Vikramashila University

History

Founding and Abandonment

Vikramashila (IAST: Vikramaśilā) was a renowned Buddhist monastery established in the Anga region of modern-day Bihar, India. It was founded by King Dharmapala between the late 8th and early 9th centuries CE. This illustrious institution thrived for several centuries before being destroyed by the forces of Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khalji around 1193 CE.

Significance

Vikramashila was one of the three most important Buddhist Mahaviharas (monastic universities) in India during its time, along with Nalanda and Odantapuri. Located at what is now Antichak village near Kahalgaon, Bhagalpur district in Bihar, it housed over one hundred teachers and about one thousand students. Eminent scholars from Vikramashila, such as Atiśa and Ratnākaraśānti, were often invited by foreign countries to propagate Buddhist learning, culture, and religion.

Decline and Destruction

The decline of Vikramashila, along with other major centers of Buddhism in Eastern India, occurred around 1193 CE when Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khalji's forces destroyed these institutions.

Educational Influence

Scholarly Contributions

Vikramashila was established in response to a perceived decline in the quality of scholarship at Nalanda. It became a premier center for Buddhist learning, particularly noted for its teachings in Buddhist tantra. The curriculum also included subjects like philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, and Indian logic.

Notable Scholars

• Atiśa Dipankara: A prominent abbot and founder of the Sarma traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
• Abhayakaragupta, Ānandagarbha, Drogmi, Jñanasrimitra, Haribhadra, Naropa, Ratnākaraśānti, Ratnakīrti, Subhūticandra, and Vāgīśvarakīrti: Other notable scholars associated with Vikramashila.

Organization

Hierarchical Structure

Vikramashila had a clearly delineated hierarchy:

• Abbot (Adhyakṣa)
• Six Gate Protectors or Gate Scholars (Dvārapāla or Dvārapaṇḍita) for each of the six gates.
• Great Scholars (Mahapaṇḍita)
• Scholars (Paṇḍita), around 108 in number.
• Professors or Teachers (Upādhyāya or Āchārya), roughly 160 in number.
• Resident Monks (Bhikṣu), about 1,000 in number.

Prominent Tantric Preceptors

Buddhajñānapāda, Dīpaṁkarabhadra, Jayabhadra, Śrīdhara, Bhavabhaṭṭa, Bhavyakīrti, Līlavājra, Durjaychandra, Samayavajra, Tathāgatarakṣita, Bodhibhadra, and Kamalarakṣita: Key figures who contributed to the Vajrayana practices at Vikramashila.

Archeological Site

Layout and Excavation

The remains of Vikramashila have been partially excavated in Kahalgaon, Bhagalpur district, Bihar. Excavations revealed a large square monastery with a central cruciform stupa, a library building, and clusters of votive stupas. The site spans over 100 acres and includes:

• Monastery: A huge square structure with 208 cells.
• Main Stupa: A two-terraced brick structure in the center of the monastery.
• Library Building: Equipped with an air-conditioning system for manuscript preservation.
• Terracotta Plaques: Depict various deities and scenes related to Buddhism.

Restoration Efforts

Efforts to maintain and beautify the site have been ongoing since 2009, with an aim to attract tourism and possibly revive the university. In 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a Rs 500 crore package for the revival of Vikramashila.

How to Reach

By Road

The nearest large town is Kahalgaon, about 13 km away. It is accessible via an 11 km motorable road from NH-80 at Anadipur, near Kahalgaon.

By Rail

Bikramshila and Kahalgaon railway stations are located on the Sahibganj Loop line, close to the site.

By River

River cruises from Kolkata to Varanasi now include stops at the Vikramashila ruins, offering a unique way to visit the site.

Popular Culture

Recognition

An Indian Railways train, Vikramshila Express (Train No. 12367/12368), runs from Anand Vihar, Delhi to Bhagalpur, Bihar, commemorating this historical site.

Annual Event

The Vikramashila Mahotsav is held annually in February, celebrating the cultural and historical significance of the site.