Mandar Mountain is located in Banka district of Bihar state of India, with a height of about 700 feet (210 meters). This mountain is very important from religious and historical point of view. It is located on the Bhagalpur-Dumka state highway, about 45 kilometers south of Bhagalpur city. There are two major temples on the peak of Mandar Mountain—a Hindu temple and a Jain temple. Its specialty makes it a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Jains, and a huge fair is held here every year on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
In Hindu mythology, it is called "Mandarachal". It is believed that during the churning of the ocean, the gods and demons used this mountain as a churning rod. This churning produced 14 gems, nectar and Halahal poison. During the churning, the serpent Vasuki served as a rope for the gods and demons. There is a temple of Lord Lakshmi and Vishnu in the 'Papaharni' lake located near this mountain. It is believed that taking bath here on the occasion of Makar Sankranti destroys all sins.
According to a story related to Mandar Mountain, Lord Vishnu fought for thousands of years after being troubled by two demons named Madhu and Kaitabh. In this war, Lord Vishnu killed Kaitabh and separated Madhu's head from the torso. But Madhu's torso continued to create havoc. Then Vishnu placed it on Mandar Mountain and pressed it with his feet, which ended Madhu. For this reason Lord Vishnu is also called 'Madhusudan'. Even today, the footprints of Lord Vishnu are present on the peak of Mandar Mountain, which is a center of devotion for the devotees.
Mandar Mountain is also very sacred for Jainism. Here the 12th Tirthankara of Jainism, Shri Vasupujya Nath, attained Nirvana. Jain followers believe that his footprints are still present on the mountain. The marks of friction of the serpent Vasuki can still be seen around the mountain, which are linked to the story of Samudra Manthan.
Mandar mountain has remains of many ancient statues, inscriptions and temples. Hundreds of years old statues and caves are present on the rocks here, which show the historical importance of this place. This mountain is also mentioned in Kalidasa's "Kumarsambhava", where he has described the footprints of Vishnu.
More than 400 stairs have been made by cutting the rocks to climb the Mandar mountain, which helps tourists and devotees to reach the peak. This area has religious importance along with natural beauty, which provides spiritual experience to the tourists coming here.
A huge fair is organized every year on the occasion of Makar Sankranti at Papaharni Sarovar located near Mandar mountain. Due to the religious and cultural importance of this mountain, thousands of devotees come here every year for bathing and darshan. It is said that taking a bath here on the day of Makar Sankranti cures leprosy. The idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are enshrined in the temple situated in the middle of this lake.
Mandar Mountain is a center of religious and historical importance, which is not only a holy place for the followers of Hinduism and Jainism, but is also known for its ancient remains and natural beauty. Its connection with the story of Samudra Manthan and the presence of Lord Vishnu and Jain Tirthankara Vasupujya make it an important pilgrimage site. If you visit Banka district of Bihar, then do visit Mandar Mountain and experience its religious and natural significance.