Somapuri Vihara. Bangladesh,

Somapuri Vihara

Bangladesh,

Abbeys and Monasteries Ruins Archaeological sites

Somapuri Vihara, built in the 8th century, was once the largest Buddhist monastery south of the Himalayas. This is without a doubt the most outstanding landmark in Bangladesh, covering an area of 11 hectares. Despite the fact that the monastery is in a dilapidated state, one can easily imagine the plan of the temple complex, which includes a huge quadrangle, on the sides of which there are monastic cells, and inside there is a courtyard. The tallest building in the courtyard is a dilapidated two-meter stupa. The walls of the monastery are decorated with well-preserved terracotta bas-reliefs, and in a small museum there are household utensils and religious objects found during excavations.

Paharpur, Badalgachhi Upazila, Naogaon District, Bangladesh