Top Things to Do in the Nalanda | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

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Places To Visit In Nalanda

Kundalpur

Located just outside Nalanda, Kundalpur is the place which is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last of Jain Tirthankaras. It is also the place of birth of Gautam Swamiji who was the first disciple of Lord Mahavira. A grand temple with beautiful spires has been built here to mark the birthplace with a four and half feet tall idol of Bhagwan Mahavira Padmasana. Within the complex, there is a serene Trikal Chaubeesi Jinmandir where there are 72 idols of Tirthankaras, representing 24 each of the past, present and the future age. Read More

Housing the ancient relics of Nalanda University, this museum offers a glance into the culture of ancient Nalanda. Pala Art is displayed through the assorted artifacts maintained here. The statues here are mainly engraved on basalt stone, but others made out of stucco, bronze, stone and terracotta are also present.

Nalanda University is a UNESCO world heritage site is located South Bihar. Considered as one of the oldest universities in the world and known as Nalanda Mahavira back in time, its origins date back to the 3rd century. Mahavira is a Sanskrit term for a great 'Vihara'(Buddhist Monastery). Located about 85 km away from Patna, it is regarded as one of the greatest and oldest universities recorded in history. It finds references in the oldest epics of India as well as in the travels of Hiuen Tsang. The Gupta kings built various monasteries in old Kusan style of architecture. Emperor Ashoka and Emperor Harshavandhana were also patrons of this university who built few temples, viharas, and monasteries for the university. Former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam pitched the idea of reviving the university in March 2016. With reference found in the Tibetan and Chinese culture, the university was a centre of advanced Vedic learnings until it was ransacked by Bakhtiyar Khilji in the 12th century. Lord Buddha visited Nalanda several times during his lifetime, but the university became popular in the later years when Hieun Tsang stayed here in the 7th century AD and he left a detailed description of the education system and monastic life of this place. The site was recovered by Archeological Survey of India in 1915. It's said that the library of the university had so many books and manuscripts that it kept on burning for six months after the entire structure went up in flames. Read More

Established by the Bihar government in 1951, Nav Nalanda Mahavihara is great place showcasing the ancient tradition to the modern world. It was built as a modern center of Buddhism and today it helps in the education related to ancient Pali script and Buddha religion. This is a great place to visit if you are interested in studying the roots and history of Buddhism.

Pawapuri is a holy site for the Jains. It is situated in the Nalanda district of Bihar state in Eastern India. A long time ago, Pawapuri was the twin capital of Mall Mahajanpad. Mahajanpad later became a part of the kingdom of Magadha and Ajatshatru was a devotee of Lord Mahavira. During the rule of Ajatshatru, the king of Pawapuri was known as Hastipal. When in Pawapuri, Mahavira stayed in the Rajikshala of the king. It is considered as a sacred place because Lord Mahavira was buried here in 500 BC. Pawapuri has also been given the name Apapuri meaning sinless town since Lord Mahavira was cremated here. After the cremation had been done, there was a rush while collecting the ashes which led to the removal of a layer of soil thereby resulting in the formation of a pond. This pond was later converted into a lotus pond, and a marble temple named Jalmandir was built in the centre of the pond. The place is very rich in culture and has high heritage value. Some traditional festivals celebrated here include Rajgir Dance Festival and Chhath Puja. Various classical dances are performed in the Rajgir Dance Festival. Read More

Surya Mandir, Nalanda

This temple dedicated to the Sun God, is situated near the Nalanda University. Various Buddhist as well as Hindu deities are enshrined in this temple with the most attractive one being the five feet high idol of Goddess Parvati. The Chatth Puja is held here twice a year in the Hindu months of Vaishakha and Kartika and is celebrated with great fervor.

Present amongst the ruins of the Nalanda University, this Stupa was built in the 3rd century by Ashoka in the honour of Sariputra. After the seven accretions to it, this structure is shaped like a pyramid and is flanked by flights of steps and splendid sculptures as well.