Nalanda University

Nalanda is the "Buddhist monastic center, often spoken of as a university, in northern Bihar state of India. Though it is traditionally dated to the time of the Buddha (6th-5th cent. BC), archaeological excavations date its current foundations to the 5th century AD. It housed a population of several thousand teachers and students. Topics studied covered included logic, grammar, astronomy, and Ayurvedic Buddhist medicine. The Chinese pilgrims Xuanzang and Yijing provide vivid accounts of Nalanda in the late 7th century.

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. Famous Chinese Sage Monk Dharma Master Hiuen Tsang stayed here in 7th century and has left detailed description of the excellence of education and purity of monastic life practiced here. In this first residential international university of the world, 2,000 teachers and 10,000 students from all over the Buddhist world lived and studied here.

The Ruins Of Nalanda University
The ruins of Nalanda university is 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.