|
Nalanda
University Ruins Archaeological Complex:
The total area of the excavation is about 14 hectares. All the edifices
are of the red brick and the gardens are beautiful. The buildings are
divided by a central walk way that goes south to north. The monasteries
or "Viharas" are east of this central alley and the temple or "Chaiyas"
to the west. The Vihara-1 is perhaps the most interesting with its cells
on two floors built around a central courtyard where steps lead up to
what must have been a dais for the professors to address their students.
A small chapel still retains a half broken statue of the Lord Buddha.
The
enormous pyramidal mass of the Temple no .3 is impressive and from its
top commands a splendid view of the entire area. It is surrounded by
smaller stupas, many of which studded with small and big statues of the
Lord Buddha in Various poses or "Mudras"
Nalanda
Archaeological Museum: Opposite the
entrance to the ruins of the university and houses, there is a small but
beautiful collection of Buddhist and Hindu bronzes and a number of
undamaged statues of the Lord Buddha that were found in the area. Two
enormous terra-cotta jars of the first century stand intact behind the
museum in a shaded enclosure. The collection includes copper plates and
stone inscriptions, coins, pottery and samples of burnt rice (12th
century AD) found among the ruins here.
Open during 10.00 to 17.00. Closed on Friday.
Nava
Nalanda Mahavihara: Nava Nalanda
Mahavihara is devoted to study and research of Pali Literature and
Buddhism. This is a new institute, where students from foreign countries
also study.
Hieun
Tsang Memorial Hall: A new construction
in memory of the great Chinese traveler, Hieun Tsang.
Other Places of
Interest:
Silao: In between
Nalanda and Rajgir, there is a village namely Silao where very a popular
local sweet "KHAJA" is prepared.
Surajpur Baragaon: The
lake with its temple of Surya, the Sun God , is a pilgrim destination
twice a year in "Vaishakha" (April-May) and in "Kartika"
(October-November) during the Chhath Puja or Sun worship.
Other
Attractions :
Rajgir
Dance Festival:
Bihar State Tourism Department organizes every year, this
colorful festival of classical and folk dances from October 24 to
October 26.
Chhath Puja: Chhath puja
or sun worship held
twice
a year in "Vaishakha" (April-May) and in "Kartika"
(October - November) in Surya Temple, The Sun
temple of Surajpur Baragaon.
Arts and Crafts: The
places around Rajgir are famous for stone Sculptors and bowls.

|