nalanda

Known as a great centre for learning since the ancient times, Nalanda International University is located in the Rajgir region of Bihar, close to the district of Nalanda. Known as the ancient seat of learning, the ruins of this university lead back to the times when Patna was called Patliputra, and was the capital of the Magadha kingdom. It is famous as a monastery of Mahavir, and also one of the most significant Buddhist learning centres of India. Historians have traced the ruins of the university back to the 5th century, towards the 12th century until when it was a great learning institution.
 

The Nalanda Archaeological Museum was established in 1971 and comprises the relics of the ancient Nalanda University. It provides an insight of the Pala Art, which is an example of the creative arts taught at the Nalanda University. Its sculptures showcase the attires, ornaments and societal features of the Pala Period. The sculptures, manuscripts, seals and statues portrayed here are regarded as the finest display of the people and culture of ancient Indian society. This complete museum is divided into four main galleries housing 13463 antiquities that have been excavated from 349 sites. Most of these artefacts date back to the time between 5th and 12th century AD and reflect Buddhist, Jain and Hindu ideologies. The statues kept in this museum are of stucco, bronzes, stone and terracotta, but majority are of Basalt stone. The main hall at this museum includes 16 sculptures of Trailokya Vijay, Maitreya, Buddha in Varad, Dharmachakra and Bhumisparsh postures, Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, Parshvanath and Nagaraj sculptures etc.
 

Nava Nalanda Mahavihara is a significant educational institute of Nalanda, which was set up in 1951 by the Bihar Government, near the Lotus Pond. This institute was established with the aim of bringing back the status of Nalanda as an educational institute. The main teachings of this institute include Pali language and aspects of Buddhism for Indian and foreign languages. Several research and studies are done by the Indian and foreign students at this university on Pali language and Buddhism. Foreign countries that are an active part of this institute include Sri Lanka, Japan, Korea, Tibet and Bhutan.
 

The Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall has been built in the memory of known Chinese Scholar, Hiuen Tsang. Hiuen Tsang is said to have resided in this very same place for over 12 years during his tour of India in the 7th century AD. He also studied yoga here under the guidance of Acharya Shil Bhadra. The architecture and grandeur of this hall provides a reminder of the Nalanda University. This memorial hall houses the famous writings of Hiuen Tsang that provides valuable information about medieval India. The writings present here have also formed the base of the educational set up of Nalanda.
 

Silao is a city and a notified area in Nalanda district in the Indian state of Bihar. It is known for the excellent Khaja made by its Halwais. It is also the headquarters of a Block, a small administrative unit, by the same name. Silao is located at an average elevation of 60 mts above sea level.
 

Widely known as Surajpur Baragaon and another famous temple of the city, the Surya Temple is located close to Nalanda University. It is devoted to the Sun God and Chhath Puja is celebrated two times here every year in Kartika and Vaishakha months of Hindu calendar. The temple includes idols of various Hindu gods and goddesses joint with several of the Buddhist deities.