Kamal Guha: Bihar Buddhist sites template added

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Bihar Buddhist sites template added

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	{{Ancient Dharmic centres of Higher Learning}}		{{Ancient Dharmic centres of Higher Learning}}
			{{Buddhist sites in Bihar}}
	{{Bhagalpur Division topics}}		{{Bhagalpur Division topics}}

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{{short description|Site of an ancient university in India}}
{{EngvarB|date=March 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}
{{Infobox ancient site
|name = Vikramashila
|alternate_name =
|image = Vikramshila 2012-08-10-17.14.08.jpg
|alt =
|caption = Ruins of Vikramashila Mahavihara
|map_type = India#India Bihar
|relief=yes
|map_alt =
|coordinates = {{coord|25|19|29|N|87|17|05|E|display=inline,title}}
|location = [[Bihar]], India
|region =
|type = Centre of learning
|part_of =
|length =
|width =
|area =
|height =
|builder =
|material =
|built = 8th–9th century CE
|abandoned = 13th century CE
|epochs =
|cultures =
|dependency_of =
|occupants =
|event = Destroyed by [[Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khalji]] around 1193
|excavations =
|archaeologists =
|condition =
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|public_access =
|website = 
|notes =
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{{BuddhasHolySites}}
'''Vikramashila''' (Sanskrit: विक्रमशिला [[Devanagari]]: [[wikt:विक्रमशिला|विक्रमशिला]], [[IAST]]: {{IAST|Vikramaśilā}}) was one of the three most important Buddhist centres of learning in India during the [[Pala Empire]], along with [[Nalanda]] and [[Odantapuri]]. Its location is now the site of Antichak village, [[Bhagalpur district]] in [[Bihar]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Anupam |first1=Hitendra |title=Significance of Tibetan Sources in the Study of Odantapuri and Vikaramsila Mahavihars |journal=Proceedings of the Indian History Congress |date=2001 |volume=61 |pages=424–428 |jstor=44148119 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44148119}}</ref>

Vikramashila was established by the [[Pala Empire|Pala emperor]] [[Dharmapala (emperor)|Dharmapala]] (783 to 820 AD) in response to a supposed decline in the quality of scholarship at [[Nalanda]]. [[Atiśa]], the renowned [[pandita (Buddhism)|pandita]] and philosopher, is listed as a notable [[abbot]]. It was destroyed by the forces of [[Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khalji]] around 1193.<ref>{{cite book |author1=Alexis Sanderson |author-link1=Alexis Sanderson |editor1-last=Einoo |editor1-first=Shingo |title=Genesis and Development of Tantrism |date=2009 |publisher=Institute of Oriental Culture, University of Tokyo |location=Tokyo |pages=89 |chapter=The Śaiva Age: The Rise and Dominance of Śaivism during the Early Medieval Period}}</ref><ref name = Eaton>{{cite journal
| last = Eaton
| first = Richard
| title = Temple desecration in pre-modern India
| journal = Frontline
| volume = 17
| issue = 25
| pages = 62–70
| date=December 22, 2000
}}
</ref>

== History ==
A number of monasteries grew up during the Pāla period in ancient [[Bengal]] and [[Magadha]]. According to Tibetan sources, five great Mahaviharas stood out: Vikramashila, the premier university of the era; [[Nalanda]], past its prime but still illustrious, [[Somapura]], [[Odantapura]], and [[Jagaddala]].<ref>''Vajrayogini: Her Visualization, Rituals, and Forms'' by Elizabeth English. Wisdom Publications. {{ISBN|0-86171-329-X}} pg 15</ref> The five monasteries formed a network; "all of them were under state supervision" and there existed "a system of co-ordination among them. It seems from the evidence that the different seats of Buddhist learning that functioned in eastern India under the Pāla were regarded together as forming a network, an interlinked group of institutions," and it was common for great scholars to move easily from position to position among them.<ref>''Buddhist Monks And Monasteries Of India: Their History And Contribution To Indian Culture.'' by Dutt, Sukumar. George Allen and Unwin Ltd, London 1962. pg 352-3</ref>

Vikramashila was founded by [[Pala Empire|Pāla]] king [[Dharmapala of Bengal|Dharmapala]] in the late 8th or early 9th century. It prospered for about four centuries before it was destroyed by [[Bakhtiyar Khilji]] along with the other major centres of [[Buddhism]] in India around 1193.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://swap.stanford.edu/20091118004654/http://www.organiser.org/dynamic/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=318|title=Organiser - Content|website=swap.stanford.edu}}</ref><ref name = Scott>{{cite journal
| last = Scott
| first = David
| title = Buddhism and Islam: Past to Present Encounters and Interfaith Lessons
| journal = Numen
| volume = 42
| issue = 2
| pages = 141–155
| date=May 1995
| doi=10.1163/1568527952598657
| jstor = 3270172
}}
</ref>

Vikramashila is known to us mainly through Tibetan sources, especially the writings of [[Tāranātha]], the Tibetan monk historian of the 16th–17th centuries.<ref name="whc.unesco">{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5407/ |title=Excavated Remains at Nalanda |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |access-date=13 July 2012}}</ref>

Vikramashila was one of the largest Buddhist universities, with more than one hundred teachers and about one thousand students. It produced eminent scholars who were often invited by foreign countries to spread Buddhist learning, culture and religion. The most distinguished and eminent among all was [[Atisha]] Dipankara, a founder of the [[Sarma (Tibetan Buddhism)|Sarma]] traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Subjects like philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, [[Indian logic]] etc. were taught here, but the most important branch of learning was [[Vajrayana|Buddhist tantra]].<ref>O. C. Handa, Omacanda Hāṇḍā, Buddhist Western Himalaya: A politico-religious history, Indus Publishing, 2001, p. 337.</ref>

==Organisation==

According to scholar Sukumar Dutt, Vikramashila appears to have had a more clearly delineated hierarchy than other mahaviharas, as follows:<ref name="India 1962. pg 360-61">''Buddhist Monks And Monasteries Of India: Their History And Contribution To Indian Culture.'' by Dutt, Sukumar. George Allen and Unwin Ltd, London 1962. pg 360-61</ref>
* Abbot (''Adhyakṣa'')
* Six gate protectors or gate scholars (''Dvārapāla'' or ''Dvārapaṇḍita''), one each for the Eastern, Western, First Central, Second Central, Northern, and Southern Gates
* Great Scholars (''Mahapaṇḍita'')
* Scholars (''Paṇḍita''), roughly 108 in number
* Professors or Teachers (''Upādhyāya'' or ''Āchārya''), roughly 160 in number including ''paṇḍits''
* Resident monks (''bhikṣu''), roughly 1,000 in number

According to Tāranātha, at Vikramashila's peak during the reign of King Chanaka (955–83), the dvārapāla were as follows: [[Ratnākaraśānti]] (Eastern Gate), Vāgīsvarakīrti (Western Gate), Ratnavajra (First Central Gate), [[Jñanasrimitra]] (Second Central Gate), [[Naropa]] (Northern Gate), and Prajñākaramati (Southern Gate).<ref name="India 1962. pg 360-61"/> If this is correct, it must have been toward the end of Chanaka's reign given the generally accepted dates for Naropa (956–1041).{{citation needed|date=October 2018}}

===Tantric preceptors===
Vikramaśīla was a centre for Vajrayana and employed Tantric preceptors. The first was Buddhajñānapāda, followed by Dīpaṁkarabhadra and Jayabhadra.<ref name="ReferenceA">''The Cakrasamvara Tantra (The Discourse of Śrī Heruka): A Study and Annotated Translation''. by David B. Gray, Columbia University: 2007 pgs 11–12</ref> The first two were active during Dharmapāla's reign, the third in the early to mid portion of the 9th century. Jayabhadra, a monk from Sri Lanka, was the first prominent commentator on the [[Cakrasamvara tantra]].<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Śrīdhara was the next preceptor, followed by Bhavabhaṭṭa.<ref>''The Chakrasamvara Tantra (The Discourse of Śrī Heruka): A Study and Annotated Translation''. by David B. Gray, Columbia University: 2007 pgs 21–22</ref> The latter, also a prominent commentator on Cakrasamvara, may have been the mahāsiddha Bhadrapāda.<ref name="The Cakrasamvara Tantra pg 12">''The Cakrasamvara Tantra (The Discourse of Śrī Heruk): A Study and Annotated Translation''. by David B. Gray, Columbia University: 2007 pg 12</ref> He in turn was succeeded by three more prominent Cakrasamvara commentators, Bhavyakīrti, Durjayachandra, and Tathāgatarakṣita.<ref name="The Cakrasamvara Tantra pg 12"/> Durjayachandra collaborated with the renowned Tibetan translator [[Rinchen Zangpo]] and his commentary became particularly important for the Sakya school, and Tathāgatarakṣita collaborated with Rin-chen grags.<ref name="The Cakrasamvara Tantra pg 12"/>

In chronological order:

# Buddhajñānapāda
# Dīpaṁkarabhadra
# Jayabhadra
# Śrīdhara
# Bhavabhaṭṭa
# Bhavyakīrti
# Līlavājra
# Durjaychandra
# Samayavajra
# Tathāgatarakṣita
# Bodhibhadra
# Kamalarakṣita

==Layout and excavation==
[[File:Patalpuri and Bateshwar caves 2012-08-10-16.34.53 - Small caves in mountain.jpg|200px|thumb|Ancient site of the monastery]]
The remains of the ancient university have been partially excavated in [[Bhagalpur district]], [[Bihar]] state, [[India]], and the process is still underway. Meticulous excavation at the site was conducted initially by [[B. P. Sinha (historian)|B. P. Sinha]] of [[Patna University]] (1960–69) and subsequently by [[Archaeological Survey of India]] (1972–82). It has revealed a huge square monastery with a cruciform [[stupa]] in its centre, a library building and cluster of votive stupas.<ref>{{cite news |last=Chaudhary |first=Pranava K |date=10 October 2009 |title=ASI to develop ancient site of Vikramshila Mahavihara |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/ASI-to-develop-ancient-site-of-Vikramshila-Mahavihara/articleshow/5107966.cms |newspaper=The Times of India}}</ref> To the north of monastery a number of scattered structures including a Tibetan and a Hindu temple have been found. The entire spread is over an area of more than one hundred acres.{{citation needed|date=October 2018}}

The monastery, or residence for the Buddhist monks, is a huge square structure, each side measuring 330 metres having a series of 208 cells, 52 on each of the four sides opening into a common verandah. A few brick arched underground chambers beneath some of the cells have also been noticed which were probably meant for confined meditation by the monks.

The main stupa built for the purpose of worship is a brick structure laid in mud mortar which stands in the centre of the square monastery. This two-terraced stupa is cruciform on plan and about 15 metres high from the ground level accessible through a flight of steps on the north side. On each of the four cardinal directions there is a protruding chamber with a pillared antechamber and a separate pillared mandapa in front. In the four chambers of the stupa were placed colossal stucco images of seated Buddha of which three were found in situ but the remaining one on north side was possibly replaced by a stone image after the clay image was somehow damaged.{{citation needed|date=October 2018}}

About 32 metres south of the monastery on its south west corner and attached with the main monastery through a narrow corridor is a rectangular structure identified as a library building. It was air-conditioned by cooled water of the adjoining reservoir through a range of vents in the back wall. The system was perhaps meant for preserving delicate manuscripts.

A large number of antiquities of different materials, unearthed from this place in the course of excavation, are displayed in the site museum maintained by the [[Archaeological Survey of India]].{{citation needed|date=October 2018}}

==Historical figures associated with Vikramashila==

[[File:Atisha.jpg |thumb|[[Atisa]], one of the abbots of Vikramashila]]

Some of the figures who either studied or taught at Vikramashila include:

*[[Abhayakaragupta]]<ref name="KossakSinger1998">{{cite book|author1=Steven Kossak|author2=Jane Casey Singer|author3=Robert Bruce-Gardner|author4=Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, N.Y.)|author5= Museum Rietberg|title=Sacred Visions: Early Paintings from Central Tibet|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lTN6hDziKC0C&pg=PA10|year=1998|publisher=Metropolitan Museum of Art|isbn=978-0-87099-862-1|page=10}}</ref>
*[[Atiśa]]<ref name="Westerhoff2018">{{cite book|author=Jan Westerhoff|title=The Golden Age of Indian Buddhist Philosophy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DYFZDwAAQBAJ|year=2018|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-873266-2|page=276}}</ref>
*[[Jñanasrimitra]]<ref name="McCreaPatil2010">{{cite book|author1=Lawrence J. McCrea|author2=Parimal G. Patil|author3=Jñanasrimitra|title=Buddhist Philosophy of Language in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x1ziFNSinqIC&pg=PA3|year=2010|publisher=Columbia University Press|isbn=978-0-231-15094-1|pages=3–4}}</ref>
*[[Naropa]]<ref name="Rinpoche1997">{{cite book|author=Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche|title=Songs of Naropa: Commentaries on Songs of Realization|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3QuwJwz6nNAC&pg=PA77|year=1997|publisher=Rangjung Yeshe Publications|isbn=978-962-7341-28-4|pages=77–78}}</ref>
*[[Ratnākaraśānti]]<ref name="Makransky1997">{{cite book|author=John J. Makransky|title=Buddhahood Embodied: Sources of Controversy in India and Tibet|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I4qmkptncxQC&pg=PA271|date=1 January 1997|publisher=SUNY Press|isbn=978-0-7914-3431-4|pages=271–273}}</ref>

==The Stupa==

[[File:Vikramshila 2012-08-10-17.48.36.jpg|thumb|Main stupa at the centre]]

The Stupa is a sacred solid structure raised over the body remains or belongings of Buddha or a distinguished monk; or to commemorate any event associated with them. But some stupas are merely symbolic made for worship by the monks. A votive stupa is a miniature stupa erected by a devotee in gratitude of fulfilment of his desire.

The Vikramashila stupa built for the purpose of worship is a brick structure laid in mud mortar and stands in the centre of the square monastery. This two terraced stupa is cruciform on plan and about 15 metres high from the ground level. The lower terrace is about 2.25 metres high from the ground level and the upper terrace is at a similar height from the lower side. At both terraces there is a circumambulatory path, the lower about 4.5 metres wide and the upper about 3 metres wide.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kuranishi |first1=Kenichi |title=A Study on Scholarly Activities in the Last Period of the Vikramaśīla Monastery: Quotations in Ratnarakṣita's Padminī |journal=Oriental Culture |date=2016 |url=https://ci.nii.ac.jp/naid/120005756348/}}</ref>

The main stupa placed over the upper terrace is accessible through a flight of steps on the north side on each of the four cardinal directions. There is a protruding chamber with a pillared [[antechamber]] and a separate pillared mandapa in front, placed beyond the circumambulatory passage. In the four chambers of stupa were placed colossal stucco images of seated Buddha of which three were found in situ, but the remaining of the north side was possibly replaced by a stone image after the clay image was somehow damaged. All the stucco images are unfortunately broken above the waist. The images are placed over a brick pedestal having traces of painting in red and black pigments. The walls and floors of the chamber and antechamber were plastered with [[Lime (material)|lime]].

[[Image:Vikramshila wall carvings.jpg|left|thumb|250px|alt=A The wall Carvings of various deities|The wall carvings of various deities]]

The walls of both the terraces are decorated with mouldings and terracotta plaques which testify the high excellence of [[terracotta]] art flourishing in the region during Pal period (8th to 12th centuries). The plaques depict many Buddhist deities like [[Buddha]], [[Avalokiteshvara]], [[Manjusri]], [[Maitreya]], Jambala, Marichi, and Tara, scenes related to Buddhism, some social and hunting scenes, and a few Hindu deities like [[Vishnu]], [[Parvati]], [[Ardhanarisvara]] and [[Hanuman]]. Many human figures, like those of ascetics, yogis, preachers, drummers, warriors, archers, snake charmers, etc., and animal figures like monkeys, elephants, horses, deer, boar, panthers, lions, wolves, and birds, are also depicted.{{citation needed|date=October 2018}}

The architecture of the stupa and the terracotta plaques bear great resemblance to the [[Somapura Mahavihara]], Paharpur (Bangladesh) which, too, was founded by the same king Dharmapala. In plan both are very much alike with the significant difference that Somapura is centred on a central temple rather than a stupa. Vikramashila monastery is also larger and has fort-like projections on its outer wall.{{citation needed|date=October 2018}}

==Restoration work==
Vikramashila was neglected for years which contributed to the extensive damage to the monument. The [[Archeological Survey of India]] is now planning to develop the excavated site of Vikramashila.<ref name="whc.unesco" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bihar-tourism.com/blog/tag/vikramshila-university |title=Archive for Vikramshila University |publisher=Bihar-tourism.com |date=11 October 2009 |access-date=13 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last=Rajesh | first=Kumar | date=11 October 2009 | title=ASI team visits ancient Vikramshila {{sic|varisty|nolink=y|}} site | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/ASI-team-visits-ancient-Vikramshila-varisty-site/articleshow/5111022.cms | work=The Times of India }}</ref>

Since 2009, there has been considerable work in maintaining and beautifying the place to attract tourism. There has been inflow of western tourist as well, during their river cruises on the [[Ganga River]].{{citation needed|date=October 2018}}

It has been a long-time demand of local people for revival of this university like [[Nalanda university]]. In 2015, prime minister [[Narendra Modi]] announced a Rs 500 crore package for it, while state Government had to provide around 500 acres land which was yet to be done. President [[Pranab Mukherjee]] visited the excavated ruins of Vikramshila university in 2017. He addressed a public gathering at the university, saying that he would talk to the Prime minister for its revival.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pranab hopeful of reviving Vikramshila University |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/pranab-hopeful-of-reviving-vikramshila-university/article17780837.ece |work=The Hindu |date=3 April 2017 |language=en-IN}}</ref>

==Cultural activities==
The Vikramashila site is the place for Vikramashila Mahotsav, which is held annually during the month of February.{{citation needed|date=October 2018}}

==How to reach there==
The nearest big town is [[Kahalgaon]] about 13 km, It is approachable through 11 km long motorable road diverting from NH-80 at Anadipur, about 2 km from Kahalgaon. [[Bikramshila railway station]] and [[Kahalgaon railway station]] are situated on the [[Sahibganj Loop]] line near the area.

Lately river cruises from [[Kolkata]] to [[Varanasi]] have started, which also stop by the Vikramashila ruins.<ref>{{cite news | last=Chaudhary | first=Pranava K | date=28 November 2009 | title=River cruise boosts Bihar handicrafts sale | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/River-cruise-boosts-Bihar-handicrafts-sale/articleshow/5277203.cms | work=The Times of India}}</ref>

==In popular culture==
An [[Indian Railways]] train recognises this place by running a Train No. 12367/12368 [[Vikramshila Express]] that runs from [[Anand Vihar Terminal railway station|Anand Vihar]], [[Delhi]] to [[Bhagalpur]], Bihar.

==Gallery==
<gallery heights="144" widths="192" perrow="4" caption="Ruins of Vikramashila">
Image:VikramshilaMeausem.jpg|The Vikramashila Museum at the entrance of the Excavation site. It holds many exhibits which have been excavated from the ruins, these include monuments, art figures, utensils, coins, weapons and jewellery.
Image:Vikramshila Entrance.jpg|The view of the entrance from the Stupa.
Image:pillars-vikramshila.jpg|Pillars at Vikramashila University
Image:VikramshilaRuins.jpg|Landscape of Vikramashila Ruins, the seating and meditation area
Image:Vikramshila history.jpg|Vikramashila History on excavation location
Image:Vikramshila restoration.jpg|Maintenance work going on to beautify the place
Image:Vikramshila restoration2.jpg|Gardens around the main stupa
Image:Vikramshila stone1.jpg|A stone structure at the ruins
</gallery>

== See also ==
* [[Nalanda]]
* [[Sharada Peeth]]
* [[Taxila]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commonscatinline}}
* [http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_tktd_bihar_vikramshila.asp Archaeological Survey of India page for Vikramashila]
* {{Wikivoyage-inline|Bhagalpur}}

{{Ancient Dharmic centres of Higher Learning}}
{{Bhagalpur Division topics}}

[[Category:Ancient universities of the Indian subcontinent]]
[[Category:Buddhist universities and colleges]]
[[Category:Buddhist schools]]
[[Category:Buddhist architecture]]
[[Category:Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India]]
[[Category:History of Bengal]]
[[Category:Bhagalpur]]
[[Category:Archaeological sites in Bihar]]
[[Category:Bhagalpur district]]
[[Category:Buddhist sites in Bihar]]

Vikramashila - Revision history

Kamal Guha: Bihar Buddhist sites template added

imported>KashKarti: Restored revision 1040418271 by Lotje (talk): Unsourced