The University of Nalanda c9.19

c9.19

To resume the early history of Nālandā. Nālandā before it became an educational centre, had already been imbued with the holy memories of Buddha. Even before Buddha it was the place where the Great Mahāvīra met Gosāla.³ Among the many places where Buddha carried on his religious propaganda Nālandā held a unique position. Many a time with his favourite disciple Ānanda, he had visited the place and stayed at the Pāvārika mango-grove.⁴ And this Ānanda thought that Nālandā was a fit place for Buddha's Nirvāṇa aud not Pātali-