Shariputra Stupa - Buddhist temple in Bargaon - Nalanda, India

Sariputra Stupa, also known as the Nalanda Stupa is one of the remarkable excavations present amongst the ruins of Nalanda University. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the most important monument in Nalanda and stands as a testament to its rich cultural heritage. Built-in the 3rd century BC by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, in the honor of Buddha's follower Sariputra. Sariputra became a celebrated Arhat after he was able to attain salvation following Buddha's footsteps. The Stupa contains the bones of Sariputra, one of the two chief disciples of Gautam Buddha. The stupa is shaped like a pyramid at the top. The multiple flights of stairs surrounding the stupa, lead to its top. Seven layers of construction explain its colossal size, making it a sight to behold. Beautiful sculptures and votive stupas flank the structure. These votive stupas have been built with bricks and passages from sacred Buddhist texts have been inscribed on them. It is believed that these stupas were constructed over the ashes of Lord Buddha. The most striking of all the votive stupas is the fifth one, which has been preserved well along with its corner towers. These towers are adorned with exquisite panels of Gupta-era art that include stucco figures of Lord Buddha and scenes from the Jataka tales. The top portion of the stupa features a shrine chamber that houses a pedestal, which must have been originally used to place a large Lord Buddha statue. The Gwe Bin Tet Kon stupa in Myanmar is said to be influenced by the Nalanda Stupa. Timings: 0900 - 1700

Very Amazing architecture dated back in 1000 of years ago. Such architecture at time is magnificent to imagine. What a beautiful place Very open space and perfect for spending time with families. Very amazing sites are present to capture memories around. Suggestions: Pleasant music system should be installed to keep peaceful mind.

Shariputra Stupa is the tallest temple and supposed to be famous Buddhist temple In Nalanda premises. Most of the places, Nalanda is represented by the images of Shariputra Stupa on text book, Blogs etc. Now Shariputra Stupa is protected and we can just see the stupa standing at a distance. Once Bollywood used this site for filming.

Nearby mango grove named Pavarika and one of his two chief disciples, Shariputra, was born in the area and later attained nirvana there.

Sometimes, the things that are in the most ruins had been standing with greatest glories. One of the best ancient brick structure , with details still preserved enough . The glorious past can be seen through this ruins .

Another important account of the times is the biography of the Tibetan monk-pilgrim, Dharmasvamin, who journeyed to India between 1234 and 1236. When he visited Nalanda in 1235, he found it still surviving, but a ghost of its past existence. Most of the buildings had been damaged by the Muslims and had since fallen into disrepair. But two viharas, which he named DHANABA and GHUNABA, were still in serviceable condition with a 90-year-old teacher named Rahula Shribhadra.

This is the biggest & less damaged monument on site. Now entries are not allowed in structure to reduce the damage. But you can see hugeness of the same from distance.

It awesome historical place to visit .Take some guid while the visit