Paharpur Buddhist Monastery

Paharpur-Buddhist Monastery, the Largest Buddhist Seat of South Asia, is a small village situated in 5 km west of Jamalgonj in the greater Rajshahi district in north Bengal. Here the remains of the most important and the largest known monastery south of the Himalayas have been excavated. King Darma Pal established Paharpur Buddist Monastery in 7^th century. The  complete establishment measures more than 300 meters. It differs from 3.5 to 4.5 meters in height with an elaborate gateway complex on the north.  There are 45 cells on the north and 44 in each of the other three sides. The total number of the rooms is 177. The center of the Monastery contains the main temple and the total area consists of around 43,200.00 Square Feet of land.

The pyramidal cruciform temple is profoundly influenced for its manufacture by those of South-East Asia, especially Myanmar and Java. It had taken its name from a high mound, which looked like a hill.

There is a museum built recently. The houses are the representative collection of objects which are recovered from the area. The exhumed findings have also been preserved at the Veranda Research Museum at Rajshahi. In museum there are ancient elements including terracotta plaques, images of different gods and goddesses, pottery, coin inscription, ornamental bricks and other minor clay objects.

Paharpur Buddhist Vihara has linked India and Southeast Asia since ages, due to its obvious geographical preference. As trade flourished and culture exchanged, Buddhism entered in this region back in 5thcentury and gradually religion has influenced all over.It is very easy to visit there. If someone wants to visit there he can easily go there by buses from Dhaka city. He can get ticket from Saidabad bus stand, Mohakhali bus stand, Gabtoli bus stand or he can go there by train. Or, he can go there easily from Jaipur district. It’s only 10 kilometers from Jaipur.