View allAll Photos Tagged nalanda
Nalanda University - a large Buddhist monastery in the ancient kingdom of Magadha (modern-day Bihar) in India. Ransacked and destroyed by an army of the Muslim Mamluk Dynasty under Bakhtiyar Khilji in c. 1200 CE.
UNESCO World Heritage Site - Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda University) comprises the archaeological remains of a monastic and scholastic institution dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE. It includes stupas, shrines, viharas (residential and educational buildings) and important art works in stucco, stone and metal.
The Nalanda Mahavihara site is in the State of Bihar, in north-eastern India. It comprises the archaeological remains of a monastic and scholastic institution dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE. It includes stupas, shrines, viharas (residential and educational buildings) and important art works in stucco, stone and metal. Nalanda stands out as the most ancient university of the Indian Subcontinent. It engaged in the organized transmission of knowledge over an uninterrupted period of 800 years. Universities across Asia consider Nalanda the landmark of academic learning excellence..
The historical development of the site testifies to the development of Buddhism into a religion and the flourishing of monastic and educational traditions. While the original mahavihara was a much larger complex, all surviving remains of Nalanda present in the property area of 23 hectares comprising 11 viharas and 14 temples, besides many smaller shrine and votive structures. Temple-like form of chaityas and quadrangular-form of viharas replete with infrastructure authenticate Nalanda's contribution in developing sacred architecture of the Buddhists and residential-cum-scholastic facilities.
The Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara established and developed planning, architectural, artistic principles that were adopted later by many similar institutions in the Indian Subcontinent, South Asia and Southeast Asia. Nalanda continues to inspire modern university establishments in the region like Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Nalanda University and several others across Asia.
Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar, India
Stored at Nav Nalanda Mahavihara, there are rare manuscripts from Lord Buddha period (6 BC).
Established in 1951 to keep the ancient tradition of spreading knowledge, Nav Nalanda Vihar was set up by the Bihar government to teach Pali language near the ancient university. Pali a widely used language in the ancient times.
A place that carries the rich history, tradition and culture of a great nation Nalanda proffers some unique experience to the visitors. A visit to this tiny hamlet is just like going back to the ancient times. While roaming through the ramparts of stupas, monasteries and viharas one would feel they are walking through the doorsteps of various centuries. It is a must visit place for those who are proud of being a part of such a great culture and interested in knowing the colourful incidents of the past.
It is also the land of World's First University. A land of education and knowledge.
Xuanzang was a Chinese monk-scholar who travelled from China to India in the 7th century to study at the Nālandā Monastery, collect manuscripts of the true teachings of Buddha, and visit the sacred places associated with Buddha. Xuanzang left a detailed account of the 17 years of his journey on the Silk Route and in India, which became the primary source of information in the 19th century to establish the Indian origin of Buddhism.
Venerable Jagdish Kashyap, founder and director of Nava Nālandā Mahavihara, proposed the idea of establishing a Xuanzang Memorial in Nālandā— the place where Xuanzang ended his long pilgrimage in the pursuit of the true understanding of Buddhism. The construction of the Memorial was initiated in 1957 jointly by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, and Zhou En-Lai, the first Premier of China.
Mañjuśrī (Skt: मञ्जुश्री) is a bodhisattva associated with transcendent wisdom (Skt. prajñā) in Mahāyāna Buddhism. In Esoteric Buddhism he is also taken as a meditational deity. The Sanskrit name Mañjuśrī can be translated as "Gentle Glory". Mañjuśrī is also known by the fuller Sanskrit name of Mañjuśrīkumārabhūta.as.
Scholars have identified Mañjuśrī as the oldest and most significant bodhisattva in Mahāyāna literature. Mañjuśrī is first referred to in early Mahāyāna texts such as the Prajñāpāramitā sūtras and through this association very early in the tradition he came to symbolize the embodiment of prajñā (transcendent wisdom).[2] The Lotus Sūtra assigns him a pure land called Vimala, which according to the Avataṃsaka Sūtra is located in the East. His pure land is predicted to be one of the two best pure lands in all of existence in all the past, present and future. When he attains buddhahood his name will be Universal Sight. In the Lotus Sūtra, Mañjuśrī also leads the Nāga King's daughter to enlightenment. He also figures in the Vimalakīrti Nirdeśa Sūtra in a debate with Vimalakīrti Bodhisattva.
An example of a wisdom teaching of Mañjuśrī Bodhisattva can be found in the Saptaśatikā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra (Taishō Tripiṭaka 232). This sūtra contains a dialogue between Mañjuśrī and the Buddha on the One Practice Samādhi (Skt. Ekavyūha Samādhi). Master Sheng-yen renders the following teaching of Mañjuśrī, for entering samādhi naturally through transcendent wisdom:
Contemplate the five skandhas as originally empty and quiescent, non-arising, non-perishing, equal, without differentiation. Constantly thus practicing, day or night, whether sitting, walking, standing or lying down, finally one reaches an inconceivable state without any obstruction or form. This is the Samadhi of One Act (yixing sanmei, 一行三昧).
Within Esoteric Buddhism, Mañjuśrī is a meditational deity, and considered a fully enlightened Buddha. In the Shingon school of Esoteric Buddhism, he is one of the thirteen deities to whom disciples devote themselves. He figures extensively in many Esoteric Buddhist texts such as the Mañjuśrī-mūla-kalpa. and the Mañjuśrīnāmasaṃgīti. His consort in some traditions is Saraswati.
Je Tsongkhapa, who founded the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, is said to have received his teachings from visions of Mañjuśrī.
Mañjuśrī is depicted as a male bodhisattva wielding a flaming sword in his right hand, representing the realization of transcendent wisdom which cuts down ignorance and duality. The scripture supported by the lotus held in his left hand is a Prajñāpāramitā sūtra, representing his attainment of ultimate realization from the blossoming of wisdom. Mañjuśrī is often depicted as riding on a blue lion, or sitting on the skin of a lion. This represents the use of wisdom to tame the mind, which is compared to riding or subduing a ferocious lion.
He is one of the Four Great Bodhisattvas of Chinese Buddhism, the other three being: Bodhisattva Kṣitigarbha, Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara, and Bodhisattva Samantabhadra. In China, he is often paired with Bodhisattva Samantabhadra.
In Tibetan Buddhism Manjushri is sometimes depicted in a trinity with Avalokiteśvara (Tib. Chenrazig) and Vajrapāṇi (Tib. Channa Dorje).
The Pala Dynasty
-------------------------
The Pāla Empire was one of the major middle kingdoms of India existed from 750-1174 CE. It was ruled by a Buddhist dynasty from Bengal in the eastern region of the Indian subcontinent, all the rulers bearing names ending with the suffix Pala (Modern Bengali: পাল pāl), which means protector. The Palas were often described by opponents as the Lords of Gauda. The Palas were followers of the Mahayana and Tantric schools of Buddhism. Gopala was the first ruler from the dynasty. He came to power in 750 in Gaur by a democratic election[citation needed]. This event is recognized as one of the first democratic elections in South Asia since the time of the Mahā Janapadas. He reigned from 750-770 and consolidated his position by extending his control over all of Bengal. The Buddhist dynasty lasted for four centuries (750-1120 CE) and ushered in a period of stability and prosperity in Bengal. They created many temples and works of art as well as supported the Universities of Nalanda and Vikramashila. Somapura Mahavihara built by Dharmapala is the greatest Buddhist Vihara in the Indian Subcontinent.
The empire reached its peak under Dharmapala and Devapala. Dharmapala extended the empire into the northern parts of the Indian Subcontinent. This triggered once again the power struggle for the control of the subcontinent. Devapala, successor of Dharmapala, expanded the empire to cover much of South Asia and beyond. His empire stretched from Assam and Utkala in the east, Kamboja (modern day Afghanistan) in the north-west and Deccan in the south. According to Pala copperplate inscription Devapala exterminated the Utkalas, conquered the Pragjyotisha (Assam), shattered the pride of the Huna, and humbled the lords of Pratiharas, Gurjara and the Dravidas.
The death of Devapala ended the period of ascendancy of the Pala Empire and several independent dynasties and kingdoms emerged during this time. However, Mahipala I rejuvenated the reign of the Palas. He recovered control over all of Bengal and expanded the empire. He survived the invasions of Rajendra Chola and the Chalukyas. After Mahipala I the Pala dynasty again saw its decline until Ramapala, the last great ruler of the dynasty, managed to retrieve the position of the dynasty to some extent. He crushed the Varendra rebellion and extended his empire farther to Kamarupa, Orissa and Northern India.
The Pala Empire can be considered as the golden era of Bengal. Never had the Bengali people reached such height of power and glory to that extent. Palas were responsible for the introduction of Mahayana Buddhism in Tibet, Bhutan and Myanmar. The Palas had extensive trade as well as influence in south-east Asia. This can be seen in the sculptures and architectural style of the Sailendra Empire (present-day Malaya, Java, Sumatra). The Pala Empire eventually disintegrated in the 12th century weakened by attacks of the Sena dynasty followed by the invasion of Bakhtiyar Khilji's Muslim armies.
Pala Art & Architecture
------------------------------
In India, during the rule of Palas, art and architecture witnessed a phenomenal development in the states of Bengal and Bihar. The matchless tradition of sculptural art had attained a new position under the reign of Palas. The exclusive development of Art and Architecture of Pala Dynasty demonstrated the emergence of "Pala School of Sculptural Art". The characteristic of art and architecture of that period included lot of local phenomena of the Bengali society. Consequently, the most distinctive achievements during the age of the Palas were in the field of art and sculptures.
Art and Architecture of Pala Dynasty furnished the accomplishment in the field of terracotta, sculpture and painting. One of the finest instances of architecture of the Pala period is a creation of Dhamapala, the Somapura Mahavihara at Paharpur. In addition to that several enormous structures of Vikramshila Vihar, Odantpuri Vihar, and Jagaddal Vihar proclaim to be the masterpieces of the Palas. The architectural style of the Pala Empire influenced the whole of the country and its neighbouring countries. Their approach was followed throughout south-eastern Asia, China, Japan, and Tibet.
The matchless examples of the Art and Architecture of Pala Dynasty find their significance in the museums in Bangladesh and West Bengal as the remarkable display. The museums play abode to the innumerable beautiful sculptures on Rajmahal black basalt stone. The sculptures beautifully carved in the Pala period demonstrate the mastery of Pala dynasty. The age saw an upsurge of perfect carving and Bronze sculptures. Furthermore, it has been recognized by the historians that the specimens of bronzes influenced the art in south-east Asian countries.
Art and Architecture of Pala Dynasty also involved the art of painting also excelled in that period. Though, no exact examples of paintings have been found of that period yet various illustrations of beautiful paintings of the Buddhist gods and goddesses, appearing in the Vajrayana and Tantrayana Buddhist manuscripts corroborate the subsistence of paintings in the Pala Empire. Moreover, with advanced stage of architectural expansion several Buddhist Viharas came originated. The plan of central shrine in the Buddhist Vihara evolved in Bengal during the Pala rule. Other instances demonstrating the brilliance of the art in the Pala period include the terracotta plaques. These plaques are used as the surface decoration of the walls and are recognised as unique creation of the Bengal artists.
Nālandā is the name of an ancient university in Bihar, India. The site was a Buddhist center of learning from 427 to 1197 AC. Some buildings were constructed by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka the Great and the Tamil emperor Rajaraja Chola. The university attracted scholars and students from as far away as China, Greece, and Persia.(shortend from wikipedia)
possibly Nalanda, Bihar, India
9th-10th century, Pala Period 8th-12th century
Biotite schist
Newark Museum
A Budha statue made of black stone. People said that it was found in the ruins of Nalanda University. Disciples apply gold foils on the idol when their wishes are fulfilled.
Xuanzang was a Chinese monk-scholar who travelled from China to India in the 7th century to study at the Nālandā Monastery, collect manuscripts of the true teachings of Buddha, and visit the sacred places associated with Buddha. Xuanzang left a detailed account of the 17 years of his journey on the Silk Route and in India, which became the primary source of information in the 19th century to establish the Indian origin of Buddhism.
Venerable Jagdish Kashyap, founder and director of Nava Nālandā Mahavihara, proposed the idea of establishing a Xuanzang Memorial in Nālandā— the place where Xuanzang ended his long pilgrimage in the pursuit of the true understanding of Buddhism. The construction of the Memorial was initiated in 1957 jointly by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, and Zhou En-Lai, the first Premier of China.
The Nalanda Mahavihara site is in the State of Bihar, in north-eastern India. It comprises the archaeological remains of a monastic and scholastic institution dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE. It includes stupas, shrines, viharas (residential and educational buildings) and important art works in stucco, stone and metal. Nalanda stands out as the most ancient university of the Indian Subcontinent. It engaged in the organized transmission of knowledge over an uninterrupted period of 800 years. Universities across Asia consider Nalanda the landmark of academic learning excellence..
The historical development of the site testifies to the development of Buddhism into a religion and the flourishing of monastic and educational traditions. While the original mahavihara was a much larger complex, all surviving remains of Nalanda present in the property area of 23 hectares comprising 11 viharas and 14 temples, besides many smaller shrine and votive structures. Temple-like form of chaityas and quadrangular-form of viharas replete with infrastructure authenticate Nalanda's contribution in developing sacred architecture of the Buddhists and residential-cum-scholastic facilities.
The Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara established and developed planning, architectural, artistic principles that were adopted later by many similar institutions in the Indian Subcontinent, South Asia and Southeast Asia. Nalanda continues to inspire modern university establishments in the region like Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Nalanda University and several others across Asia.
Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar, India
Ruines of famous Nalanda Monastery in India. From a pilgrimage tour in winter 1987/88 with Geshe Thubten Ngawang, Tibetisches Zentrum Hamburg
In the 7th century, Xuanzang recorded the number of teachers at Nalanda as being around 1510. Of these, approximately 1000 were able to explain 20 collections of sutras and shastras, 500 were able to explain 30 collections, and only 10 teachers were able to explain 50 collections. Xuanzang was among the few who were able to explain 50 collections or more. At this time, only the abbot Shilabhadra had studied all the major collections of sutras and shastras at Nalanda.
नालंदा वो जगह है जो छठी शताब्दी में पूरे वर्ल्ड में नॉलेज का सेंटर था। कोरिया, जापान, चीन, तिब्बत और तुर्की से यहां स्टूडेंट्स और टीचर्स यह पे पढ़ने व पढ़ाने आते थे, लेकिन बख्तियार खिलजी नाम के एक सिरफिरे की सनक ने इस यूनिवर्सिटी को तहस-नहस कर दिया था। खिलजी ने नालंदा यूनिवर्सिटी में आग लगवा दी, ...
Tughlakabad-based WDG4s 70004 "Nalanda" and 12892, working in MU, set off from Tilak Bridge with 14727 Shriganganagar–Tilak Bridge RNT Express, headed towards Hazrat Nizamuddin for TKD yard shunting.
There’s a buddhist centre near my old house – the Nalanda – a centre based on sri lankan teachings. Different budhist practices from different countries have slightly different styles of workship – the Tibetian one is more similar to hinduism where Buddha is portrayed in various forms and devi plays a major role. I never found the time to go there till on Wesak Day, last Saturday.
It’s a very new centre and I was told it was started to offer students in the local univ (I live in a univ town) a place to workship and bond. What I liked about the place was they were very welcoming. Lights and flowers and food was given to all.
I’ve always loved the serenity of Buddha, I fell in love with one particular statue in chiang mai last year and was sitting in front of him forever. I’m also prone to sit and enjoy the chants of the workshipers – very soothing.
Few years back we had the opportunity to perform in a dance drama on Sidharta. Upon seeing our performance, the main buddhist vihara in KL invited us to perform again on the steps of their temple on a full moon day. It was one of our most memorable performance as there was just an amazing serenity to it facing the moon and performing to the world. Ps : was recovering from flu yesterday – feeling much better today
In/Visible runs from 1 – 14 June 2009 at KLPAC - Please sign up at our Facebook page here
Nalanda University structure include many sculptures and images in stone, bronze and stucco. Significant among the Buddhist sculptures are Buddha in different postures, Avalokitesvara, Manjusri, Tara, Prajnaparamita, Marichi, Jambhala etc. A few images are of Brahmanical deities like Vishnu, Siva-Parvati, Mahishasur-Mardini, Ganesha, Surya etc. Other noteworthy discoveries of excavation include the murals, copper plates, stone and brick inscriptions, sealings, plaques, coins, terracottas, potteries etc.
Although Nalanda is one of the places distinguished as having been blessed by the presence of the Buddha, it later became particularly renowned as the site of the great monastic university of the same name , which was to become the crown jewel of the development of Buddhism in India. The name may derive from one of Shakyamuni's former births , when he was a king whose capital was here. Nalanda was one of his epithets meaning "insatiable in giving."
This place saw the rise and fall of many empires and emperors who contributed in the development of Nalanda University. Many monasteries and temples were built by them. Kingarshwardhana gifted a 25m high copper statue of Buddha and Kumargupta endowed a college of fine arts ere. Nagarjuna- a Mahayana philosopher, Dinnaga- founder of the school of Logic and Dharmpala- the Brahmin scholar, taught here.
The famous Chinese traveller and scholar,Hieun-Tsang stayed here and has given a detailed description of the situations prevailing at that time. Careful excavation of the place has revealed many stupas, monasteries, hostels,stair cases,meditation halls, lecture halls and many other structures which speak of the splendour and grandeur this place enjoyed,when the place was a centre of serious study.
Ruines of famous Nalanda Monastery in India. From a pilgrimage tour in winter 1987/88 with Geshe Thubten Ngawang, Tibetisches Zentrum Hamburg
Primary School: Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) Chandi , Block- Chandi, District: Nalanda Bihar, India, 17 May 2013:.Juhi Kumari, an orthopedically challenged girl, attends classes and shares her hostel along with regular school children at KGBV ( Chnadi), May 17, 2013. Bihar is one of the first states which started initiatives to educate disabled girls who are either Hearing impairment or orthopedically handicapped. This initiative for children with special need (CWSN) has been started with collaboration of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV). Girls with disabilities are receiving special focus and efforts would be made under the scheme to help them gain access to education, medial support, accommodation and other required supports. UNICEF India/2013/Prashanth Vishwanathan.
.
Coverage on Disability in Bihar.
Although Nalanda is one of the places distinguished as having been blessed by the presence of the Buddha, it later became particularly renowned as the site of the great monastic university of the same name , which was to become the crown jewel of the development of Buddhism in India. The name may derive from one of Shakyamuni's former births , when he was a king whose capital was here. Nalanda was one of his epithets meaning "insatiable in giving."
This place saw the rise and fall of many empires and emperors who contributed in the development of Nalanda University. Many monasteries and temples were built by them. Kingarshwardhana gifted a 25m high copper statue of Buddha and Kumargupta endowed a college of fine arts ere. Nagarjuna- a Mahayana philosopher, Dinnaga- founder of the school of Logic and Dharmpala- the Brahmin scholar, taught here.
The famous Chinese traveller and scholar,Hieun-Tsang stayed here and has given a detailed description of the situations prevailing at that time. Careful excavation of the place has revealed many stupas, monasteries, hostels,stair cases,meditation halls, lecture halls and many other structures which speak of the splendour and grandeur this place enjoyed,when the place was a centre of serious study.
The Nalanda Mahavihara site is in the State of Bihar, in north-eastern India. It comprises the archaeological remains of a monastic and scholastic institution dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE. It includes stupas, shrines, viharas (residential and educational buildings) and important art works in stucco, stone and metal. Nalanda stands out as the most ancient university of the Indian Subcontinent. It engaged in the organized transmission of knowledge over an uninterrupted period of 800 years. Universities across Asia consider Nalanda the landmark of academic learning excellence..
The historical development of the site testifies to the development of Buddhism into a religion and the flourishing of monastic and educational traditions. While the original mahavihara was a much larger complex, all surviving remains of Nalanda present in the property area of 23 hectares comprising 11 viharas and 14 temples, besides many smaller shrine and votive structures. Temple-like form of chaityas and quadrangular-form of viharas replete with infrastructure authenticate Nalanda's contribution in developing sacred architecture of the Buddhists and residential-cum-scholastic facilities.
The Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara established and developed planning, architectural, artistic principles that were adopted later by many similar institutions in the Indian Subcontinent, South Asia and Southeast Asia. Nalanda continues to inspire modern university establishments in the region like Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Nalanda University and several others across Asia.
Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar, India
The Nalanda Mahavihara site is in the State of Bihar, in north-eastern India. It comprises the archaeological remains of a monastic and scholastic institution dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE. It includes stupas, shrines, viharas (residential and educational buildings) and important art works in stucco, stone and metal. Nalanda stands out as the most ancient university of the Indian Subcontinent. It engaged in the organized transmission of knowledge over an uninterrupted period of 800 years. Universities across Asia consider Nalanda the landmark of academic learning excellence..
The historical development of the site testifies to the development of Buddhism into a religion and the flourishing of monastic and educational traditions. While the original mahavihara was a much larger complex, all surviving remains of Nalanda present in the property area of 23 hectares comprising 11 viharas and 14 temples, besides many smaller shrine and votive structures. Temple-like form of chaityas and quadrangular-form of viharas replete with infrastructure authenticate Nalanda's contribution in developing sacred architecture of the Buddhists and residential-cum-scholastic facilities.
The Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara established and developed planning, architectural, artistic principles that were adopted later by many similar institutions in the Indian Subcontinent, South Asia and Southeast Asia. Nalanda continues to inspire modern university establishments in the region like Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Nalanda University and several others across Asia.
Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar, India
The beautiful little temple of Nalanda Gedige, north of Kandy, uniquely in Sri Lanka built in the South Indian style.
Although Nalanda is one of the places distinguished as having been blessed by the presence of the Buddha, it later became particularly renowned as the site of the great monastic university of the same name , which was to become the crown jewel of the development of Buddhism in India. The name may derive from one of Shakyamuni's former births , when he was a king whose capital was here. Nalanda was one of his epithets meaning "insatiable in giving."
This place saw the rise and fall of many empires and emperors who contributed in the development of Nalanda University. Many monasteries and temples were built by them. Kingarshwardhana gifted a 25m high copper statue of Buddha and Kumargupta endowed a college of fine arts ere. Nagarjuna- a Mahayana philosopher, Dinnaga- founder of the school of Logic and Dharmpala- the Brahmin scholar, taught here.
The famous Chinese traveller and scholar,Hieun-Tsang stayed here and has given a detailed description of the situations prevailing at that time. Careful excavation of the place has revealed many stupas, monasteries, hostels,stair cases,meditation halls, lecture halls and many other structures which speak of the splendour and grandeur this place enjoyed,when the place was a centre of serious study.
A Budhist monk walks on the hostel quarters row of the ancient Nalanda University ruins. Built as long back as 6th century, the ruins once formed an impressive and much revered seat of learning. The complex was excavated in 19th century thanks to the preserved chronicles of Chinese traveler and preacher Xuan Zang detailing the location and the British archaeologist Alexander Cunningham's spirit of exploration.
Nalanda University - a large Buddhist monastery in the ancient kingdom of Magadha (modern-day Bihar) in India. Ransacked and destroyed by an army of the Muslim Mamluk Dynasty under Bakhtiyar Khilji in c. 1200 CE.
UNESCO World Heritage Site - Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda University) comprises the archaeological remains of a monastic and scholastic institution dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE. It includes stupas, shrines, viharas (residential and educational buildings) and important art works in stucco, stone and metal.