 Nalanda is situated
around 90 km off Patna and is part of the Buddhist
Circuit that also includes Bodh Gaya and Rajgir.
Nalanda, one of the greatest centers of learning
in the ancient times, is located in the eastern
Indian state of Bihar.
Thsough the Buddha visited Nalanda several times
during his lifetime, this famous centre of Buddhist
learning shot to fame much later, during 5th -
12th centuries. The Chinese scholar and traveler
Hiuen Tsang stayed here in the 7th century, and
has left an elaborate description of the excellence,
and purity of monastic life practised here. About
2,000 teachers and 10,000 students from all over
the Buddhist world lived and studied in this international
university. The Nalanda Museum and the Nava Nalanda
Mahavihar are definitely worth a visit. The Nandangarh
stupa, nearby, is believed to house the ashes
of the Buddha.
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VARANASI
 Varanasi, or Benaras
as it was earlier called, sacred to the
Hindus has many names: Kashika, or 'the
shining one' referring to the light of Shiva.
At a distance of 12 km from Varanasi lies
Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his
first sermon. Here he revealed the eight
fold path that leads to the attainment of
inner peace, enlightment and ultimate Nirvana.
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