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 Attractions
The Ruins of Nalanda University
The ruins of the Nalanda University are 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 and 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.
Shopping In Nalanda
The main market is that of Rajgir, where there are shops
selling decorative items and gift articles. The handicraft
material at Rajgir is one of the items, which can be bought.
Then there are stone and sea-shell items which are very
popular among tourists. The jewellery is also some thing,
which every body looks in for. One can also go for shopping
in the Kund area of Rajgir.
How to Get There
Air:
The nearest Airport is that of Patna, 90 kms away.
Rail:
The Nalanda Railway Station is on the branch route of Bhaktiyarpur-Rajgir
section of the Eastern Railway.
Road:
Nalanda is well connected by roads to other parts of the
state. Particularly from Patna the bus services are good.
The Bihar State tourism Department has its buses running
from Nalanda to other parts of the state.
Local Transport:
Shared jeeps, tongas.
