পাহাড়পুর, নওগাঁ

Paharpur is a Buddhist Monastery located in Bodolgachi Upazila of Naogaon district (Bangladesh). The excavated remains of Paharpur are highly important in Bangladesh. These represent the largest known Buddhist Monastery south of the Himalaya.The gradual deposition of wind blown dust over these ruins for ages took the shape the high mound or a hill. Hence the name of the place has probably become Paharpur.


Excavations conducted at Paharpur from 1923 to 1934 yielded a huge number of antiques including the inscribed copper-plate of Gupta (479 AD), stone inscriptions, stone and bronze sculptures, terracotta plaques, inscribed clay sealings, ornamental bricks, metal objects, diffe rent earthen objects and silver coins. From reading of a number of inscribed clay sealings, it is learnt that original name of this monastery was Somapur Mahavihara (Great Monastery) and it was built by Dharmapala (770-810 AD), the 2nd Pala emperor. It is mentioned that in the year 1982 and later deep digging was conducted in some cells of Paharpur Monastery. As a result of digging, a terracotta image head, one copper coin and some other antiques were found at lower occupation levels. These antiques particularly the terracotta image head resembles the features of Gupta sculptures. Beside these antiques, the ruins of a vast building having larger rooms (one room 16'x13'6") had brought to light.This building may be the Jaina Vihara mentioned in the Paharpur copper plate. In order to ascertain the feature further deep digging, investigations and study are necessary. Paharpur Monastery measures  922 feet north south-by 919 feet east-west having its elaborate gates- way in the middle of the northern wing. It has 177 cells in its four wings around an inner courtyard. Numerous votive stupas, miniature model of the central temple, chaples, small temples, kitchen and anciallary buildings are very beautiful. The imposing central temple is cruciform in shape and built high in terraces. The outer faces of the walls of the temple are decorated by terracotta plaques. From the last quarter of 9th century onward the Pala empire was repeatedly attacked by some foreign kings and one native Kaivasta chief named Divya. Thus due to repeated attack Somapur Mahavihara suffered greatly. About the same time, Paharpur Monastery and temples were burned by Bangla army. In 12th century Bengal passed over to the Sena kings who were blind supporters of Brahamanish. Thus for want of royal patronage, the Paharpur Monastery and its temple were gradually abandoned. The monks and whrshippers deserted Paharpur and went to some other places.

Easiest way to visit Paharpur in a day from Rajshahi:

Rajshahi rail station (Titumir Express at 6:30; Wednesday off)

>>> Joypurhat Rail Station (around 10:15 hours; secure your return ticket in advance)

>>> Hire electricity driven auto rickshaw or van (BDT 15-25 per person)

>>> Paharpur (duration of journey: Auto rickshaw (45 minutes - 1 hour)

>>> Return to Joypurhat Rail Station

>>> Catch the train (around 17:25 hours, i.e. 5:25 local time)

>>> Reached at Rajshahi Rail Station (schedule time 21:15 hour but generally reached around 22:30 hour)