Nalanda and Pawapuri – Ancient Places of Buddhism
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Posted On :
Jul-20-2011
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Article Word Count :
721
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Towards the Southeast of Patna, is a village called the “Bada Gaon”, in the vicinity of which, are the world famous ruins of Nalanda University.
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Towards the Southeast of Patna, is a village called the “Bada Gaon”, in the vicinity of which, are the world famous ruins of Nalanda University.
The Nalanda University being the first residential international university of the world, attracted scholars and students from as far away as China, Greece, and Persia. The great library of Nalanda University was so vast that it is reported to have burned for three months after the invaders set fire to it, ransacked and destroyed the monasteries, and drove the monks from the site. The libraries were vast and widely renowned, and the malicious fire destroyed many of the texts were destroyed and the loss was irrevocable.
The tradition of Nalanda had been carried into Tibet by the time of the Muslim invasions of the twelfth century.
-7th century AD: Hieun Tsang stayed here and left detailed description of the excellence of education system and purity of monastic life practiced here. He also gave a vivid account of both the ambiance and architecture of this unique university of ancient times.
-1193: Nalanda was ransacked and destroyed by Turkic Muslim invaders under Bakhtiyar Khalji.
-1235 the Tibetan pilgrim Chag Lotsawa found a 90 year old teacher, Rahula Shribhadra, with a class of seventy students.
-1951: An International Center for Buddhist Studies was established here.
-2006: Singapore, China, India, Japan, and other nations, announced a proposed plan to restore and revive the ancient site as Nalanda International University.
The Gupta kings patronized these monasteries, built in old Kushan architectural style, in a row of cells around a courtyard. Emperor Ashoka and Harshavardhana were some of its most celebrated patrons who built temples, monasteries and viharas here. The recent excavations have unearthed elaborate structures here. In Biharsharif, an annual Urs is celebrated at the Dargah or tomb of Malik Ibrahim Baya.
Places to Visit:
Nalanda University Ruins Archaeological Complex
Nalanda Archaeological Museum
Nava Nalanda Mahavihara
Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall
Silao
Surajpur Baragaon
Pawapuri:
Pawapuri or Pava is a holy site for Jains located in the Nalanda district in the Bihar state of Eastern India. Pawapuri being an ancient center is more than 2600 years old. The place is famous for being the burial site of Lord Mahavir and there is a pond that is located at the site where his body was cremated.
Pawapuri is generally filled with devotees during the festival of Diwali as Jains consider it the birthday of Lord Mahavir. Pawapuri was one of the twin capitals of Mall Mahajanpad about 2600 year ago. It was later included in the Magadha Kingdom and was known as “Madyama Pawa” or “Apawapuri”. During the stay of Lord Mahavir, this place was under the rule of King of Magadh, Ajatshatru, who was also a great disciple of Lord Mahavira and Hastipal was the King of Pawapuri. In Pawapuri, Lord Mahavira resided in the "Rajikshala" of King Hastipal.
Pawapuri is also known as Apapuri, which means the ‘sinless town’, because Lord Mahavir was cremated here. Post the cremation of Lord Mahavir, there was a huge rush to gather the ashes. During the course of doing this, huge amount much soil was removed around the funeral pyre that a pond was formed. This pond was developed into a lotus pond and a marble temple, known as Jalmandir, was built in the centre of the pond.
Pawapuri also has a rich cultural heritage and the Rajgir Dance Festival and the Chhath Puja are among the most popular festivals celebrated in this place.
The summer season starts in the month of March and extends till the end of May. The month of May experiences the highest temperature. The monsoon season starts in the month of June and extends till the end of September. During the months of October and November the climate is pleasant and visiting the place during this period is a good idea. The winter season starts in the month of December and extends till the end of February.
Places to Visit:
Jalmadir
Samosharan
Marble Temple
The other famous sight seeing are:
Rajgir
Gaya
Bodhgaya
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