By far the most
spectacular Buddhist monuments, discovered in regular excavation is the
gigantic temple and monastery at Paharpur in the Noagoan district.
Architecturally and historically Paharpur Vihara is a treasured heritage
of the world. It has been identified from a set of inscribed clay
seals, as the reputed Somapura Vihara, of the great Pala emperor
Dharmapala. It is the single largest Vihara south of the Himalayas.
This
immense quadrangular monastery with 177 monastic cells enclosing the
courtyard, its elaborate northern gateway and numerous votive stupas,
minor chapels and extensive ancillary buildings within the 22 acre
courtyard, is dominated by a lofty pyramidal temple in the centre. A
site museum houses the representative collections of objects recovered
from the area. The excavated finds have also been preserved at the
Varendra Research Museum at Rajshahi.
Courtesy: Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation
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