Somapura Mahavihara

Buddhist Monastery

Somapura Mahavihara (Sanskrit; Bengali: সোমপুর মহাবিহার Shompur Môhabihar) in Paharpur, Badalgachhi Upazila, Naogaon District, Bangladesh is among the best known Buddhist viharas in the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in the country. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

Paharpur Buddhist Bihar
Native name
Bengali: পাহাড়পুর বৌদ্ধ বিহার
View of the central shrine
View of the central shrine
LocationNaogaon, Bangladesh
Coordinates25°01′52″N 88°58′38″E / 25.0311°N 88.9773°E / 25.0311; 88.9773
Elevation80 feet (24 m)
Built8th century AD
Built forDharama Pala
Architectural style(s)Gupta, Pala
TypeArchaeological
Criteriai, ii, iv
Designated1985 (9th session)
Reference no.322
State PartyBangladesh
RegionAsia-Pacific
Somapura Mahavihara is located in Bangladesh
Somapura Mahavihara
Paharpur vihara is in Naogaon, Bangladesh