Somapura Mahavihara

Paharpur, also: Somapura Mahavihara (Sanskrit ), ( Bengali: সোমপুর মহাবিহার Somapur Mahābihār ) is an archaeological site in Bangladesh which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. This important archaeological site located in the homonymous village in the district of Naogaon. The site was inhabited during the Pala dynasty of Mahayana Buddhists, and at that time was an important cultural and educational center. Paharpur consists of three elements: the monastery ( vihara ) and a square courtyard in the center of the shrine ( stupa ) is.

The Buddhist monastery in this area is the largest of the subcontinent. It was built by King Dharmapala of Bengal from the Pala dynasty in the 8th century. The significance of the site lies in its influence on the Buddhist architecture in Southeast Asia. It houses the remains of an approximately nine -acre Buddhist monastery Mahavihara Somapura. This was an important intellectual center for Buddhists, Jains and Hindus. The outside walls with ornamental terracotta panels still show the influence of these three religions.

The quadratic system has a side length of 307 meters and consists of 177 cells, which are arranged around a courtyard, and a stupa in the center. The cells were used by the monks for living and for meditation.

The main sanctuary was built of brick and consists of three superposed and different levels of terraces. It now reaches a height of 22 meters, the original height is estimated to be 30 meters. On the top terrace is a well which probably originally contained relics.

At the site also terracotta plaques, stone sculptures, inscriptions, coins, pottery and other was excavated next to a variety of stupas and shrines in different sizes and shapes.