VIKRAMSHILA MAHAVIHAR Antichak - Bhagalpur , Bihar

VIKRAMSHILA MAHAVIHAR –It is situated in Antichak near Kahalgaon . The site of excavation is on the bank of the Ganges on Pathar ghata . Result of excavation from 1960 to 1982 recovered big Budh tower(Astup) at Antichak, which proved that this was the real site of Vikram Shila mahabihar which was formerly thought at Sompur inBangladesh. This second international university was established by king of Pal dynasty.It had four toran dwars (Entry gates) in four directions.Each such gates had special entry gates. Teachers used to be present at each entry gates. Inscriptions reveal that this old university had eight Mahapandits and

one hundred sixty pandits.

Detailed knowledge of Vikramshila University is obtained from manuscripts in Tibatan language. Where from it is gathered that the university had 108 class rooms Out of this 53 were for magic classes (Tantra vidya pracost) and rest were for logic, grammar, and other literatures. Secret subjects were taught here is also proved by remains excavations at AntiChak.village . In the floors of the classes of the secret subjects rectangular tunnels of the size of 70 cm and above 2m depth are seen which are without any ladder steps. Jar baskets made of oyster and elephant bones earth soils were also found in excavation of Antichak. These must have been used as decorative wearing and jewelleries by the women folk there and then.

Stone idols of Maitraie,Manjushree,Marichi Mahakal,Aparajita,Tara,Jambal,Khadchari,Awlokiteshwar Singhnadawlokitesh

war and Mahachandroshan were also found in excavation of Vikramshila. Latter two idols have not been found independently anywhere.The university was demolished and burnt by Turky invaders in 1193 This is expressed in black spots in the excavation.

SATYA KUTIR Ashram—It is situated near Ghogha railway station on Bhagalpur Kahalgawn rail line. The temple was built in memory of Braham chary- Baba by his devotees. Baba was devoted to Sri Ram. His blessing benefited many peaple. School for poor people children and child labour eradication committee and other social works and religious festivals of Ramnam is organised by the ashram establishment.

GANI DHAM—It is situated on Bhagalpur Baunsi railway line locally the khatal owners and the gualas(cow men) who get their first calf, worship lord shiva here with the first milk of the cow. Local children birth is also celebrated likewise in the temple by powering milk on the Shivling in the temple