While walking along the river Ganga, I endeavor to find the heritage sites that enrich our learning.
Imposing Vikramshila university ruins at Antichak in Bihar amaze every visitor. Vikramshila university was a center of learning during the Pala dynasty. A rocky hillock anchored around the confluence of Ganga and Kosi river, impressed King Dharamapala to build the university there. Another factor that influenced the king was the proximity of the place to Batheshwar Sthan, a popular center of tantric learning, a type of practice prevalent in Hinduism and Buddhism. King Dharamapala was a great patron of Buddhism. Under his patronage Vikramshila evolved as a famous learning center of tantric Buddhism.
Vikramshila university was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji, the general of Sultan Qutubuddin Aibak. He destroyed Nalanda too, another renowned Buddhist center of learning.
An Archeological Museum was set up in November 2004 to display artifacts excavated from the site.
Vikramshila university ruins have been added to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Patharghata hill is another ancient site that intrigued me deeply in Bihar. A mystical site with a rich tapestry of ancient rock sculptures that dates back to the 6th century on the banks of the Ganga river. Patharghata hill is close to Bateshwar Sthan, a pilgrimage believed to be the taposthali, a seat of religious austerity, of the sage Vashishtha.
Patharghata hill is a protected site under the centrally protected monuments.
Short videos of my Ganga walks…
oh wow…Vikramshila Patharghata is a must see for sure! These ruins are gorgeous…So much history, so much culture, I love it.
Truly so. Thanks Karen.
I’ve been to a few ruins and I would love to see these. Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures.
Ancient ruins enrich us knowledge.
I love your idea of travelling alone! Many people would be so afraid to do it, but not you, and that’s so wonderful!! I can’t wait to see more.
Thank you Stacie.
Those ruins are so amazing! Every shot is like looking back into time. I would love to see them in person.
Being there in person is altogether a different experience.
Oh wow those ruins look very interesting to walk around. What a neat place to adventure in.
Absolutely amazing.
Vikramshila university ruins is a place that I’d love to visit. Thanks for introducing this wonderful spot to me.
You should plan a visit to the Vikramshila ruins.
Looks like you saw a lot on your trip. I had no idea there was a tentative UNESCO heritage list, let’s hope this makes it onto the list soon x
Do hope so.
Such a fascinating glimpse into history! The Vikramshila ruins seem like a must-visit for anyone who loves uncovering ancient stories. Thanks for sharing this hidden gem!
An unforgettable experience.
It’s so interesting being in places with such a rich history where you not only see it but feel it in the air as well. Thanks for sharing your journey, I think it’s important when we take the time to learn our heritages!
Truly so.