Taking you back in time : For Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh

Think Andhra Pradesh and the Charminar, Golconda Fort, Mecca Masjid, the Birla Temple, Sri.Venkateshwara Tempe at Tirupati are some of the first few things that come to your mind – apart from its exquisite gardens & lakes!
But did you know that Andhra Pradesh is also home to some interesting and ancient Buddhist sites featuring stupas and viharas as perfect as the ones in Sanchi? While excavations here suggest that there are over 144 such sites across the states, some such important Buddhist sites include Adurru(Dubaraju Gudi),  Chandavaram Buddhist site, Dhulikatta, Amravati, Nagarjuna Konda and Sankaram.

Dating back to the 3^rd century AD, Nagarjuna Sagar named after Acharya Nagarjuna, a renowned Buddhist scholar and philosopher, is one of S. India’s most visited Buddhist destinations today. It was also an important Buddhist learning centre, and once the capital of Ikshvaku kingdom.

While excavations here first started in 1926 when Buddhist monuments were discovered, it was only during the construction of the Nandikonda Project in 1950 that an ancient Buddhist site was found submerged under the waters. Extensive excavations revealed monasteries, chaityas, viharas, mandapams, and a university dating back to the time of the Buddha. The Mahachaitya found here is considered most sacred of all as it is believed to preserve some sacred remains of Lord Buddha. The remains once excavated were shifted and preserved in the Nagarjuna Konda Buddhist Site in the open air museum. A mention must also be made of the monolithic statue of Lord Buddha one of the major attractions in Nagarjuna Konda.

Anupa, 4 kms from Nagarjuna Konda is where the Buddhist University and Stadium excavated at Nagarjunasagar, have been reconstructed.

Also known as Dhanyakataka, Amravati located on the right bank of the Krishna River is home to not just one of the oldest but also the largest stupa in India, and is considered one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrim centres here. Today relics from there are seen in the Chennai Museum and in the British Museum, London.

Located on the west banks of the Vaintaya branch of Godavari River, Adurru also known as Dubaraju Gudi  is a must visit for Buddhist pilgrims. Archaeological excavations carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1953 have revealed remains of Stupas, Viharas and Chaityas..However the main attraction here is the Mahastupa, shaped like a giant wheel that is 17 feet in diameter. Also found during these excavations were jars, dishes, bowls etc.

Ghantasala is also of known for its remnants of a Buddhist stupa, sculptural blocks and a museum on the site displaying a collection of Buddhist statues and other limestone panels.

Heading towards Visakhapatnam, pilgrims can find many more important Buddhist sites, Bayikonda, being one such centre where the Hinayana school of Buddhism was practiced. It is said the Bavikonda Monastery once flourished here. A Mahachaitya found here is of special significance – a bone recovered from an Urn here is believed to be the mortal remains of the Buddha. Also found here is a Buddhist complex with three water tanks.

Another Buddhist site about 16Kms from Visakhapatnam, is Thotlakonda also an important Buddhist centre; here one can find it all from Stupas to Chaityagrihas. Located 40 m from Vizag is Bojjannakonda, a 2000 year old Buddhist heritage site, famous for its rock cut caves and numerous monumental stupas, pottery, coins dating back to the 1^st century AD, and other relics featuring Buddha.

At Lingalakonda, one can find several rock-cut monolithic stupas in rows all over the hill. Another Maha stupa found here comprised of 3 chaitya halls, stupas, sculptures, and a casket bearing historical objects. A gold coin dating back to the 4^th century AD, Samudragupta was also found here.  It is believed that the Vihara was active for about 1000 years, spanning various phases of Buddhism.

Taking you back in time is Pavuralakonda also known as ‘the hill of the pigeons’ about 24 km from Vizag, with the Buddhist settlement here dating back to the 1^stcentury BC.

Finding its mention in Megasthanes’ travel account, the Indica, Dhulikatta is also a major Buddhist site with stupas dating back to the 2^nd century BC and the Satavahana period. The various relics found here include ivory combs, gold objects, Roman and Satavahana coins, beads, storage jars, bowls, vessels and more. Also found here is a exquisitely carved ivory seal in the shape of a cup on a pedestal with an inscription which reads “Ajani Siriya Game Kumariya.”

Another Buddhist site that dates back to the 1^st century AD is Sankaram, where statues, stupas and structures of Lord Buddha were found. Apart from rock cut sculptures, some ancient brick structures and caves are also found here. Here too Saravahana coins, pots and other primeval items have been excavated. A 4^thcentury AD gold plated coin belonging to King Samudragupta and an idol of Lord Buddha in sitting posture are the two significant attractions of the place.

Sankaram boasts of a series of caves nearly 100 years old that used to house Buddhist monks and their pupils. Another Buddhist settlement dating back to the 1^st AD is Ramatirtham.

Dantapuram is the place with a stupa that housed a tooth remains of the Buddha, the same has now been sent to Srilanka.

Located 150 km from Vijayawada, Chandavaram houses a rare double storeyed stupa. Guntupali is also one of the most beautiful Buddhist sites located atop a hill while Gopalapatnam is an interesting village surrounded by stupas, viharas and other remains.

Many studies prove that Buddhism has spread from here to the Far East countries such as China, Japan and Sri Lanka. Important not just for religious importance but also offering pilgrims and tourists a glimpse into the rich Buddhist heritage and culture, these sites in Andhra Pradesh certainly feature as a must visit!

You can’t help but go ‘Wah’ at Warangal!

It was one of India’s most glorious cities back in the 12^th century, replete with exquisite temples, magnificent gateways, spectacular monuments and more, so does it come as a surprise to find its mention even in the diaries of Macro Polo?! Today this incredible town, once the headquarters of the great Kakatiya kingdom makes an interesting visit for the many treasures the Kakatiyas left behind in the form of architecture that can be enjoyed even today…
The fifth largest city of Andhra Pradesh today, Warangal is surely a delight for those touring it. It was known as Oruguallu / Omtikonda / Ekasilanagaram in the past, due to the hillock that was made up on a massive boulder near its Swayambhu Siva Temple, the words oru meaning ‘one’ while kallu stood for ‘stone.’

A treasure trove of spectacular monuments, catching everyone’s attention, the most prominent amongst attractions here is the 12^th century Thousand Pillars Temple. A star shaped structure, this temple being dedicated to Lords Vishnu, Shiva, and Surya is home to three shrines and some amazing architecture that includes exquisitely carved pillars, inscriptions on the ceiling and brilliant doorways. In addition, adding to the beauty of the temple is the Hanumakonda hill here.

Another highly venerated temple here is the Veeranarayana Temple dedicated to Shri Veeranarayana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Built in Chalukya architectural styles this temple too is known for its stunning architecture and walls filled with intricate carvings.

Another brilliant temple here, again in Chalukya architectural style, is the Bhadrakali temple, an eight century temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. A temple noted for its statue of the goddess with a weapon in each of her eight arms.

Also depicting the glory of the Kaktiya kings and their love of art is the Ramappa Temple also know as Ramalingeswara temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, a little further away from Warangal in the village of Plampet.

It is a marvelous piece of architecture with intricate carvings depicting scenes from sacred Hindu texts such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Besides its impressive pillars, walls and ceilings, this temple is also known for a 9 foot idol of Nandi and a Shivalingam found on a 6 feet high star shaped platform and many other shrines around the main temple structure.

Attracting tourists is also the Padmakshi temple dedicated to Goddess Padmakshi. Capturing the attention of one and all who visit this temple is the magnificent granite pillar called the Annakonda Pillar at the temple’s entrance. Brilliantly carved it is believed to be the reason why most tourists visit this temple.

Visited by thousands during the festival of Maha Shivarathri is the Siddheshwara Temple also dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple too is known for its intricate and exquisite carved pillars, and Chalukyan style of architecture.

However temples are not the only attractions that reflect the glory of the Warangal Empire. Though in ruins today, a visit to the Warangal Fort is a must for tourists in the area. Built in the 13^th century it is a wonderful example of architecture from this region and is known for its massive gateways. Here too in the fort is a temple known for its sculptures. Also adding to the interest is the double wall, and the fact that the outer wall surrounding the fort  is said to be one of the largest in South India.

For those visiting the Bhadrakali temple, the Kakatiya Musical Garden is a wonderful way to spend the evening. Spread over 15 acres, this beautiful garden is most known for its musical fountain that comes to life in the evening with a dazzling light show. Other attractions here include a massive boulder with an artificial waterfall, and boating facilities.

Magnificently constructed, the Kakatiya Rock Garden located near the Fort temple is a spectacular garden known for its many structures carved out of rock which include structures of animals. Rocks are also used in decorating the  flower beds and for the lawns.

Adding to the beauty of the place is the dazzling Pakhal Lake, a manmade lake constructed close to the town on the tributary of the Krishna River. Said to be constructed way back in 1213 AD by the Kakatiya kings, the beauty of the place is accentuated by the lush forest and the hilly background. A picture perfect stop it makes a wonderful picnic spot for those visiting Warangal. The Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary known for its diverse flora and fauna that encloses the lake’s shores is an added benefit for those visiting the lake.

Another lake that makes a great outing here is the Ramappa Lake about 1 km from the Ramappa temple near Palampet. This too was constructed in the 13^th century and is covered by greenery and hills. Not only can tourists enjoy some breathtaking views of the sunset here but also enjoy the boating facilities available here.

The lush forest here is also home to the Ethuranagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, which is one of India’s oldest sanctuaries. Home to animals such as the iger, panther, spotted deer, black buck, Chinkara, Sloth bear and more, this sanctuary is one that attracts many to witness these beautiful animals in their natural habitat.

Around 62 km from Warangal, the Ghapur group of temples also makes a great excursion for those touring Warangal. A wealth of beautiful sculpting that includes mythical figures adorning walls, ceilings and pillars can be found in these 22 temples known for their exquisite architecture.

Last but not the least; try Pembarthy for its famous brassware, sheet metal art, and silver and copper metal handicrafts made famous from the Kakatiyas period. A place known worldwide, besides being an interesting excursion, it’s also a great place to pick up a souvenir or two for family and friends back home.

A city undoubtedly with a rich past, reminders of the glorious days seen strewn all around, Warangal is not just a must for lovers of art, but a delightful destination promising to leave one and all who visit it just spellbound!

Telangana – The 29th State of India

The demand for Telangana state has been accepeted by the government of India on 9th December 2009 paving the way for the formation of 29th state of India.

10 out of the total 23 districts of present Andhra Pradesh will be moving to the proposed Telangana State. As per 2001 census estimate polulation of Telangana region  is  more than 30 million.

Mostly the nortern region of Andhra Pradesh cover the proposed Telangana State.

The formation of the 29th State has now opened new hope for the formation of Harit Pradesh – in Western Uttar Pradesh, Bundelkhand in south Uttar Pradesh and North Madhya Pradesh, Gorkhaland in West Bengal and Vidarbha in East Maharashtra.

Only time will tell how many new States will be formed and how the formation of new States will bring in growth in those regions.