NALANDA

Nālandā is the name of an ancient university in the Indian state of Bihar. It is about 92 kilometers south east of Patna. Although Nalanda is one of the places distinguished as having been blessed by the presence of the Buddha, it later became particularly renowned as the site of the great monastic university of the same name, which was to become the crown jewel of the development of Buddhism in India. The name may derive from one of Shakyamuni's former births, when he was a king whose capital was here. Nalanda was one of his epithets meaning "insatiable in giving".

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Nalanda University Ruins Archaeological Complex -

Nalanda was one of the world's first residential universities, i.e., it had dormitories for students. It is also one of the most famous universities. In its heyday it accommodated over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers. The university was considered an architectural masterpiece, and was marked by a lofty wall and one gate. Nalanda had eight separate compounds and ten temples.

Spread over an area of 14 hectares, this university was totally built in red clay bricks. The Nalanda University attracted scholars from all over the world. Even Chanakya or Kautilya was once a student of this university. It was from this university, the seat of knowledge for the world, that the light of knowledge spread all over.

Nalanda Archaeological Museum -

** Closed on Fridays

Opposite the entrance to the ruins of the university and houses, there is a small but beautiful collection of Buddhist and Hindu bronzes and a number of undamaged statues of the Lord Buddha that were found in the area. Two enormous terra-cotta jars of the first century stand intact. This museum was established in 1917. 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.

Nava Nalanda Mahavihara -

Nava Nalanda Mahavihara is a prestigious institution for the learning of Buddhist doctrines and Pali. It had been set up in 1952 by the Government of Bihar under the guidance of Ven. Bhikshu Jagdish Kashyap. He was the founder director of the institute. Nava Nalanda Mahavihar is presently under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Human Resource Development and has been granted autonomy. This is a new institute, where students from foreign countries also study.

Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall -

Hieun Tsang was a Chinese traveler, 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. This memorial hall has got such close reputation, because Hieun Tsang made his visit and lived in this memorial hall as a student and 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.