|  Though
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. |
Winter: October to March.