Buddhist vihara and pagoda, Naogaon
Paharpur Buddhist Viharaপাহাড়পুর বৌদ্ধ বিহার
- Time needed
- Two to three hours with the museum.
- best months
- Nov–Feb
- Cost
- A small entry ticket; foreigners pay more.
Somapura Mahavihara, the great monastery the Pala king Dharmapala founded in the late 8th century: the largest Buddhist monastery south of the Himalayas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.
At a glance
- Founded
- Late 8th century, King Dharmapala
- Cells
- 177
- World Heritage
- 1985
About
A square of brick walls, each side close to 300 metres, holds 177 small cells where monks once lived and studied. In the middle rises the temple, a stepped, cross-shaped mound whose lower walls still carry rows of terracotta plaques: animals, people, gods and scenes from daily life.
The monastery was a centre of learning for several centuries and its plan was copied across the region. Today you walk the outer wall, look down into the rows of cells and circle the temple mound; the low red ruins are at their best in the slanting light of early morning or late afternoon.
The site museum by the gate shows the finds from the excavations, including terracotta, stone sculpture and coins. Allow time for both.
Getting there: About 35 km north of Naogaon town by bus or CNG via Badalgachhi; Jamalganj railway station in Joypurhat is about 5 km away.
Things to do
- Walk the top of the outer wall for the view over the temple mound.
- Look for the terracotta plaques on the temple base.
Good to know
- There is little shade: bring water and a hat, and come early.
