Nalanda Important information

Nalanda

Nalanda,  the  ancient  Buddhist centre, literally means the place that confers the lotus. It was visited by   Lord   Buddha   and   Lord Mahavira,   but   came   into prominence after 5th century A.D.as a leading centre of learning in the world. Emperor Ashoka and Harshavardhana were some of its most celebrated patrons. Nalanda, the world's first residential international university imparted teachings on philosophy, literature, medicine and Buddhism besides philosophies of  Brahmamism and Jainism. Hieun Tsang and Fa-Hien, the great Chinese pilgrims and scholars visited Nalanda. According to Hieun Tsang, the university had 2,000 teachers and 10,000 students from ail over the Buddhist world, who lived and studied here. There were massive libraries well stocked with a very rich collection of books on Hinayana, Mahayana, Brajyana Buddhism and other religious sects. The university also imparted the knowledge of sculptural art and some of the finest specimens of Indian sculptural art were created here. The great world University was invaded and brutally destroyed by the Turkish raider, Bakhtiar Khalji in 1235. An International Centre for Buddhist Studies was established here in 1951.

Tourist Acctration in Nalanda

• Nalanda University Ruins Archaeological Complex
• Nalanda Archaeological Museum
• Nava Nalanda Mahavihara
• Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall 

Nalanda University Ruins Archaeological Complex : This excavation area of about 14 hectares has relics of beautiful red brick structures and gardens. The buildings are divided by a central walk way that extends in south - north direction. The Viharas (monasteries) are to the east of this central alley, while the Chaityas (temples) are in the west. The Viham-1 is perhaps the most interesting with its cells on two floors built around a central courtyard where steps lead up to what must have been a dais for the professors to address their students. Nalanda's main temple - Temple No. 3 is an enormous pyramidal mass rising to a height of 31 mettes.

Nalanda Archaeological Museum : It lies opposite the entrance to the ruins of the university and exhibits artefacts excavated from the region.

Nava Nalanda Mahavihara : This new institute is engaged in the study and research of Pali literature and Buddhism. Anumber of students from abroad come here to study.

Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall : It commemorates Hieun Tsang, the great Chinese scholar and traveller, who also studied and taught at Nalanda.