THE ANCIENT SEAT OF
LEARNING
Towards
the Southeast of Patna is a village called the 'Bada Gaon', in the
vicinity of which, are the world famous ruins of Nalanda University.
Housing about 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers, this university
attracted pupils from all over the world. A Walk in the ruins of the
university, takes you to an era, that saw India leading in imparting
knowledge, to the world - the era when India was a coveted place for
studies. The university flourished during the 5th and 12th century.
This place saw the rise and fall of many
empires and emperors who contributed in the development of Nalanda. Many
monasteries and temples were built by them. King Harshwardhana gifted a
25m high copper statue of Buddha and Kumargupta endowed a college of
fine arts here. Nagarjuna- a Mahayana philosopher, Dinnaga- founder of
the school of logic and Dharmpala- the Brahmin scholar, taught here.
The famous Chinese traveller and scholar,
Hieun-Tsang stayed here and has given a detailed description of the
situations prevailing at that time. Careful excavation of the place has
revealed many stupas, monasteries, hostels, stair cases, meditation
halls, lecture halls and many other structures which speak of the
splendour and grandeur this place enjoyed, when the place was a centre
of serious study.
PRIME SITES IN NALANDA
The Ruins Of Nalanda University:
The ruins of Nalanda university is spread over an area of 14
hectares. This university was totally built with Red Bricks. The Nalanda
University attracted scholars from all over the world.
Hieun
Tsang Memorial Hall:
Hieun Tsang was a Chinese traveller, who
came to India in around 5th century. He has given a very detailed and
vivid description of the Indian political and social conditions at that
time. His writing is considered to be one of the most authentic sources
of information of that period. Hieun Tsang was also attracted by the
glory of Nalanda University. He came and stayed here, both as a student
and as a teacher. As a student, he studied Yoga for six years under
Acharya Shil Bhadra. He was in Nalanda for twelve years. The memorial
has been built in his memory.
Surya Mandir:
Near the University of Nalanda, is a temple dedicated to the Sun
God. This temple has a number of statues of Hindu and Buddhist deities.
The five feet high statue of Parvati is of particular interest and
attraction.
The Museum:
This museum was established in 1971 and
has a good collection of ancient manuscripts and Buddhist statues. The
manuscripts kept here were found during the excavation of area and many
of them are rare in appearance and style. The museum also displays the
culture of the Hindu society during the Maurya, Gupta and other periods.
Nav Nalanda Vihar:
To keep alive the ancient tradition of spreading knowledge, Bihar
Government has set up a Pali Institute near the ancient university. In
this institute, Indian as well as foreign students study and do research
work. This institute was established in 1951, near the famous Lotus
Pond. This Institute has been attracting students from Japan, Sri Lanka,
Korea, Tibet, Bhutan, Indonesia etc. Mainly students do research work on
Buddhism and Pali here.
Kundalpur:
Just 1.6 kms from the ruins of Nalanda, is this place called
Kundalpur. The Digambar sect of the Jains believes that the 24 th and
the last Tirthankar, Lord Mahavira was born here. There are many Jain
temples in this village.
EXCURSIONS FROM NALANDA
Rajgir:
Just 15 kms from Nalanda, is located the complex of temples and
monasteries. The place is called Rajgir. It is one of the most important
tourist places in India. Being located in a valley, Rajgir is a very
scenic place.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
