Sompur Mahavihar or Paharpur Buddhist Monastery, located in Paharpur village of Badalgachhi upazila of Naogaon district, is one of the most important archaeological sites in Bangladesh. Built during the reign of Dharmapala, the second king of the Pala dynasty (781–821 AD), this monastery was once one of the largest Buddhist religious educational centers in South Asia.
Paharpur Vihar was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. Even today, the brick-built central temple, 177 monk chambers, baths, toilets, terracotta plaques, and ancient archaeological structures can still be seen there.
More than two thousand terracotta tablets have been found on the walls of the temple. Where Hindu and Buddhist statues and paintings are carved. Paharpur was known as a center of Buddhist practice for about 300 years. During that time, students from Tibet, China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar used to come here to practice religion and gain knowledge.
The main enclosure of the Bihar is 922 feet long and 919 feet wide. Inside there is a huge temple, which is about 70 feet high. On the outside of the Bihar are the Satyapir Bhaita and Sandhyavati Ghat. Which are surrounded by various legends and history.The British archaeologist Sir Alexander Cunningham first discovered the site in 1879. Later, in 1923, the University of Calcutta, the Varendra Research Council, and the Archaeological Survey of India jointly began full-scale excavations.
Paharpur Bihar, located about 282 kilometers from Dhaka, can be easily reached via Naogaon or Joypurhat districts. The distance from the nearest Jamalganj railway station is only 5 kilometers. There are simple quality food hotels at the entrance to Bihar for tourists.
And the famous Sandesh of Naogaon should not be missed by anyone traveling here.