Nalanda travel guide and discussion

📍 This place is "Wat Nawaminthammikarat," located in Navada, Bihar, India. This temple was founded in 2011 by Phra Khru Priyattithamvithet (Dr. Phra Maha Phan Supacharo), the abbot of Wat Thai Nalanda. 📍 The Buddha statue you see before you is the largest in India. The statue stands 108 feet (approximately 33 meters) tall and has a lap width of 29 meters. Construction began in 2012 to celebrate the 2,600th anniversary of the Buddha's enlightenment. The statue is composed of 4,849 carved sandstone blocks. 📍 On December 9, 2025, when we visited, the construction of the statue was complete, but renovations to the surrounding buildings and landscape were still underway to enhance its beauty and welcome tourists to come and pay their respects. ✅✅ Recommended activities upon arrival: · Admire the magnificent beauty of the temple. Around the Buddha statue: · Greet and chat with the monks, nuns, and Thai laypeople who are waiting to welcome you warmly. · Enjoy free drinks and snacks inside the temple. Clean restrooms are available. 🙏🙏 Don't forget to make a donation to the temple. 🙏🙏 📸 #indiatrip : 08/12/2025 - 10/12/2025 #WatNawaminthammikarat #ThaiNalandaTemple #IndiaTravel #india #TravelUntilMyKidsComplain

🏛️ Ancient Nalanda University, Bihar, India 🇮🇳 A land of wisdom, one of the greatest in world history, Nalanda was an ancient Buddhist university that flourished in the past 📚. It is considered one of the world's oldest and most prestigious educational institutions 🌍. Established around the 5th century AD during the Gupta dynasty, it thrived for over 700 years 📚. It served as a center for Mahayana Buddhist studies, philosophy, logic, medicine, astronomy, and ancient languages. Nalanda hosted over ten thousand students and scholars from across Asia, including China, Tibet, Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia 🌏. It had a rigorous academic system and housed a massive library called Dharmaganja, which contained an immense collection of scriptures. In the late 12th century, Nalanda was attacked by the army of Bakhtiyar Khilji, a Muslim general from Central Asia 🔥. Temples, monasteries, and the library were burned down. Records state that the fire in Nalanda's library lasted for months due to the vast number of manuscripts and documents 🧱📜. Many monks and students were killed or fled, leading to the permanent downfall of the once-thriving Nalanda University 🕊️💔. Today, the ruins of Nalanda University are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stand as a symbol of both the golden age and the tragic loss of human civilization 🏛️🌍. 📍 Bihar, India 🇮🇳

#TravelTalk 🏛️ Nalanda University: The Greatest Center of Learning in the Buddhist World Nalanda University, located in Bihar, India, is the ruins of one of the world's most prosperous monastic universities, lasting from the 5th to the 12th centuries. More than just a monastery, Nalanda was a world-class center of learning, attracting monks and scholars from across Asia to study Buddhism, philosophy, medicine, and astronomy. The site's remarkable grandeur and scale, the vast ruins of the university's colleges, classrooms, and monastic dormitories, allow visitors to imagine the glorious past where tens of thousands of monks lived and studied. Exploring this site offers a sense of the power of wisdom and the origin of vast knowledge. Although only the ruins remain today, Nalanda University's immense historical significance has earned it a UNESCO World Heritage List. A visit here offers a glimpse into the history of Buddhism and education. It helps enhance knowledge and appreciation of the importance of this ancient learning site. 📌 Location: Located in Nalanda, Bihar, India ⏰ Opening Hours: Daily, approximately 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 🚗 Parking: Parking is available near the entrance to the site. ⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5 (A magnificent site of world historical value and a center of Buddhist wisdom)

I was fortunate to visit Nalanda Mahavihara, the world's first university, and was shocked! Because this is also the place where Master Xuan Tao crossed mountains and rivers to obtain Buddhist scriptures. The campus is magnificent and vast, with several temples, classrooms, monks' rooms, restaurants, kitchens, libraries, halls, pagodas... everything you need. At its peak, the university had a collection of more than 9 million volumes of books and cultivated countless top talents. Unfortunately, the Islamic army invaded Nalanda in the early 20th century and destroyed it completely; fortunately, the current ancient ruins were recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2016 and have been preserved. Another famous Buddhist holy site that often appears in Buddhist scriptures is Jetavana Vihara, located in Śrāvastī. This interesting period of history began when the richest man at the time, Anathapindika, donated all his wealth to the Buddha three times (the amazing thing is that he was able to make the money back very quickly), and bought this garden from Prince Jeta of Sravasti to donate it to the monks as a monastery for long-term practice and residence. At first, Prince Jeta made harsh selling conditions to make things difficult for the old man. He demanded that the entire ground of the garden be covered with gold before he would sell it (which was an impossible task because the garden was so vast and boundless when I saw it in person). Unexpectedly, the prince finally met the elder's request to pave the land with gold, and he had to agree to sell the land to the elder. Later, the prince insisted that the trees in the garden were planted by him over the years, so he donated the trees to the Buddha and the Sangha in his own name. Therefore, Jetavana Monastery is also known as "Jetavana Grove". Only after visiting these Buddhist holy sites in person did I suddenly realize that the stories in the Buddhist scriptures are not myths, but real historical events. Very shocking! After I came back and read the Buddhist scriptures again, I had a completely different state of mind. It was really worth the trip! #Nalanda #Only Tree for Lonely Garden #Gion Abode

Luang Pho Ong Dam of Nalanda, Rajgir, India 🌿🙏🌱It is considered the most important and famous Buddha image in India because it is the only Buddha image that escaped the destruction of the Muslim Turkic army (Turkey). 💐🙏🪷The Buddha image is carved from black granite. It has a lap width of 60 inches and a height from the lap to the top of the crown of 69 inches. The crown is a lotus bud. The posture is sitting in meditation. The left hand is placed on the lap (lap), the right hand is placed on the knee, the fingers of the right hand all point to Mother Earth as a witness. Thai people like to call it the Mara-Vijaya posture (the posture of defeating Mara, the posture of terrifying Mara). As for Indians, it is called Pang Bhum Phassa or Pang Bhum Phassa is over 1,000 years old. 🌷🙏🦚Indians highly respect and believe in the sacredness of Luang Pho Phra Phuttha Chao Ong Dam. When their children are sick, they will first apply ghee to him, then rub the ghee back on their children. This makes the children recover from their illnesses, stop being cranky, eat, and become healthy and well-rounded. Many people call him “Luang Pho Nam Man” or “Teliya Baba” in Indian. 📍 Nalanda, Rajgir, India #100TravelWays

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Nalanda University: The oldest center of Buddhist learning in the world. The ancient Nalanda University site is located in Nalanda, Bihar, India. It comprises stupas, ancient buildings, and ruins of brick and mortar that still indicate its past prosperity, particularly its role as the largest and oldest center of Buddhist education in the world. Today, the most important and magnificent structure is the Sariputra Stupa, which contains relics of the Venerable Sariputra and is revered by Buddhists. The stupa is constructed of red brick, is very large, and is the most prominent of all the stupas in the area. Many smaller stupas and structures surround the large main stupa. The main stupa has stairs leading up, indicating that access to the upper levels was possible in the past, but it is now closed due to safety barriers. Near the main stupa are the living quarters used by monks and the place of study in the past. The current state of the Nalanda University site is filled with lush green gardens, many large trees of various species, and some areas are planted with beautiful flowers. There is also a small lotus pond. The ancient site is very clean and peaceful. Even with frequent tourists, it always feels serene. For transportation, private car or a guided tour is recommended for convenience. Nalanda is approximately 80 kilometers from Bodh Gaya. Additional recommendation: Nalanda is near Rajgir. If you have time, you can also visit many important places in Rajgir, such as Veluvana Temple, the first Buddhist temple, or Kichchhakuta Hill, etc. #TravelIndia #TravelAbroad #India #Nalanda #Prayers

The oldest and largest existing Buddhist monastery in Tianjin, located right next to the Tianjin Eye. It is divided into two parts: the West Courtyard (old temple) and the East Courtyard (new temple). 1. Initial construction in the early Qing Dynasty (West Courtyard, old temple) In the 15th–16th years of the Shunzhi reign (1658–1659), the monk Shigao and Tianjin garrison commander Cao Bin donated funds for its construction. Initially, it had only three halls and was named Dabei Zen Monastery because it enshrined the Great Compassion Guanyin. It underwent large-scale renovations in the 8th year of the Kangxi reign (1669), and at its peak, it covered an area of 56 mu. During the late Qing Dynasty, Li Hongzhang stationed troops in the monastery and funded its repairs. To this day, an inscription reading "Renovated by Grand Secretary Li" remains in the hall. 2. Expansion during the Republic of China era, forming the East and West Courtyards During the Republic of China era, the monastery was occupied by military and police agencies and gradually fell into disrepair, with only the West Courtyard remaining. In 1942, Master Tanxu presided over an expansion, building the Heavenly King Hall, the Mahavira Hall, and the Great Compassion Hall on the east side. This forms the main body of today's East Courtyard. Completed in five years, it features blue bricks and green tiles, establishing its current layout. ✨ Significant history: The parietal bone relic of Master Xuanzang was once enshrined here In 1945, the parietal bone relic of the Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang was welcomed here, and a Xuanzang Memorial Hall was specially established. In 1956, following Premier Zhou's instructions, a portion of the relic was sent to Nalanda University in India, becoming a celebrated story of Sino-Indian cultural exchange. Today, the memorial hall remains, housing a replica pagoda to commemorate this history. Master Hongyi (Li Shutong) Memorial Hall Li Shutong was a Tianjin native who became a monk and was known as Master Hongyi. 3. Modern changes After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the monastery was renovated, and the famous scholar Wang Xiang inscribed the plaque for the mountain gate: "Ancient Dabei Zen Monastery." · Suffered severe damage during the Cultural Revolution. · Restoration began in 1980, and Buddha statues were reshaped. It was listed as a key national open monastery in 1983 and officially opened to the public in 1986. · Subsequent renovations and expansions have brought its current area to 42,000 square meters. West Courtyard: Old temple, a relic from the Qing Dynasty. East Courtyard: Newly built in the 1940s, it is now the main area for visitors. The "Yuantong" moon gate connects the two courtyards. · The Mahavira Hall houses a 5-meter-tall bronze statue of Sakyamuni Buddha from the Ming Dynasty, which is a temple treasure. It also collects hundreds of ancient Buddha statues dating from the Wei and Jin Dynasties to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. A thorough tour of the entire monastery takes one to two hours. It is pleasant in autumn and winter, but it can be very hot in summer because there are not many trees in the courtyard, and it can be quite sunny.

Gridhrakuta Hill (or Vulture Peak), India, located in Rajgir, Nalanda District, Bihar State, is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites and places of worship for Buddhists worldwide. It is the place where the Buddha spent the most time during the rainy season and the birthplace of many significant events in Buddhist history. The hill is characterized by its complex rocky terrain. Its name translates to "Vulture Peak" or "Hawk Peak," derived from the shape of the rock cliffs at the summit resembling the folded wings or head of a vulture. In the past, large numbers of vultures inhabited the area. 🙏🏻 It is a significant pilgrimage site and important location. On Gridhrakuta Hill, a steep climb of approximately 750 meters leads to several important sites related to Buddhist history: 🔸 The Mulagandhakuti, located at the highest peak, is the ruined remains of a rectangular brick foundation, which was once the Buddha's private dwelling. The area offers a very peaceful and serene atmosphere. Buddhists often ascend to these sites to chant prayers, meditate, and drape blankets over the Gandhakuti Buddha image. 🔸 Sukrakhata Cave (Sariputta Cave): A small rock cave where Sariputta attained enlightenment on Makha Bucha Day (15 days after his ordination) while fanning the Buddha. 🔸 Moggallana Cave: The resting place of Maha Moggallana, located not far from Sariputta Cave. 🔸 The spot where Devadatta rolled a rock to harm the Buddha: Along the way up, there are rock formations believed to be where Devadatta secretly climbed up to pry down a large rock intending to assassinate the Buddha. However, the rock broke apart before he could succeed, and fragments struck the Buddha's foot, causing it to bleed. 🔸 Jivakambavana (The First Monastic Hospital): Located at the foot of the mountain, it was a mango orchard donated by Jivaka Komarabhacca (the Buddha's personal physician) to be used as a monastery. And it is the place where Jivaka the physician provided first aid to the Buddha after Devadatta rolled a rock at him. 📋 Tourist Information and Travel The best time to visit is October – March, as the weather is pleasantly cool (approximately 8°C - 25°C), making the hike easy, not too hot, and without storms. ⛰️ How to reach the summit ▪️ On foot: Walk up the cement path (King Bimbisara's Path), approximately 750 meters, taking about 20-30 minutes. ▪️ Sedan chair: For the elderly or those who have difficulty walking, locals are available to carry sedan chairs up and down the mountain (charges apply). ▪️ Cable car: You can take the cable car up to Ratnagiri Hill to see the Vishvasanti Stupa (Japanese temple), then walk across the connecting bridge to Kichchhakuta Hill. 🚏 Getting to Rajgir You can fly into Gaya Airport, which is about 78 kilometers away, or Patna Airport, which is about 110 kilometers away. From there, you can easily take a car or bus to Rajgir. #Gridhrakuta #India #Pilgrimage #IndiaSacredSites #TravelIndia #Gridhrakuta #Rajgir #GayaAirport #NatureAttractions #TravelPlan #IndiaReview #TravelGuide #papaitiews

Nalanda University is located in Rajgir, Bihar, approximately 95 kilometers from Patna. Ancient Nalanda University was the world's first monastic university and the largest center for Mahayana Buddhist learning in the world (800-1700 BE / 256-1157 CE). Founded in the 5th century by Emperor Kumaragupta I of the Gupta Empire, it received continuous patronage from the kings of the Pala Dynasty and other empires. Historically, its curriculum extended far beyond Buddhism, offering courses in philosophy, the Vedas, logic, grammar, astronomy, and medicine. In the late 12th century, a Turkic-Muslim army led by general Bakhtiyar Khalji attacked the site, burning down the monasteries and massacring the monks. The library's vast collection of scriptures was set ablaze and burned continuously for months. Today, tourists can visit the magnificent ruins of ancient Nalanda. The site is well-preserved and open to the public through Bihar Tourism. In addition, the Indian government has recently revived the institution as the modern Nalanda University, located in Rajgir just a short distance from the original site. Ancient Nalanda University is officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Review of an 8-day, 7-city trip to India for merit-makers, following the footsteps of the Buddha 🪷 It's not as tough as you might think. This trip offers so much in return—both spiritual fulfillment and amazing new experiences. If you're interested in tracing this holy route, be sure to save this post! 📌 📍 𝐃𝐚𝐲 1: BKK - Gaya, India ✈️ Direct flight from Thailand. 📍 𝐃𝐚𝐲 2: Rajgir - Nalanda ⛰️ · Hike up Vulture Peak (Gridhakuta Hill) (steep uphill path, palanquin services available). Visit the caves of Phra Moggallana and Phra Sariputta, and the Buddha's Kuti (hut). · Veluvana Monastery (the birthplace of Makha Bucha Day and the very first Buddhist monastery). · Black Buddha in Nalanda, the only Buddha statue to survive the destruction by Muslim armies. It is highly revered by Indians, who often come to pray for healing from illnesses. · Ruins of Nalanda University, the world's first Buddhist university and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. 📍 𝐃𝐚𝐲 3: Vaishali - Kushinagar ☁️ · The birthplace of making holy water in Buddhism. · Visit Paval Chaitya, the site where the Buddha decided to let go of his lifespan. · Kutagarasala Vihara (Mahavana Forest Monastery), see the most complete and beautiful Ashoka Pillar in India. · Head to Kushinagar. · En route, stop at the Kesariya Maha Stupa, India's largest newly discovered Buddhist stupa (where the Buddha's alms bowl was enshrined). · Parinirvana Stupa, the site where the Buddha attained Parinirvana (passed away). · Buddha Relic Distribution Site (Dona Brahmin Stupa), the place where the Buddha's holy relics were divided. 📍 𝐃𝐚𝐲 4: Kushinagar - Sarnath - Varanasi 🛶 · Stop at Ramabhar Stupa, the Buddha's cremation site, before heading to Sarnath. · Arrive in Sarnath and visit Dhamek Stupa, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. · Sarnath Museum. · Head to Varanasi. Take a boat ride along the Ganges River to witness the cremation ceremonies with fires that have been burning continuously for over 4,000 years, and see Hindus performing their holy river baths. 📍 𝐃𝐚𝐲 5: Bodh Gaya 🛕 · Mahabodhi Temple, the exact spot where the Buddha attained enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi Tree. This is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 📍 𝐃𝐚𝐲 6: Bodh Gaya 🌳 · Sujata Kuti Stupa, the home of Sujata who offered milk rice to the Buddha. · Practice meditation at Mahabodhi Temple. 📍 𝐃𝐚𝐲 7: Gurpa 🥾 · Hike up Gurpa Hill (Kukkutapada Giri), the resting place of Maha Kassapa as he awaits Maitreya (the future Buddha) to light his cremation fire. (The hike includes a 1.6 km walk plus 1,700 stairs, taking about 1.5 hours. No palanquin service available). · Return to Bodh Gaya to practice meditation at Mahabodhi Temple. 📍 𝐃𝐚𝐲 8: Return to Thailand ✈️ 📌 Tips · The cities are quite spread out. I recommend dedicating at least 7 days if you want to cover all 3 major holy sites. · Hiring a tour is highly recommended (it's much safer and more convenient). Inter-city travel is done by car and involves long drives. · Food: We ate almost all our meals at the hotels, and the food was pretty good. · Accommodations are way better than expected, especially in Bodh Gaya, which has plenty of great hotels. I highly recommend Oaks Bodhgaya—great food, clean, and fantastic rooms. · Be mentally prepared for the chaos, constant honking, and beggars. · Bargain hard when shopping! Scarves and Himalaya skincare products are incredibly cheap here. · Public restrooms can be inconvenient, so it's best to use the facilities at restaurants or your hotel. · What to pack: Tissues/w...

⛰️ Gridhrakuta Hill (or Vulture Peak) is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. It is located south of Rajgir, Nalanda district, Bihar state, India. ⛰️ This mountain is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, having historically been the residence of the Buddha and the site of his important sermons. 💢 Key highlights on Gridhrakuta Hill include: 🙏 The Gandhakuti: The residence of the Buddha on the mountaintop. This is the tranquil private dwelling of the Buddha. 🙏 Moggallana's Cave and Sariputta's Cave: These are places where the Buddha's chief disciples once sat in meditation. 🙏 Mulagandhakuti: This is the place where the Buddha delivered a sermon to Sariputta. ⛰️ This place has therefore become a sacred spiritual pilgrimage site that Buddhists from around the world flock to visit at least once in their lifetime. ✅✅ Getting to the summit of Kichchhakuta Mountain: · A walk of approximately 2 kilometers with a moderately steep slope. · A palanquin service provided by locals, approximately 1,000 THB round trip. ✅✅ Recommendation: It is best to travel between November and March because the weather is pleasantly cool. 📸 #indiatrip : 08/12/2025 - 10/12/2025 #buddha #india #indiatravel #followingthebuddha #kichchhakutamountain #india #travelindia #traveluntilmykidscomplain

🔹 This is Mulagandhakuti, located on Kichakuta Hill, the place where the Buddha resided during the rainy season. It is situated on Ratnagiri Hill (adjacent to Kichakuta Hill) in Rajgir, Bihar, India. 🔹 The name "Gandhakuti" means "fragrant dwelling," because people always brought flowers and fragrant offerings to the Buddha at his residence. The Buddha resided here for many rainy seasons (the 3rd, 5th, 7th, and the last year before his Parinirvana). 🔹 Currently, only the base of the old stupa, which has been restored, remains. It is a popular place for Buddhists to visit and is considered an important and sacred site, believed to be the location of significant events in Buddhist history. 🔹 Our family has been here twice. The first time, we couldn't make it up because it was almost closing time for tourists. The second time, we came with a group of monks. We have all successfully reached this point. Amen. 🙏 📸 #indiatrip : 08/12/2025 - 10/12/2025 #buddha #Mulagandhakuti #india #indiatravel #followingthebuddha #buddhism #india #travelindia #traveluntilmykidscomplain

🙏 The Black Buddha of Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar, India, is a 1,000-year-old Pala-style Buddha statue in the Maravijaya posture (victory over Mara). Created during the reign of King Devapala, it is considered one of the most sacred and famous Buddha statues in India, as it is the only one that survived destruction during the Muslim invasion. 🙏 Local Indians hold him in high esteem, often calling him "the Oil Buddha," believing that applying ghee (clarified butter) to the statue and making a wish will cure illnesses. Visitors often apply oil to the statue or drape cloth over it as an act of worship and to seek blessings. 🙏 The prayer to the Black Buddha is (Namo 3 times): "Itipiso Bhagawa Kalavanna Buddhapatimang Arahan Sammasambuddho..." "Vijjācaraṇasampanno Sugato Lokavidū Anuttaro Purisadamma Sārathi Satthādeva Manussānaṁ Buddho Bhagavāti" 🙏 To all Buddhists, if you have the opportunity to travel to India on pilgrimage, don't forget to pay homage to "Luang Pho Dam" (Black Buddha) at Nalanda, Bihar, India. 📍📍 Location: Situated outside the walls of the ruins of Nalanda University. 📸 #indiatrip : 08/12/2025 - 10/12/2025 #india #buddha #bodhgaya #India #TravelIndia #FollowingTheBuddha'sFootsteps #Bodhgaya #TravelUntilMyKidsComplain

Nature Escape at Rajgir Wildlife Safari 🚶♂️🌄🌳 Get ready for a wild adventure in Nalanda—Rajgir Wildlife Safari is a hidden gem where couples (or any nature lovers) can wander beneath sunlit mountain peaks, surrounded by sweeping forests and vibrant flora. Whether you crave a peaceful stroll or want to spot rare wildlife, this place is all about natural bliss. 🧭 Recommended Route: Enter through the main gate and follow the safari trail, which loops through dense greenery and open viewpoints. Pause at elevated spots for panoramic mountain views and fresh air—perfect for a hand-in-hand selfie! 🐾 Must-Do Experiences: · Take a guided safari ride to glimpse deer, antelope, and exotic birds. · Embark on a nature walk for up-close encounters with local trees and tranquil corners. · Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch beside the scenic hills (there are designated areas). 📸 Top Photo Spots: · The main lookout above the tree line gives you Insta-worthy shots of the mountain backdrop—aim for morning light for dreamy images! · Capture candid moments along sun-dappled paths surrounded by other trees. 💡 Visiting Tips: · Go on a weekday mornings (before 11 AM) for fewer crowds and more serene ambiance. · Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and wear comfy shoes—most trails are unpaved. · Cameras and binoculars are a must for spotting wildlife and snapping those Nature-Vision shots. ⚠️ Precautions: · Avoid feeding animals and stay on marked trails for safety. · Check with staff for updated opening hours on holidays. · Watch out for monkeys—they love snacks! #Nalanda #RajgirWildlifeSafari #NatureVision #MountainViews #CoupleTravel

📅 Itinerary Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: 🏨 Recommended Accommodation 🍴 Recommended Restaurants 📌 Tips

🛕 Nalanda is a significant historical site located in Bihar, India, renowned globally as the location of the world's first and largest Buddhist university. 🛕 The expansive area showcases numerous ruins, which were once classrooms and dormitories of the university. Today, the ruins of Nalanda Mahavihara have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2016. ✅✅ Best time to visit: It is recommended to visit between September and April when the weather is pleasant and not overly hot, perfect for a leisurely stroll. 📍Entrance fee: Foreign tourists are charged approximately 600 INR or around 300 THB per person. 📸 trip: 08/11/2024 - 10/11/2024

Nalanda University was first established during the reign of Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty, around the 3rd century BCE. Construction continued throughout several eras, with the intention of providing an educational institution for Buddhist monks. Later, many other structures were added over a long period, during the reigns of the Gupta, Pala, and Java, Sumatra, and Indonesia dynasties, among others. Around the 7th-8th centuries BCE, Nagarjuna, a great Mahayana scholar, traveled to several important sacred sites with his disciple, Aryadeva, before arriving at Nalanda. Within just one to two centuries of Nagarjuna's arrival, Nalanda became a major center of Mahayana Buddhism. At that time, Nalanda University flourished. Later, around the 9th century BCE, several important scholars emerged... Another prominent figure of the Mahayana school, named Asanga, proclaimed the principles of the Yogacara school. He spent the last 12 years of his life at Nalanda. After Asanga's death, his younger brother, Vasubandhu, a significant scholar of the Yogacara school, succeeded him as the head of the Nalanda University. The Gupta period, considered a golden age in Indian history, saw extensive development in various aspects of life, culture, and religious thought in India. Evidence from inscriptions and archaeological findings reveals the peak of Buddhism's prosperity during this era, even though Buddhism was not the official religion throughout the central region.

Getting to Know Veluvana Monastery – The First Buddhist Monastery Veluvana Maha Vihara in Rajgir, India, is the first Buddhist monastery and a significant site on Makha Bucha Day, the day the Buddha delivered the Ovada Patimokkha, a crucial teaching that laid the foundation of Buddhism. Miraculous Events on Makha Bucha Day: 1. It coincides with the full moon, the 15th day of the 3rd lunar month, when the moon is in the Makha constellation. 2. 1,250 monks gathered together without prior arrangement. 3. All the monks present were Arahants (enlightened beings) possessing the six supernatural powers. 4. All the monks were ordained directly by the Buddha, through the Ehi Bhikkhu Upasampada ordination. Currently, Veluvana Monastery is a major destination for Buddhists from around the world, especially on Makha Bucha Day, when devotees travel there to practice Dharma and commemorate this important event in Buddhism.

Great view great place #travel

Discovering Bodh Gaya & Nalanda: Spiritual Vibes and Ancient Wonders 🕉️🌅 Day 1: Arrival in Bodh Gaya Landed at Bodhgaya airport and headed straight for the Tibetan Monastery—super peaceful start to the journey. We rushed to this temple as soon as we dropped our luggage at hotel, to get blessing from 17th Gyalwa Karmapa. Quick tip: The monastery opens early, and mornings tend to be less crowded, perfect for a quiet visit before the city wakes up. Day 2: Deep Dive at Mahabodhi Temple Spent the full day in deep prayer and meditation at the Mahabodhi Temple (Bodh Gaya, Bihar 824231; 05:00-21:00 daily). Bring your own cushion or mat for longer sits, and don’t forget to walk the inner path around the bodhi tree. All faiths are welcome, and the temple grounds are incredibly welcoming. Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the holiest Buddhist shrine in Bodhgaya. Explore the temple complex, learn about the life of Lord Buddha. Day 3: Nalanda’s Ancient Wisdom Started early for Nalanda. First stop: Vulture Peak, a legendary meditation spot with stunning sunrise views—shoes off and silence is respected here! It is one of the places where Gautama Buddha resided and preached for several years. Monkeys at the hills, they are more educated than those we met in Bali. Then, explored the iconic ruins of Nalanda University (4CQV+487, Nalanda, Bargaon; Mon-Fri 09:30-18:30). The ancient library foundations are a must-see for history buffs.The site of Nalanda was one of the greatest monastic universities of the ancient world, established in the 5th century BC. It is believed that Lord Buddha and also the founder of Jainism, Lord Mahavir, taught at this university for years. There is even a monument to facilitate Chinese traveler monk and writer Hiuen Tsang, who studied at this university in the 7th century A.D. Getting Around: Hiring a tuk-tuk or private car for day trips (esp. Bodhgaya to Nalanda) is hassle-free and allows for spontaneous stops along the way. Travel tip: Carry cash—many small shops don’t accept cards. Weather can be hot, so stay hydrated, especially during temple visits. #mytraveldiary #itinerary #india #bodhgaya #unesco

| 2013 North India Quick Tour Guide. Camera: Pentax K30. February-March 2013 ✓【Total cost 6800 RMB】 Sticker visa: 300 RMB 10,000 RMB fixed deposit certificate / employment certificate / original passport Round-trip airfare: 3700 RMB Ethiopian Airlines ET689: Hangzhou - New Delhi China Eastern MU556/8582: Kolkata - Kunming - Hangzhou Itinerary details: see (P2) Hangzhou - New Delhi - Rajasthan - Madhya Pradesh - Uttar Pradesh - Bihar - Jharkhand - West Bengal - Kunming - Hangzhou ✓【Recommended pre-trip reading】 "Peeking into India" by Kappa Senoo [Japan] "India/Northern India/Rajasthan" Lonely Planet [Australia] "Travel Around the World" Da Bao Shi Publishing [Japan] ✓【Mughal Empire Heritage】 Delhi · Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad) Agra · Agra Fatehpur Sikri · Fatehpur Sikri Sikandra · Sikandra ✓【Rajasthan Four Color Cities】 🔴 Pink · Jaipur 🔵 Blue · Jodhpur 🟡 Gold · Jaisalmer ⚪ White · Udaipur ✓【Ancient Indian Fortresses】 Gwalior · Gwalior Jhansi/Orchha · Jhansi/Orchha Fort Kumbhalgarh · Kumbhalgarh Fort Ranakpur · Ranakpur Khajuraho · Khajuraho ✓【Ganges and Buddha Heritage】 Varanasi/Sarnath · Varanasi/Sarnath Bodhgaya · Bodh Gaya/Bamboo Grove/Nalanda Kushinagar · Kushinagar Lumbini · Lumbini (in Nepal) Kapilavastu · Kapilavastu (in Nepal) ✓【Unfinished side missions - Cave temples and sculptures】 Sanchi Stupa Ellora Caves Ajanta Caves Elephanta Caves, Mumbai Hampi Pattadakal Thanjavur Goa

#springitinerary Exploring the ruins of Nalanda University is like stepping into a quiet time machine. This place used to be the Harvard of ancient India, seriously, scholars from all over Asia came here to study way back in the day (we’re talking 5th century vibes). Now it’s all red brick ruins and grassy courtyards, but there’s something super peaceful and powerful about walking through it. You can see old classrooms, meditation halls, and even the remains of massive libraries. It’s not flashy, but it feels sacred, like you can almost hear the whispers of ancient knowledge in the breeze. There’s a small but solid museum nearby too, with artifacts that bring it all to life. If you’re into history, spirituality, or just want a chill spot with soul, Nalanda totally delivers. Quiet, inspiring, and way cooler than your average ruins. Definitely worth the detour.

#aprilblooms Traditional Lao Silk Outfit Elegant and timeless, the traditional Lao silk outfit is a symbol of cultural pride and craftsmanship. Handwoven by skilled artisans using locally sourced silk, each piece features intricate patterns unique to different regions of Laos. Typically worn during ceremonies, weddings, and festivals, this attire combines beauty with heritage. The outfit often includes a long, wrap-around skirt known as a sinh, paired with a fitted blouse and sometimes complemented by a silk shoulder scarf (pha biang). #laos #outfit #silk

Veluvana Monastery is a place where history and nature blend perfectly. It is located in Rajgir, Bihar, India. This temple is of Buddhist significance as it was the first monastery where the Buddha stayed after his enlightenment. This bamboo garden was once offered by King Bimbisara of Magadha for the Buddha and his monks to stay and practice Dharma. You can feel the tranquility and shade from the surrounding bamboo trees, which is suitable for meditation or walking meditation. During your visit, there are several important places to visit such as Mucalinda pond, which is a sacred pond, and the area where the Buddha delivered the Ovadapatimokkha. Travel Tips · How to get there: From Bodh Gaya, you can take a taxi or bus for about 2 hours. · Best time to visit: October to February, the weather is cool and comfortable. · What to bring: Hat, umbrella, and drinking water because walking around the place can take a long time. #VeluvanaMonastery #Buddhism #Rajgir #VisitIndia #PilgrimagePlaces

Chinese Temple, Bodh Gaya, India It is one of the international temples in the land of Buddha, Bodh Gaya, built in Chinese architecture. It stands out from the Chinese-style entrance gate. When you enter the temple, you will see a large Guanyin statue. Inside the temple, there are 3 large Buddha statues, which are the principal Buddha images. It is a temple near the Bodh Gaya pagoda. 📍 Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India #tripพาบินเที่ยวจีน

Getting There - nalanda via Patna Attractions - Nalanda University Hotels - Food & Restaurants - Shopping -