MAHAVIHARA (BUDDHIST MONASTERY)

This vast complex of Buddhist monasteries (Mahavihara) installed on a hill was discovered in the early 1960s. Archaeological excavations first unearthed the base of a huge stupa surrounded by several votive stupas. The stupa dates from the ^9th century and probably marks the apogee of Buddhism in the region. Its square base has sides of 5 meters long and was 14 meters high. Then archaeologists found the remains of a huge monastery, then a smaller one right next to it, and a third one afterwards. The main monastery had two floors, a large courtyard and two wings with cells for the monks. The entrance door has fine wall carvings and the main shrine still houses a beautiful Buddha statue. The beautiful entrance portico of the second monastery, with its paved courtyard and pillars supporting a veranda, can still be seen. It included 18 cells. The third monastery was even smaller and had only 3 cells. Numerous statues found on the site attest to the fact that the complex was in operation from the^5th to the ^16th century. The remains after the ^13th century testify to the decadence and decline of Buddhism. Most of these statues are preserved in the Archaeological Museum at the entrance to the site. The site, surrounded by hills, is slightly elevated and was an ideal place for a life of seclusion and for the practice of meditation.