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Nalanda University

नालन्दा

The ancient world's greatest university — where 10,000 scholars lived and learned

Nalanda was the most celebrated centre of learning in the ancient world, operating from the 5th to 12th centuries CE in Bihar, India. At its peak it housed up to 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers from across Asia. Subjects included logic, grammar, medicine, mathematics, and all schools of Buddhism and non-Buddhist philosophy. Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang studied there for 5 years. The library (Dharmaganja) was so vast that it burned for three days when the Turko-Afghan army destroyed it in 1193 CE. A modern Nalanda University has been revived nearby.

Nalanda MahaviharaThe Great MonasteryAncient Nalanda

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Buddhismgreatest seat of learning Gautama Buddhateachings studied at Nagarjunaassociated with Ashoka the Greatpatronised Nalanda (Modern)located at Bodhidharmatrained in Indian tradition of Bodh Gayanearby Bihar

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Xuanzangstudied at for 5 years

A 60-second practice

What is one thing you are genuinely trying to learn right now? Dedicate 60 uninterrupted seconds to it — no phone, no distraction. Honour the spirit of Nalanda.

Study is best in the brahma muhurta (4-6am) according to ancient tradition.

Keep this offering free

MyBrahman is free and ad-free for everyone. If it has given you something, dāna keeps the lamp lit.

Offer dāna

Educational purposes only. Compiled from general reference sources and not reviewed by any religious authority. No disrespect is intended to any deity, tradition, scripture or community. For authoritative guidance, consult qualified scholars and primary texts.

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