Somapura Mahavihara is one of the largest monastery in Indian sub-continent. A number of monasteries grew up during the Pala period in ancient Bengla and Magdha. According to Tibetan sources, five great Mahavihara stood out, namely Vikramashila, the premier University of the era; Nalanda, past its prime but still illustrious; Odantapura, Jaggadala and Somapura Mahavihara.
Somapura Mahavihara is situated at Paharpur in the district Naogaon. It is about 270 km away from Dhaka by road. This quadrangular structure consists of 177 cells. From excavation at Paharpur some seals are founded, these seals has proved that the Somapuri Mahavihara was built by second Pala King Dharmapala of Pala density. There is a traditional Buddhist stupa in the center of the Vihara. The rooms of the Vihara are used by the monks for accommodation and meditation.
It was an important intellectual place for Buddhist, Jains and Hindus. The outside wall with ornamental terracotta still display the influence of the three region at the Vihara. In the Vihara many Buddhist stupa, shrines of different shapes and sizes, terracotta plaques, coins, inscriptions, ceramics have been found. Which are the historical sign of the then time.
It is quite remarkable architecture. The Mahavihara covers an area of 27 acres. The architecture of the Vihara is dominated by a temple, not by the characterstics of Indian temple architecture, but by the Buddhist temple of Burma, Java, Combodia. It is said that the plan of the Mahavihara is afforded by the temple Chandi Loro Jongrang, Chandi Shevu, Prambanam.
Every year a lot of visitors come here and see the remarkable historical Vihara and know about it. It has been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1985. If any one want to visit here staying Dhaka then they should first come Bogra to visit Mahasthangar then here. Paharpur is about 68 km from Bogra. Otherwise they can stay at Bogra and can enjoy the Mahasthangarh and Somapura Mahavihara.
Hotel of Bogra.
Every year a lot of visitors come here and see the remarkable historical Vihara and know about it. It has been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1985. If any one want to visit here staying Dhaka then they should first come Bogra to visit Mahasthangar then here. Paharpur is about 68 km from Bogra. Otherwise they can stay at Bogra and can enjoy the Mahasthangarh and Somapura Mahavihara.
Hotel of Bogra.
