Deepak guided the pilgrims through the rich history of the Ancient Nalanda University Ruins. This was a great university for Buddhist monks that was eventually destroyed by Muslims. He told us of how one monastery would fall into disarray due to age, weather, or damage and how it would be raised. Then a new one would be built over the top. From the excavation, four different periods of building occurred. Looking down into the cells, we could see the layers of debris from each period of rebuilding.
Due to original damage/destruction, weather, age, and/or neglect, the sandstone stucco reliefs are disappearing. There is a great need for preservation here.
After viewing the monastery cells and temples, we sat under a bodhi tree for a meditation.
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| Pilgrims left kathas in a monk's cell |
After viewing the monastery cells and temples, we sat under a bodhi tree for a meditation.
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