ABOUT 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 5^th 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 Brahmanism 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 all 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.
• 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.

MODE OF COMMUNICATION:

• Airport: Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport, Patna (PAT), 89 kms away from Nalanda town.
• Rail: Bakhtiyarpur Railway Station, Bakhtiyarpur, 41 kms away from Nalanda town. Gaya Railway Station, Gaya, 95 kms away from Nalanda town.
• Road: Well connected by road.

SIGHTSEEING AT A GLANCE

 For more information visit https://tourism.bihar.gov.in/en/destinations/nalanda

ATTRACTIONS OF NALANDA

Nalanda University Ruins Archaeological Complex:

• Excavation area of about 14 hectares has relics of beautiful red brick structures and gardens.
• Buildings are divided by a central walk way that extends in south – north direction.
• Viharas (monasteries) are to the east of this central alley, while the Chaityas (temples) are in the west.
• Vihara-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 metres.

Nalanda Archaeological Museum:

• It lies opposite the entrance to the ruins of the university.
• Exhibits artefacts excavated from the region.

Nava Nalanda Mahavihara:

• New institute is engaged in the study and research of Pali literature and Buddhism.
• A number of students from abroad come here to study.

Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall:

• Commemorates Hieun Tsang, the great Chinese scholar and traveller, who also studied and taught at Nalanda.

ATTRACTIONS AROUND NALANDA

Bihar Sharif:

• 13 kms away from Nalanda town.
• It was the capital of the Muslim governors of Bihar between 13^th and 16^th centuries and became an important centre of culture and learning under their patronage.
• Today, it is well known for the tomb of Makhdum Shah Sharif-ud-din, a Muslim saint of 14^th century.
• A large number of devotees visit the sacred site.