Gallery

Nalanda Mahavihara in Pictures

23/10/2026 12 photos

Nalanda Mahavihara in Bihar was an ancient center of Buddhist learning, and its archaeological remains preserve the outlines of monasteries and teaching spaces. The site is known for its brick-built complexes and for the glimpse they offer of a major historic place of study. As you explore, look at how the rooms, courtyards, and other structures are arranged, rather than viewing each ruin in isolation.

Follow the site paths through the monastic remains and notice the changes in scale, from larger structures such as Temple 3, also called the Sariputta Stupa, to smaller brick details and votive stupas. Monastery 1 includes features such as a granary and a staircase leading toward upper cells. Site displays can help explain Nalanda’s educational history, making them useful context as you walk among the remains.

Plan your visit

Follow the pathways
Use the site paths to view the remains of its monastic complexes.
Look at the layout
Notice the arrangement of courtyards, rooms, and brick structures.
Read the site displays
Interpretive information can help explain the ruins’ educational history.
Temple 3, or the Sariputta Stupa, among the Nalanda ruins
Temple 3, also known as the Sariputta Stupa, rises above the surrounding ruins. Follow the site paths to take in the structure from different viewpoints. Photo: Sumitsurai / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC BY-SA 4.0
A broad view across the ruins of Nalanda Mahavihara
A broad view of Nalanda’s archaeological remains introduces the site’s brick structures and open spaces. The paths help visitors explore the monastic complexes on foot. Photo: Sumitsurai / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Brick ruins identified as Monastery 5 at Nalanda
The remains of Monastery 5 show part of Nalanda’s monastic landscape. Look for the brick outlines of rooms and courtyards as you explore. Photo: Sumitsurai / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC BY-SA 4.0
The excavated remains of Temple 12 at Nalanda
Temple 12 is one of the prominent structures among the excavated remains. Its position within the site helps illustrate the variety of brick buildings here. Photo: Sumitsurai / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Terracotta details on the walls of Temple 12
Terracotta work decorates the walls of Temple 12, adding surface detail to the brick ruins. Pause to inspect the surviving patterns up close. Photo: Sumitsurai / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Brick votive stupas around Temple 3
Small brick votive stupas cluster around Temple 3, beside the larger Sariputta Stupa. Their different scales reward a closer look as you walk the site. Photo: Sumitsurai / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Votive stupas beside the remains of Temple 12
Brick votive stupas stand around Temple 12, showing how smaller structures occupy the spaces beside larger ruins. Follow the paths to see their arrangement. Photo: Sumitsurai / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC BY-SA 4.0
The granary remains at Monastery 1
The granary at Monastery 1 is a distinct feature within the monastic remains. Its location offers a glimpse of the practical spaces associated with the complex. Photo: Sumitsurai / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC BY-SA 4.0
View from inside the granary at Monastery 1
This view from inside Monastery 1’s granary looks out from within the brick structure. It offers a different perspective from the open site pathways. Photo: Sumitsurai / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC BY-SA 4.0
The north niche and porch at Monastery 1
A north niche and porch at Monastery 1 reveal architectural details within the ruins. Look closely at the brickwork and the way the space is framed. Photo: Sumitsurai / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Staircase leading to upper monastery cells at Monastery 1
A staircase at Monastery 1 leads toward the upper monastery cells. It helps visitors imagine how the complex connected spaces at different levels. Photo: Sumitsurai / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Brick masonry at Temple 13 in the Nalanda ruins
The brick masonry of Temple 13 puts the building material at the center of this view. Notice the layered construction while exploring the archaeological remains. Photo: Sumitsurai / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC BY-SA 4.0

All galleries