Posts

Nalanda: The Oldest Buddhist University in the World (2026 Update)

-
Image
Introduction Nalanda stands as one of the most remarkable centers of learning in world history. Located in present-day Bihar, India, Nalanda was not only a Buddhist monastery but also the world’s first fully residential international university. For centuries, it attracted scholars, monks, philosophers, and students from across Asia. Its influence extended far beyond the Indian subcontinent, shaping intellectual traditions in Tibet, China, Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Originally flourishing between the 5th and 12th centuries CE, Nalanda became a beacon of knowledge during the classical age of Indian civilization. In 2026, Nalanda continues to hold immense historical, cultural, and diplomatic significance, especially with the revival of Nalanda University and renewed global interest in the Buddhist heritage of India. This article explores the historical foundation, academic structure, global influence, decline, rediscovery, and modern revival of Nalanda. Foundation and Histori...
Post a Comment
Read more

Sarnath: The Sacred Site Where Lord Buddha Delivered His First Sermon

-
Image
Sarnath: The Sacred Site Where Lord Buddha Delivered His First Sermon  Updated in 2026:  This article was originally written in 2020 and has now been comprehensively revised with expanded historical analysis, archaeological interpretation, and recent developments in Buddhist heritage preservation . Sarnath holds a foundational position in Buddhist history as the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. It was here that he set in motion the “Dhammachakra” — the Wheel of Dharma — formally establishing the Buddhist Sangha and beginning the global spread of his teachings. Located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, near Varanasi, Sarnath is one of the four principal Buddhist pilgrimage destinations, alongside Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, and Kushinagar. Historical Background of Sarnath In ancient texts, Sarnath was known as Isipatana or Rishipattana, meaning “the place where sages descended.” It was also called Migadaya (Deer Park), referencing the f...
2 comments
Location: Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Read more

Kushinagar: The Sacred Site of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana and Its Deep Historical Legacy

-
Image
Kushinagar: The Sacred Site of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana and Its Deep Historical Legacy  Update(2026): This article was originally published in 2020 and has been thoroughly revised and expanded in 2026 with updated historical insights, recent tourism data, and the latest developments related to Kushinagar and the Buddhist Circuit. Kushinagar is one of the most historically and spiritually significant sites in the Buddhist world. It is the place where Lord Buddha entered Mahaparinirvana , the final liberation beyond the cycle of birth and death. For over 2,500 years, this quiet town in present-day Uttar Pradesh has remained a destination of pilgrimage, reflection, and historical inquiry. Far from being just a religious landmark, Kushinagar represents a crucial turning point in early Buddhist history — the transition from the physical presence of the Buddha to relic-based devotion and organized monastic expansion. Ancient Kushinagar: Kusinara of the Malla Republic In the 6th–5th cent...
5 comments
Location: Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh 274403, India
Read more

The Holy Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha: A Historic International Exposition in Sri Lanka (2026)

-
Image
The Holy Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha: A Historic International Exposition in Sri Lanka (2026)   Introduction:  A Sacred Journey Across Borders In February 2026, a profound moment in global Buddhist heritage unfolded as the Holy Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha embarked on their maiden international exposition. Transported from Vadodara, Gujarat, to Colombo, Sri Lanka, these sacred relics symbolize India's role as the birthplace of Buddhism and its commitment to sharing this ancient spiritual legacy with the world. The exposition, held at the iconic Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo from February 4 to 10, 2026 (with public veneration starting February 5), marks a significant step in cultural diplomacy. It follows the vision shared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 2025 visit to Sri Lanka, strengthening centuries-old ties between the two nations. The relics returned to India on February 11, 2026, after drawing thousands of devotees, scholars, and pilgrims. This event...
Post a Comment
Read more

Thotlakonda Buddhist Site: Ancient History, Monsoon Impact & Latest Developments

-
Image
Thotlakonda Buddhist Site: Ancient History, Monsoon Impact & Latest Developments [This article was originally published in 2020 and fully updated in January 2026 for accuracy and completeness.] Introduction Nestled on a scenic hilltop overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the Thotlakonda Buddhist Site in Andhra Pradesh is a remarkable testament to India’s early Buddhist heritage. With origins dating back almost two thousand years, this ancient monastic complex provides valuable insights into the spiritual, cultural, and maritime networks that shaped the region. While the site has survived centuries of natural wear, recent monsoon events and preservation challenges highlight the delicate balance between heritage conservation and environmental forces. This article presents a comprehensive overview of Thotlakonda: its historical significance, architectural features, the effects of heavy rainfall, ongoing restoration efforts, and recent developments that underscore its relevance today. H...
4 comments
Read more

Popular posts from this blog

conversation between buddha and ananda.

-
Image
                       Ananda the most pre-eminent disciples. buddha and ananda The one disciple of the Buddha most often mentioned in his discourses is Ananda. Amongst all those great monks around the Buddha he occupies a unique position, and this in many respects, as will be mentioned in these blog.                       If one considers as conversation also the silent,inner rapport with a dhamma discourse, then the whole of pali canon actually consist of Ananda's conversation with the Buddha. we cannot tell all dialogues between Buddha and Ananda mentioned in pali canon .only some are mention in this page. Ananda   1- Buddha's last days– On reaching the village of kusinara of the mallas on the further side of the hiranyavati river,the buddha realised that his end was fast approaching. He told Ananda to prepare a bed for him with its head turned towards the north bet...
Read more

Vikramshila university destroyed by an Islamic invader

-
Image
                  Vikramshila university The remains of vikramshilla university are located near antichak in bhagalpur district of bihar . vikramshila university was an important Buddhist learning centers in ancient india. It was founded during pala dynasty. Vikramshila university was established by the king of pala dynasty ,king dharmapala(783to820) in late 8th or early 9th century. a Tibetan and a Hindu temple are also excavated. It prospered about four century from its establishment. After this it collapsed in the beginning of 13th century A.D. Tibetan sources specially the writings of taranath, the Tibetan monk historian of 16th-18th century A.D, was briefly described about its collapsed years. Vikramshila was one of the largest buddhist university having more than hundred teachers and about thousands of students and many great scholars. Many great scholars are often invited by foreign countries to spread Buddhist learni...
Read more

cultural sites damaged by ISIS

-
Image
T he Islamic state group ISIS(Islamic state of Iraq and syria)destroyed and damaged many historical site during their war. Islamic militants in Iraq and Syria continue their war on region's cultural heritage attacking historical site with bulldozers  and explosives. ISIS controls the large part of Iraq and Syria. There's little to stop its militants from plundering and destroying sites under their control In a region know as the cradle of civilization. The group claims the destruction of ancient site relegiously motivated motivated;its militants targeted well- know ancient sites alongwith the  graves and shrines belonging to other Muslim sects, citing idol worship to justify their action deliberate destruction and theft of cultural heritage has been condected by ISIL since 2014 in Iraq and Syria and to a lesser extent to libya. A guide to  cultural site that ISIS has destroyed and damaged so far: P almira :  Palmyra or palmira is an UNESCO Wo...
Read more

Kushinagar: The Sacred Site of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana and Its Deep Historical Legacy

-
Image
Kushinagar: The Sacred Site of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana and Its Deep Historical Legacy  Update(2026): This article was originally published in 2020 and has been thoroughly revised and expanded in 2026 with updated historical insights, recent tourism data, and the latest developments related to Kushinagar and the Buddhist Circuit. Kushinagar is one of the most historically and spiritually significant sites in the Buddhist world. It is the place where Lord Buddha entered Mahaparinirvana , the final liberation beyond the cycle of birth and death. For over 2,500 years, this quiet town in present-day Uttar Pradesh has remained a destination of pilgrimage, reflection, and historical inquiry. Far from being just a religious landmark, Kushinagar represents a crucial turning point in early Buddhist history — the transition from the physical presence of the Buddha to relic-based devotion and organized monastic expansion. Ancient Kushinagar: Kusinara of the Malla Republic In the 6th–5th cent...
Read more

Kesaria stupa: world's largest buddhist stupa.

-
Image
 The Kesaria stupa : Built to honor Buddha's final days– Kesaria stupa According to some scholars, this is the place where prince Gautama cut his hair to renounce the world, after leaving his palace. Other scholars believe that actual place was nearer from kapilavastu.                          It is believed that the current structure was built somewhere between 200 AD and 750 AD to honor the location where buddha spent his begging bowl. The structure is a fine example of Buddhist architecture. In the time of Buddha, it was known as kessaputta. Lord buddha said to have made several announcements from here, which later formed part of the Jatka tales . Huen tsang mentions having seen the grand stupa in kia-shi-po-lo (kesariya) but it was deserted and vegetation had overgrown. It is believed that lord buddha spent a night at this place before his nirvana and have his begging-bowl to the lichhivis . Lichhivis are all...
Read more