Paharpur is a village in Naogaon District, Rajshahi Division of Bangladesh. It houses the remains of a huge Buddhist Vihar popularly known as the Paharpur Mahavihar. It is officially known as the Somapura Mahavihara. It is a UNESCO Heritage Site since 1985.

Understand

Central Shrine of Paharpur Mahavihara

Drone shot of Paharpur Buddhist Bihar

The name Paharpur originates from the Bengali word pahar, which literally means hill. For centuries a 24 m high hill has dominated the landsce of the northern Rajshahi Division. The hill located about 100 km north of Rajshahi town is not a geographical hill but an archaeological mound. A survey of the mound was carried out in the early 19th century by Scottish surgeon, surveyor and botanist Buchanan Hamilton. Later, in 1879, Alexander Cunningham carried out a small dig on top of the mound.

In 1923 a proper archaeological dig was carried out at the mound. It lasted over a decade and unearthed a massive Buddhist Vihar. Archaeological evidence revealed that the monastery dates back to the 9th century and it was constructed by the Pala king Dharmapala. Inscriptions on clay seals, found during the archaeological dig, revealed that the monastery was officially known as Somapura Mahavihara. Since 1985 it is a UNESCO Heritage Site.

See

Apart from the Somapura Mahavihara the complex also houses two other archaeological sites along with a site museum, cafe and guest house. The entire complex is beautifully laid out with manicured gardens complete with paved pathways. Flower beds and grass sculptures add to the beauty of the complex.

• Sompura Mahavihar
  • 1 Somapura Mahavihara (main shrine). (updated Dec 2024)
• 2 Museum. (updated Dec 2024)

Eat

• 1 The Heritage Cafe. Located inside the Somapuara Mahavihara Complex (updated Dec 2024)

Sleep

• 1 Guest House (Bangladesh Archaeological Department). Located inside the Somapuara Mahavihara Complex (updated Dec 2024)

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