Vikramshila is the center for Buddhist learning. The University of Vikramshila is located in
Bihar. From
Bhagalpur , Vikramshila University is situated at a distance of 50 kilometers. The foundation for this university was laid in 8th century. This educational institute slowly developed as the main learning center for Tantric Buddhism. Under the rule of King Ramapala, the university had 1000 students and 160 teachers for them in the monastery.
The Vikramshila University is placed on a hilltop that overlooks the
River Ganges. The university has been constructed in such a place that is well known for its serenity and picturesque beauty. In earlier times a temple preserving the life-size figure of the Mahabodhi tree adorned the central part of the university.
For learning the Guhyasamaja Tantra, 53 small temples were built near the Vikramshila University. Besides these, there were other 54 temples as well. The principle deities of these temples were Nagarjuna and Atisa. Ratnavajra, Jnanasrimitra, Santipa, Jetari and Naropa were scholars from Vikramshila University.
The nearest airport to this site is Patna, located at a distance of 291 kilometers. Vikramshila is also well connected by road from Patna, Bodhgaya, Gaya, Motiharti and other places.
Other Buddhist Piligrimage Centre in India are
(Last Updated on : 20/01/2011)
