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Vikramshila Museum is a prominent museum located in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar. It offers deep insights into the rich history and culture of one of the oldest Buddhist universities in India, Vikramshila University. The museum primarily focuses on preserving and showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage, especially Buddhist art and Architecture. Established in 1971, This museum was named after Vikramshila University. It showcases relics and artefacts discovered at the nearby Vikramshila University site that flourished during the Pala Dynasty. The trip to the Vikramshila Museum takes you to the glorious past of the region, which makes it a must-visit place for history and culture enthusiasts.
Quick Details About Vikramshila Museum
Elevation: 55 metres (180 feet) above sea-level
Where To Stay: Hotels and Lodges are easily available near the museum
Where To Eat: Biryani Mahal, Hotel Rajhans Restaurant, Mithila Darbar
Vikramshila Museum Timings: 9:00 AM to 5: 00 PM every day except Friday
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Entry Fee: ₹5 for Indian Citizen
Location
Photo: Anuragkashyap15 / Wikimedia Commons
Vikramshila Museum is located in Antichack, Bhagalpur District of Bihar, situated 50km from the city centre, near the remains of the ruins of Vikramshila University, offering glimpses of the grandeur of the past. The museum is situated in the preserved Mahavihara complex, which showcases artefacts and relics from the Buddhist University of Vikramshila. Visitors can enjoy exploring the museum and the ancient archaeological ruins, as both places are located nearby.
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How To Reach
Photo: ShajiA at Malayalam Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Vikramshila Museum is well-connected through roads, which makes it easily accessible from various modes of transport.
By Road: Bhagalpur is a well-connected city with other major cities through its network of National Highways, including NH-31, NH-33 and NH-80. Buses and private vehicles are available to take you to the museum from major cities in Bihar. Due to the well-maintained roads, it is convenient to reach the museum.
By Air: Jayprakash Narayan International Airport is the nearest airport to Bhagalpur located around 250 km from the Vikramshila Museum. From the airport, Buses and Taxis are easily available to the city.
By Train: Bhagalpur Railway Station is the nearest railway Station to the Vikramshila Museum, located approximately 40 km away. Bhagalpur Railway Station is well-connected to major Indian cities like Patna, Kolkata, and Delhi. From the railway station, you can opt for public transport, such as state-run buses, taxis, etc., to the museum.
Things To Do
From exploring the artefacts and fascinating exhibits to attending informative workshops, here are a few things to do while visiting.
1. Explore Archaeological Artefacts
Photo: Saurav Sen Tonandada / Wikimedia Commons
The Vikramshila Museum is home to various artefacts and relics from Vikramshila University, including coins, sculptures and figurines from the Pala Dynasty. These artefacts and exhibits tell the story of Buddhist heritage, allowing Visitors to connect with the glorious past of Bihar.
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2. Attending Workshops
Photo: Prataparya / Wikimedia Commons
Visitors can attend informative workshops hosted by the museum on Buddhist art, heritage and history. These workshops provide deep insights into ancient Buddhist teachings, their cultural significance and academic practices. These workshops are ideal for history enthusiasts, and students to gain practical insights into India’s rich cultural heritage. These workshops also offer lectures from historians.
3. Learn About The Pala Dynasty
Photo: Roydibakar87 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The museum is dedicated to showcasing the history of The Pala Dynasty. The Pala Dynasty is considered the golden age for education in ancient India. The exhibits display the artefacts and exhibits from Vikramshila University. The museum offers a great opportunity to learn about the Pala Dynasty.
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Places To Visit Around Vikramshila Museum
1. Vikramshila University Ruins
Photo: Spotplayerx / Wikimedia Commons
Vikramshila University is located just a short distance from the Vikramshila Museum. The university was founded during the Pala Dynasty in the 8th Century C.E. This was an ancient site for Buddhist Learning. The site features impressive remains of the university, including monastic cells, stupas and a library that attracts numerous tourists every year.
2. Ajgaivinath Temple
Photo: Creativeminix / Wikimedia Commons
Ajgaivinath Temple is located on the banks of the river Ganga, a holy river. This temple is known for its stunning infrastructure and scenic views. Visitors enjoy breathtaking views sitting on the banks of the river. This temple is a popular destination for tourists as well as pilgrims. The temple comes alive during festivals like Mahashivratri, when thousands of devotees visit the temple. The peaceful ambience and spiritual significance of this temple make it a must-visit temple.
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3. Colganj Rockcut Temples
Photo: Ashok Vootla / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Colganj Rock Cut Temple is located in Colganj Village in Bihar. The temple is renowned for its intricate rock-cut architecture, dating back to the 11th century. You can find many extraordinary statues and sculptures of religious significance dedicated to both Hindu and Buddhist deities from the Pala period and Gupta Periods. Art enthusiasts and History buffs will find this place captivating. This site of archaeological Brilliance can awestruck anyone.
4. Mandar Hill
Photo: Vkumarv / Wikimedia Commons
Mandar Hills are situated around 60 km from Bhagalpur. It is a site of religious significance for Hindus, particularly associated with the legend of the Churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). It is a pilgrimage destination for the devotees with a prominent temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Operator of the Universe. These hills offer beautiful landscapes and a rewarding experience for the tourists.
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Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Avij (talk · contribs) / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip:
A trip to Vikramshila Museum is quite budget-friendly and cost-effective. The total cost of the trip depends on your preference and the mode of transport you choose for the trip. A budget trip to the museum, with meals and modest accommodation, can cost around ₹4000 to ₹6000 per day. While a more comfortable trip can cost around ₹ 7000 to ₹ 9000 per day. Miscellaneous expenses and travelling costs may vary depending on personal choices.
Tips For Travellers:
- Carry Cash: Always carry cash while travelling. While digital payments are available everywhere, It is advisable for local eateries and local transport options like auto-rickshaws.
- Dress Comfortably: It is suggested that you dress comfortably for outdoor attractions like exploring archaeological ruins and Ajgaivinath Temple. The weather can get quite hot sometimes, so light and comfortable clothing is recommended.
- Plan For Nearby Attractions: Numerous tourist attractions are located near the Museum like Colganj Rock-cut temples, Bhagalpur Silk Market and Kuppaghat Ashram. To make your visit more memorable, you can plan for visiting these attractions after exploring the museum.
- Local Transports: For a budget-friendly trip, you can opt for local rickshaws or taxis to explore the region.
- Best Time To Visit: September to March are the coolest months with pleasant weather, perfect for exploring various attractions in and around Bhagalpur.
A trip to the Vikramshila Museum in Bhagalpur is a fascinating opportunity to learn about the ancient history of Bihar. The museum stands as a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing various artefacts that reflect the grandeur of ancient Buddhist Education. This place has a lot to offer to cultural and history enthusiasts. Plan your visit with TripXL and let Vikramshila Museum enrich your understanding of India’s illustrious history.
Cover Photo: Saurav Sen Tonandada / Wikimedia Commons
