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Odantapuri, established in the 8th century by the Pala king Gopala, is the second oldest Mahavihara of India after Nalanda. It was part of five Mahaviharas in eastern India, Nalanda, Vikramashila, Somapura, and Jagaddala. It is believed that this university has around 12,000 pupils and 50 teachers. According to Tibetan sources, Samye Monastery in Tibet, was modelled after Odantapuri, which was inspired by Mount Sumeru and the four dvipas. Later in the 12th century, Odantapuri Monastery was attacked by Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khalji, killing monks and burning manuscripts, marking a decline of Buddhism in India.
Quick Details About Odantapuri Monastery
Location: Nalanda district, Bihar, India
Odantapuri Monastery Timings: No specific timings
Entry Fee: Free
How To Reach: Bus, cab, or taxi
Nearest Airport: 90 km from Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna
Nearest Railway Station: 5 km from Nalanda Railway station
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Location
Photo: Vivekkr2015 / Wikimedia Commons
The ruins of Odantapuri Monastery lie in the Nalanda district of Bihar. The locality of the monastery is Odantapuri village. The area today is known as Bihar Sharif, located 90 km from Patna and 12 km southeast of Nalanda. Nearby highway is NH 22, which connects Patna with Nalanda and is the main route for reaching Odantapuri Monastery from Patna.
How To Reach
Photo: Odantapuribs / Wikimedia Commons
You can reach Odantapuri village and monastery by road, which is connected to multiple modes of transport.
By Air: Reach Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport in Patna, which is 90 km away from the monastery. From there, you can book a taxi and reach within 2–2.5 hours to Nalanda and then to the monastery.
By Railway: There are two railway stations nearby that can reach the district. Nalanda Railway Station is 12 km, and Bihar Sharif Junction is about 8 km from the monastery. It takes 20-30 min to reach by taxi or local bus.
By Road:Taxis are available from Patna, which takes 2 to 2.5 hours – Rajgir, 30 minutes, and Bihar Sharif, 20–30 minutes or a drive from NH 22 to Nalanda. You can also use public transportation, a bus, to reach the monastery. They are connected from Patna to Nalanda.
Things To Do
There is much to do in the vast area of the monastery ruins. You can explore and learn about Buddhism and the historical background of Indian teachings and education.
1. Explore The Ruins
Photo: Odantapuribs / Wikimedia Commons
Since there is less knowledge and information about the Odantpuri monastery, exploring it by oneself makes for an exciting experience. The ancient ruins are spread over 30 acres of land. You can find what’s left of the ancient structures, including temples, meditation halls, stupas, prayer halls, learning centres, and monastic cells. It is said that the modern town of Bihar Sharif is built on the ancient site of Odantapuri. If you explore the area around Gadh Par (or Garhpar), you will find the remains of an ancient fort that is considered to have been part of Odantpuri University.
2. Observe And Meditate
Photo: Odantapuribs / Wikimedia Commons
Find a quiet spot within the monastery grounds and observe the nature and local wildlife with empty surroundings. It is a good place for meditation, and you can feel the wind and energy of the ruins of what once was, a thriving educational hub. You can also attend the events that take place during Buddha Jayanti if you visit around April-May. You can learn about the heritage and cultural performances dedicated to the life and teachings of Buddha. Get to know about the history of Buddhism in India during the Pala dynasty.
Places To Visit Around Odantapuri Monastery
Not far from Odantapuri Monastery are more such monasteries and temples of significance. Visit these to enhance your not-so-short experience.
1. Nalanda Mahavihara And Museum
Photo: Wonderlane / Wikimedia Commons
Approximately 12 km away from Odantapuri Monastery is Nalanda Mahavihara. During the 5th and 6th centuries CE, Nalanda Mahavihara played an important role in flourishing education. It is believed that, like Odantapuri, Nalanda was also destroyed by Khajli but remained operating even after the raids. Later, in 1917, to preserve the antiques found on the ruined land, Nalanda Museum was established. It houses 350 artefacts on display, and thirteen thousand are kept in a reserve collection. You can reach the monastery ruins and museum by bus or cab from Odantapuri within 30 minutes.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Fridays)
Entry Fee: Indians: ₹5, Foreigners: ₹100
2. Rajgir Valley
Photo: myself / Wikimedia Commons
Located 20 km from Odantapuri monastery is the town of Rajgir. Rajgir Valley is surrounded by important historical and religious sites amidst dense forests, mysterious caves, and springs. It is said that Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavir spent time there, making it sacred for both Buddhists and Jains. For tourists’ convenience, there is a ropeway to the top of the hill, which takes 1–2 hours. From there you can visit Vulture’s Peak, Peace Pagoda and Brahma Kund, where hot water from seven springs merges. You can reach Rajgir Valley by car in about 40 minutes from the monastery.
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: Adults: ₹60, Children: ₹30 (for ropeway)
3. Griddhakuta Peak
Photo: Tevaprapas / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
At the top of the hills is marked Griddhakuta Peak, which is known as Vultures Peak or the Holy Eagle Peak. It is 20 km away from Odantipuri Monastery and you can reach there in 30 minutes by car and climb up the hill. According to the scriptures, the peak was frequently visited by Buddha and his followers and left carvings on the walls and stones of Rajgir. It is called Vulture’s Peak as it is shaped like a vulture and is a sightseeing attraction.
Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: Adult: ₹25, Children: ₹10
4. Vishwa Shanti Stupa
Photo: Kailash Mohankar / Wikimedia Commons
Vishwa Shanti Stupa is one of the 80 Peace Pagodas around the world, completed in 1969 with new developments in 1993. Located 18 km away from the monastery, on top of Ratnagiri hills stands the Stupa,120 ft tall with a total diameter of 103 ft. It has four golden gilded statues of Buddha representing the four important events of his life: birth, enlightenment, preaching and death. You can reach Rajgir in 30 minutes by car and take the ropeway to reach Vishwa Shanti Stupa.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee, charges for ropeway
5. Jal Mandir
Photo: Nizil Shah / Wikimedia Commons
15 km from Bihar Sharif is Jal Mandir, also known as Apapapuri, a town with no sins. The temple on the water filled with red lotus flowers is dedicated to Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism which was constructed by King Nandivardhan, his elder brother. Mahavira attained nirvana in Pawapuri in 527 BC, and this temple is the site of his cremation. It is located in Pawapuri city in the Nalanda district and is a sacred pilgrimage centre of Jainism. After a 30-40-minute car ride, you can reach the temple by boat from the mainland.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Sumitsurai / Wikimedia Commons
- Cost And Expenses: There is a small to no entry fee for the monastery and other sites to visit around. You only need to be worried about other expenses like travel, accommodation and food.
- Best Time To Visit: Avoid summers because of heat and monsoon for the heavy rainfalls. The ideal time to visit is between October and March when weather conditions are comfortable for travelling.
- Important Considerations: Be prepared to walk half the day over rough grounds. Wear comfortable footwear. Take your health and safety seriously and check for accessibility. Respect the customs and culture of the place you are visiting.
Odantapuri Monastery was a major contributor to the history of Buddhism and Indian education. It remains an important site for understanding the spread of Buddhism from the small town of Bihar to Tibet. It is a hidden gem waiting to be explored, so plan your next trip to Bihar on TripXL and experience the ancient ruins from close.
Cover Photo: Tama66 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
