Nav Nalanda Mahavihara
The Nav Nalanda Mahavihara (New Nalanda Great Monastery) is a modern, thriving educational institution established by the Government of Bihar in 1951 with the visionary goal of reviving the intellectual glory and academic tradition of the ancient Nalanda University. It is a postgraduate research and teaching center primarily dedicated to Pali language, Buddhism, and ancient Indian philosophy, drawing scholars and students from India and other Buddhist nations like Thailand, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. The institute initially focused on Pali and Buddhism but has since expanded its curriculum to include subjects like Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese, and Comparative Religion. It was granted the status of a Deemed to be University in 2006. The campus is characterized by modern academic buildings, a large library, hostels, and a peaceful environment conducive to research and study. It serves as a living legacy to the ancient university's spirit, promoting international scholarship and cultural exchange, ensuring that the light of learning, once extinguished in the 12th century, shines again in Nalanda. Visitors can feel the academic energy and see the continuation of Nalanda's intellectual mission.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 Hour to 1. 5 Hours:Place Type:
Educational Institution, Research Center, Modern UEntry Fees:
Indian Nationals: Entry is Free for casual visitors, as it is an active university. However, permission may be required to access specific buildings like the library or research wings. :
Foreign Nationals: Entry is Free. All visitors are ex...Indian Nationals: Entry is Free for casual visitors, as it is an active university. However, permission may be required to access specific buildings like the library or research wings. :
Foreign Nationals: Entry is Free. All visitors are expected to maintain the decorum of an academic institution. :
Specific Permission Fees: Access to the main library, archival section, or participation in special academic events may require a nominal fee or prior written permission from the Registrar's office. :
Guided Tour Cost: There is typically no fee for general entry, but arranging a formal, in-depth tour or interaction with a senior academic might require a formal request. :Timing:
Regular Timings: The campus is generally open during regular working hours, typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. Research facilities and the library have specific closing hours. :
Ideal Visit Time: Visit during the late morning (10:00 A...Regular Timings: The campus is generally open during regular working hours, typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. Research facilities and the library have specific closing hours. :
Ideal Visit Time: Visit during the late morning (10:00 AM to 12:00 PM) on a weekday when academic activities are in full swing to get a sense of the living university environment. :
Avoid Weekends: It is best to avoid visiting on Sundays and public holidays when the campus is quiet, and the main academic and administrative buildings are closed. :Special Events:
Founders' Day/Anniversary: Special functions and cultural programs are held to celebrate the institution's founding in 1951 and its achievements in research and education. :
International Buddhist Conferences: The university is a frequent ven...Founders' Day/Anniversary: Special functions and cultural programs are held to celebrate the institution's founding in 1951 and its achievements in research and education. :
International Buddhist Conferences: The university is a frequent venue for major international academic conferences and symposia on Buddhist philosophy, often attracting hundreds of global delegates. :
Convocation Ceremony: The annual degree conferral ceremony, a formal event attended by high officials and Buddhist spiritual leaders, is a significant occasion for the institution. :Best Photo Spots:
Main Gate and Campus Signage: A photograph of the modern, prominent main gate and the university sign, clearly symbolizing the revival of the ancient seat of learning. :
Library Exterior: Capture the architectural front of the main library bu...Main Gate and Campus Signage: A photograph of the modern, prominent main gate and the university sign, clearly symbolizing the revival of the ancient seat of learning. :
Library Exterior: Capture the architectural front of the main library building, representing the repository of knowledge in the modern Nalanda. :
International Students: A photograph capturing the diverse group of international students on the campus grounds, symbolizing the global reach of Buddhist studies (always with consent). :
View of the Memorial Hall: A photograph taken from the campus that frames the adjacent Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall, highlighting the close historical and physical connection between the two institutions. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Visit the Library: Explore the extensive library (with prior permission) to see the vast collection of ancient texts and modern research materials on Pali and Buddhism. :
Attend a Lecture/Seminar: Inquire if any public lectures or academic seminars are scheduled during your visit. Attending one can offer a deep insight into contemporary Buddhist thought and research. :
Observe Student Life: Take a walk through the campus to observe the international body of students and the academic atmosphere, which contrasts sharply with the nearby ruins. :
Engage with Scholars: If possible, politely engage with students or faculty (during non-class hours) to learn about their research and the institution's curriculum, fostering a direct cultural exchange. :
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Information
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Why Famous:
Continuation of Learning: It is famous as the modern successor to the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara, established to revive and continue the scholarly tradition of Pali and Buddhist studies in the region. :
International Scholarship: The Mahaviha...Continuation of Learning: It is famous as the modern successor to the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara, established to revive and continue the scholarly tradition of Pali and Buddhist studies in the region. :
International Scholarship: The Mahavihara is renowned for attracting scholars and students from various South-East Asian and East Asian countries, fostering international academic exchange and strengthening global Buddhist ties. :
Repository of Texts: The university's specialized library and research departments are highly valued for their extensive collection of ancient and modern texts on Pali literature and Buddhist philosophy, making it a key academic resource. : -
Architecture:
Modern Campus Design and Functionality: The architecture is contemporary, designed for a modern university setting, featuring functional academic blocks, administrative offices, and residential hostels, all set on a sprawling campus. The buildings are primarily made of conc...Modern Campus Design and Functionality: The architecture is contemporary, designed for a modern university setting, featuring functional academic blocks, administrative offices, and residential hostels, all set on a sprawling campus. The buildings are primarily made of concrete and brick, focused on utility rather than ancient aesthetics, ensuring a conducive learning environment. :
The Library and Research Wing: A central and significant part of the architecture is the extensive library, which houses a vast collection of books, rare manuscripts, and international journals, particularly on Pali and Buddhist studies, which is the heart of the research focus. :
Spiritual Spaces: The campus often includes designated areas for meditation and reflection, such as a meditation hall or serene garden spaces, subtly integrating the spiritual aspects of Buddhist learning into the modern academic structure. : -
How To Reach:
By Air: Patna Airport (PAT) (90 KM) is the most convenient airport. Taxis can be hired for the roughly 2. 5-hour journey via NH 20. :
By Train: The closest railhead is Nalanda Railway Station (NLD) (2 KM). The nearest major station is Rajgi... -
Near Tourist Places:
Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall (0. 2 KM), Nalanda Archaeological Museum (3 KM), Nalanda University Ruins (3 KM), Black Buddha Temple (3. 5 KM), Surya Mandir (Bargaon) (4 KM), The Great Stupa (Sariputra Stupa) (3 KM), Kundalpur Jain Temples (7 KM), Pawapuri Jal Mandir (20 KM), Rajgir (Vishwa Shanti Stupa) (15 KM), Hot Springs (Rajgir) (16 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Maintain silence and respect the academic environment. Do not enter any administrative or hostel building without explicit permission. :
Packing: Carry a pen and notebook to record observations or academic information. Dres...
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(521+) of Bihar Has Been Added :-
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Kesariya StupaKumhrar ParkRohtasgarh FortRuins of VikramshilaValmiki Tiger ReserveBio-Diversity ParkFanishwar Nath Renu JungleForbesganj Mela GroundJogbaniJokihat MosqueMaata Aasawar MandirRampur Over BridgeRaniganj Vriksh VatikaShiva MandirSultan PhokherBaba Bateshwarnath TempleBaithakji Hajipur Baraila Lake More PlacesNote:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
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