Nalanda Temple: The Principle Seat of Imperial Powers

Chronicle: 

Out of the 3 most ancient universities in India, two Nalanda and Vikram Shila universities were located in Bihar, with the third being Taxila in present day Pakistan. Bihar’s old name is Vihar. This is regarded as the place full of history and spiritual significance now Bihar is considered as the centre of political and cultural power and as a haven of learning. 

Significance of the Temple:

A centre of learning from the 50th century CE to the 1200 CE. It is a UNESCO world heritage site. This is well known as the Black Buddha temple. Near the ruins of Nalanda University, a modern one is named as the Black Buddha temple. This temple was termed by the locals as the Telia Bhairav, Tel refers to the use of oil as a protective coating. This temple emerged along with 14 temples with a large notable black buddha image in Bhumisparsha Mudra. Even many replicas of this Black Buddha have been installed in temples of Thailand. 

Origin of the Nalanda Temple:

Mahavihara is the Sanskrit and Pali term for a great vihara and is used to describe a monastic complex of Viharas. According to the 7th century, the explanation of the name comes from “Naga” a serpent deity whose name has come from the Nalanda. He even offers an alternative meaning charity without intermission. Post independence, the second round of excavation and restoration took place between 1974 and 1982. It was deemed to be a university in 2006. All the monasteries at Nalanda are very similar in layout and general appearance. Their plan involves a rectangular form with a central quadrangular court which is surrounded by a veranda which, in turn, is bounded by an outer row of cells for the monks – a typical design of vihara architecture. The central cell facing the entrance leading into the court is a shrine chamber. Its strategic position means that it would have been the first thing that drew the eye when entering the edifice. With the exception of those designated 1A and 1B, the monasteries all face west with drains emptying out in the east and staircases positioned in the south-west corner of the buildings

Address of the Temple:

The site is located about 95 kms southeast of Patna near the town of Bihar Sharif. 

Timings of the Temple:

The temple opens at 9 AM in the morning and closes at 5 PM in the evening.