The Buddha visited
Nalanda several times during his lifetime,
this famous centre of Buddhist learning shot to fame much later, during 5th-12th
centuries. The Chinese scholar and traveller Hiuen Tsang stayed here in the
7th century, and has left an elaborate description of the excellence, and purity
of monastic life practised here. About 2,000 teachers and 10,000 students from
all over the Buddhist world, lived and studied in this international university.
The Gupta kings patronised these monasteries, built in old Kushan architectural
style, in a row of cells around a courtyard. Kings Ashoka and Harshavardhana
were some of its most famous patrons, who built impressive temples and monasteries.
Recent excavations have unearthed elaborate structures. An international centre
for Buddhist Studies was established in 1951. The Nalanda Museum and the Nava
Nalanda Mahavihar are definitely worth a visit.
Lauria Areraj is a 11.5 m high Ashokan column, erected in 249 BC. The polished
sandstone pillar has six edicts on it. Lauria Nandangarh is the site of the
famous Lion pillar, erected by king Ashoka. The 8.5 m polished sandstone column
also has an edict engraved on it. The Nandangarh stupa, nearby, is believed
to house the ashes of the Buddha.
How to Reach Nalanda:
Patna, 90 km away is the nearest airport. Train services are also available
to Nalanda.
