimages in Bihar are as follows:
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*[[Takht Shri Harmandir Saheb]]
*[[Gurdwara Guru ka Bagh|Guru ka Bagh]]
*[[Gurdwara Ghai Ghat|Ghai Ghat]]
*[[Gurdwara Handi Sahib|Handi Sahib]]
*[[Gurdwara Gobind Ghat|Gobind Ghat]]
*[[Gurdwara Bal Lila Maini|Bal Lila Maini]]
*[[Gurdwara Guru Bagh|Guru Bagh]]
{{div col end}}

==Jainism==
[[File:Pawapuri - 001 Temple marking Mahavira's Passing (9243092471).jpg|thumb|The famous [[Jain temple]] located at Pawapuri, Bihar]]
[[File:Lord Vasupujya.jpeg|thumb|218x218px|statue of Lord Vasupujya, 12th Tirthankara |left]]{{Main|Jainism in Bihar}}
Vardhamana [[Mahavira]], the 24th and the last [[Tirthankara]] of [[Jainism]], was born in [[Vaishali (ancient city)|Vaishali]] around sixth century B.C.<ref>Pathak Prabhu Nath,''Society and Culture in Early Bihar'', Commonwealth Publishers, 1988, pp. 140</ref> [[Rajgir]] is birthplace of [[Munisuvrata]], the twentieth [[Tirthankara|Jain tirthankara]] and [[Pawapuri]] is nirvana place of [[Mahavira]] the last [[Tirthankara|Jain tirthankara]]. [[Pataliputra]] and [[Vaishali (ancient city)|Vaishali]] is significant religious place in [[Jainism]]. [[Champapuri]] is a Jain pilgrimages where all the [[Panch Kalyanaka|five kalyanaks]] of lord [[Vasupujya]] have taken place. The tallest statue of [[Tirthankara|Jain tirthankara]] [[Vasupujya]] which stands 31 Feet in height was built in [[Champapuri]] in 2014. The Panch Kalyanak Pratishtha Mahotsav of the statue was done from 27 Feb to 3 Mar 2014.

=== Jain Pilgrimage ===
{{Main|Jain Pilgrimage in Bihar }}
Jain pilgrimages in Bihar are as follows:
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*[[Rajgir]]
*[[Pawapuri]]
*[[Patna|Pataliputra]]
*[[Jamui]]
*[[Arrah]]
*[[Vikramashila]]
*[[Champapur]]
{{div col end}}

==Islam==
{{See also|Bihari Muslims}}
[[Islam]] constitutes second largest religion in [[Bihar]]. According to 2011 Indian census, there were 17,557,809 [[Muslim]]s constituting 16.9% population of the state.<ref name="Bihar religion data">{{cite web|title=Bihar religion data|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/c-01.html}}</ref>

==Christianity==
{{main|Christianity in Bihar}}
[[Padari ki haveli]] is a Roman Catholic church of centuries. [[Holy Saviour Church, Arrah|Holy Saviour Church]] of [[Arrah]] is also historically important site.

==Baháʼí Faith==
{{see also|Baháʼí Faith in India}}
In 2012, plans were announced for the construction of a local [[Baháʼí Faith]] [[Baháʼí House of Worship|House of Worship]] in [[Bihar Sharif]].<ref name="Baha'i-houses">{{cite news|title=Plans to build new Houses of Worship announced|url=http://news.bahai.org/story/906|access-date=25 March 2016|publisher=Baha'i World News Service|date=22 April 2012}}</ref> This would be the second Baháʼí House of Worship in India (the first being the well-known [[Lotus Temple]] in [[Delhi]]),<ref name="Lotus-cmpgn">{{cite news|title=Iconic "Lotus Temple" focus of worldwide campaign|url=http://news.bahai.org/story/856|access-date=25 March 2016|publisher=Baháʼí World News Service|date=6 October 2011}}</ref> and one of the first two local Baháʼí Houses of Worship in Asia (the other being in [[Battambang]], [[Cambodia]]).<ref name="Baha'i-houses" />

In 2013, the [[Baháʼí World Centre]] released an hour-and-a-half-long video in five languages entitled ''Frontiers of Learning'', showing Baháʼí community-building activities in four cities from different continents, the fourth of which is Bihar Sharif.<ref name="frontiers">{{cite web|title=Frontiers of Learning|url=http://www.bahai.org/frontiers/|website=Bahai.org|access-date=26 March 2016}}</ref>

==Other religions==
{{Empty section|date=February 2011}}

[[Sarnaism]] has a presence among the tribal populations.

==See also==
*[[Religion in India]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}{{Bihar}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Religion in Bihar}}
[[Category:Religion in Bihar| ]]
[[Category:Religion in the British Empire]]

Religion in Bihar - Revision history

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