The University of Nalanda c11.136

c11.136

From line 12, which speaks of the greatness of Viradeva, we incidentally learn that Nālandā was a very renowned vihāra. It runs thus: "And who, on becoming the lord of the lady Great Fame, graced though he be already was here by Nālandā, governed (by and) true (to him and) decorated by a ring of famous vihāras, was well praised by good people as a good man." The words "decorated by a ring of famous vihāras" perhaps refer to the Nālandā seal, having a Dharmacakra and two gazelles, which was very likely used for the purpose of honouring those persons, who were appointed governors or pandits of Nālandā.⁵