Spectacular Bangladesh -- Paharpur Buddhist Monastery :

A tourist attraction of North Bengal. Somapura Mahavihara  in Paharpur, Badalgachhi Upazila, Naogaon District, Bangladesh is among the best known Buddhist vihar  and is one of the most important archeological sites in the country. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.Dated from the 8th century AD, the Somapuri Vihara at Paharpur was once the largest Buddhist monastery on the south of the Himalayas. It is considered the most impressive and important archaeological site in Bangladesh. King Dharma Pal established Paharpur Buddhist Monastery which is the most important and largest known monastery in this country. The main Mandir is in the center of this Monastery which is approximately an area of 27 acres of land.

The entire establishment, occupying a quadrangular court, measuring more than 900 ft. externally on each side, has high enclosure – walls about 16 ft. thickness is about 12 ft. to 15 ft. height. With elaborate gateway complex on the north, there are 45 cells on the north and 44 in each of the other three sides with a total number of 177 rooms. The architecture of the pyramidal cruciform temple is profoundly influenced by those of South-East Asia, especially Myanmar and Java.

A small site-museum, built in 1956-57, houses the representation collection of objects recovered from the area, where you can see the statues of Buddha and Vishnu. The antiquities of the museum include terracotta plaques, images of different gods and goodness, potteries, coins, inscriptions, ornamental bricks and other minor clay objects.

Elite car arranges a special tour to Paharpur every month you can be a part of it by 

contacting : info@elitecarbd.com.

From BDNEWS.com