Hirnay Parvat was also called Odantapuri or Uddandapura at the time of Pala dynasty. Founded in the 8th century by the Pala King Dharmpala, Hirnay Parwat used to be a buddhist vihara or garden located on the banks of the river Panchanan.
It has now been developed into a town by Bihar sharif, the headquarter of Nalanda district, 13 km away from the ruins of Nalanda. The Hirnay Parwat is more popular as Bari Pahari amongst locals.