Motihari has a unique historical background. Motihari have had an old link: Buddhism. Legend has it that Buddha, on his last journey, is reported to have spent a memorable night at Kesaria, where he reportedly made some historical revelations. These were later recorded in a Buddhist Jatak story. It holds its eminence as the birth place of famous writer “George Orwell and the land of Mahatma Gandhi’s Champaran Satayagarh. Today Motihari is district headquarter of East Champaran.
Places to Visit : Motihari is a crucible of both the Gandhi and Buddhist Circuits. In around Motihari you will get chance to witness the root of Gandhi Satyagrah. The famous place to visit are:
- Gandhi Sangrahalay : It has on display an array of photographs and relics of the Champaran Satyagraha.
- School Started by Gandhi Ji : This school located in the village of Barharwa Lakhensen and madhuban are among other important sites of interest in the vicinity of Motihari.
- Kesaria Stupa: There’s a stupa at Kesaria near Motihari, which is said to be the tallest and the largest Buddhist Stupa in the world. It was discovered in 1998 through excavation by the Archaeological Survey of India. The Stupa’s height is 104 feet, which is far less than its reported original height. Yet, it is one ft taller than the famous Borobodur stupa in Java.
- Areraj Temple : a little away from Motihari lies the temple town of Areraj. The Shiv temple here is a popular pilgrim site. Many old god goddess stone sculptures are kept and worship by devotees from near by places.