The name Bihar owes its origin to the "Viharas" built by Lord Buddha who preached love, peace and tolerance and finally attained spiritual enlightenment. Bihar is also the cradle of two-treat religions -Buddhism and Jainism and the erstwhile capital city of Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. Bihar has basked in the glory of Magadh Empire in the period of Mauryans, Guptas and Pal, Vikramshila University, whose ruins speak of best as this glorious seat of learning constructed during Pal dynasty. Patna, erstwhile Pataliputra attracts with Har Mandir Sahib and Qila. Bodhgaya is one of the most sacred places of Buddhists, which has a number of Buddhist temples. Drop in the Mahabodi temple in Gaya. In Vaishali, an ancient parliament, the Fort of King Vishal, and Ashok Pillar are worth seeing. Nalanda Buddhist University (90 kms from Patna) was an ancient seat of learning. Its library contained over 9 million volumes, nourished the students of the east from 5th to 12th century AD. The scenery of the State range from the foothills of Himalayas, over the fertile plains of the Ganga to the hills, forests and wide plateau. Bihar's unique Madhubani Paintings are available as canvases. The Bodhgaya miniatures on leaf are also elegant.