December 19, 2025 
Important Days and Dates
- Buddha Purnima – Major celebrations in the Buddhist circuit including Nalanda.
- Annual Nalanda Mahotsav – Cultural festival held by Bihar Government, usually in February.
How to Reach
Delhi – To – Nalanda:
- By Air: Fly from Delhi to Patna Airport (approx. 1h 40m). Nalanda is around 75 km from Patna by road.
- By Train: Direct trains available from New Delhi to Rajgir or Patna. From there, travel by taxi or bus.
- By Road: Approx. 1,100 km. Not commonly preferred due to long duration.
Ahmedabad – To – Nalanda:
- By Air: Fly from Ahmedabad to Patna Airport (approx. 2h 10m to 2h 30m). Road journey of 75 km to Nalanda.
- By Train: No direct trains. One must travel via Patna or Gaya, then take a taxi/bus.
- By Road: Approx. 1,600 km. Not preferred due to long travel time.
History of the Temple
Nalanda, located in Bihar, is one of the world’s oldest and most renowned ancient Buddhist universities, founded in the 5th century CE during the Gupta Empire. It served as a major center for learning, attracting scholars from countries like Tibet, China, Korea, Japan, and Sri Lanka.
The university hosted thousands of students and teachers and offered advanced studies in Buddhism, logic, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and literature. The great Buddhist scholar Xuanzang from China studied and taught here in the 7th century CE.
Nalanda thrived until the 12th century when it was destroyed by invader Bakhtiyar Khilji. Excavations have revealed monasteries, temples, lecture halls, and a library complex. Today, Nalanda is an important UNESCO World Heritage Site and a sacred destination in the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit.
Buddhist Offerings & Meditation (Primary Practice)
- Silent homage to Lord Buddha through meditation, mindfulness, and prayer.
- Offerings include flowers, incense sticks, lamps, and candles.
Local Traditional Offering
- Application of oil on the Black Buddha image, a local devotional custom.
Important Days
- Buddha Purnima (Vesak) – Most important Buddhist festival.
- Magha Puja and Asalha Puja – Observed by Buddhist devotees.
- Daily – Early morning and evening hours preferred for meditation.
Attire Guidelines
- Men: Full-length trousers and shirts or traditional kurta.
- Women: Saree, salwar-kameez, long skirts or modest attire.
- Footwear should be removed near sacred areas.
- Avoid revealing or inappropriate clothing.
Official Websites
- District Nalanda Official Tourism Page:
- Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation:
- UNESCO World Heritage – Nalanda Mahavihara:
https://nalanda.nic.in/en/tourist-place/black-buddha
https://bstdc.bihar.gov.in/nalanda.htm
Description
Important Days and Dates
- Buddha Purnima – Major celebrations in the Buddhist circuit including Nalanda.
- Annual Nalanda Mahotsav – Cultural festival held by Bihar Government, usually in February.
How to Reach
Delhi – To – Nalanda:
- By Air: Fly from Delhi to Patna Airport (approx. 1h 40m). Nalanda is around 75 km from Patna by road.
- By Train: Direct trains available from New Delhi to Rajgir or Patna. From there, travel by taxi or bus.
- By Road: Approx. 1,100 km. Not commonly preferred due to long duration.
Ahmedabad – To – Nalanda:
- By Air: Fly from Ahmedabad to Patna Airport (approx. 2h 10m to 2h 30m). Road journey of 75 km to Nalanda.
- By Train: No direct trains. One must travel via Patna or Gaya, then take a taxi/bus.
- By Road: Approx. 1,600 km. Not preferred due to long travel time.
History of the Temple
Nalanda, located in Bihar, is one of the world’s oldest and most renowned ancient Buddhist universities, founded in the 5th century CE during the Gupta Empire. It served as a major center for learning, attracting scholars from countries like Tibet, China, Korea, Japan, and Sri Lanka.
The university hosted thousands of students and teachers and offered advanced studies in Buddhism, logic, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and literature. The great Buddhist scholar Xuanzang from China studied and taught here in the 7th century CE.
Nalanda thrived until the 12th century when it was destroyed by invader Bakhtiyar Khilji. Excavations have revealed monasteries, temples, lecture halls, and a library complex. Today, Nalanda is an important UNESCO World Heritage Site and a sacred destination in the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit.
Buddhist Offerings & Meditation (Primary Practice)
- Silent homage to Lord Buddha through meditation, mindfulness, and prayer.
- Offerings include flowers, incense sticks, lamps, and candles.
Local Traditional Offering
- Application of oil on the Black Buddha image, a local devotional custom.
Important Days
- Buddha Purnima (Vesak) – Most important Buddhist festival.
- Magha Puja and Asalha Puja – Observed by Buddhist devotees.
- Daily – Early morning and evening hours preferred for meditation.
Attire Guidelines
- Men: Full-length trousers and shirts or traditional kurta.
- Women: Saree, salwar-kameez, long skirts or modest attire.
- Footwear should be removed near sacred areas.
- Avoid revealing or inappropriate clothing.
Official Websites
- District Nalanda Official Tourism Page:
- Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation:
- UNESCO World Heritage – Nalanda Mahavihara:
https://nalanda.nic.in/en/tourist-place/black-buddha
https://bstdc.bihar.gov.in/nalanda.htm
