The Ruins of Paharpur 01A world Heritage site of Bangladesh

Paharpur Buddhist Vihara built in the 8th century AD, it is the largest Buddhist monastery in Asia and Bangladesh’s most spectacular pre-Islamic monument.The most spectacular Buddhist monument, discovered in regular excavation is the gigantic temple and monastery at Paharpur in the Naogaon District. It has been identified from a set of inscribed clay seals, as the reputed Somapura Vihara of the great Pala emperor Dharmapala (770-810). It is the biggest single vihara south of the Himalayas.

Significance:

Architecturally and historically Paharpur Vihara is a treasured heritage of the world. Along with its construction was introduced, for the first time in ancient Asia, a striking new style of temple architecture on a grand scale. Later this style was copied in the Far East, more particularly in the temples of Pagan in Burma, and the Chandi Loro Jongrang and Chandi Sewu temples, in central Java

It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

 Paharpur Temple:

This colossal temple rises upwards in a tapering mass of three receding terraces which, even in ruins, reaches a height of about 72'-0"above the courtyard. In plan the temple is a gigantic square cross with projecting angles between the arms. Each of the receding upper terraces has circumambulatory passages around the monument which are enclosed by a parapet wall. Access to the first and second terraces was originally provided by a grand staircase from the north.