Buddhist Sites in Andhra Pradesh
Buddhism spread to Andhra Pradesh and surrounding areas in the third and second centuries BC. This fact is proved by stupas and other Buddhist structures in various parts of Andhra Pradesh. From Vijayapuri or 'Sriparvata' and Amaravati, Buddhism spread to the Far East including China and Japan and to Srilanka. There are dozens of Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh.
Nagarjunakonda is a valley situated in Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh. It lies at a distance of approximately 150 km from the capital city of Hyderabad. Nagarjuna Konda is named after Nagarjuna, a Buddhist monk, who lived here around the turn of the 2nd century AD. A magnificent example of ancient Buddhist architecture, it is remake of the original Buddhist site. The original valley was shifted, as it was at the danger of being submerged under the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam. The valley symbolizes a lost civilization, which flourished thousand years ago.
A number of excavations were carried out here, coming up with the Maha Chaitya, Viharas and Monasteries. Some of the most ancient items of Buddhism were also unearthed during the excavations, like Buddha statues, relics, stone images, Jataka tales encrypted panels and other items of Buddhist origin. It is believed that the antique sculptures belong to the Ikshvaku rule. The ruins of a university have also been found at Nagarjunakonda. There is also a museum, known as Nagarjunakonda Museum, housing all the important excavated items.
How to reach Nagarjunakonda
By Air
The airport nearest to Nagarjunakonda is that of Hyderabad, well connected with all the major cities of India.
By Rail
Macherla, 20 km from Nagarjunakonda, is the nearest railway station.
By Road
It is well connected with Hyderabad, by road.
Amravati
| Location: | 65 Km from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh |
| Founded By: | An emissary of Emperor Ashoka |
| Timings: | 10 am to 5 pm (Fridays closed) |
The city of Amravati is situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It lies on the right bank of River Krishna, at a distance of approximately 65 km from Vijayawada. The erstwhile capital of Satavahana dynasty, it came under the influence of Buddhism through the Kushanas of Mathura. One of the major attractions of Amravati consists of the remains of a 2000-year-old Buddhist settlement, along with the great Buddhist stupa. There is also a temple dedicated to Lord Amaresvara in the city.
The Great Stupa of Amravati was constructed approximately 2000 years ago and stands taller than the stupa at Sanchi. Founded by an emissary of the great Emperor Ashoka, it is also known as the Mahastupa and Deepaladinne (the Mound of Lamps). The stupa is made of brick with a circular vedika and depicts Lord Buddha in a human form, subduing an elephant. It is adorned with 95 ft high platforms, protruding in four cardinal directions. Presently, Amravati stupa has been kept at the Government Museum of Chennai.
How to Reach Amravati
By Air
The airport nearest to Amravati is that of Vijayawada, situated at a distance of 65 km.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is in Guntur, approximately 32 km away.
By Road
Frequent bus and taxi services are available for Amravati, from Guntur and Vijayawada.
The Great Stupa of Amravati was constructed approximately 2000 years ago and stands taller than the stupa at Sanchi. Founded by an emissary of the great Emperor Ashoka, it is also known as the Mahastupa and Deepaladinne (the Mound of Lamps). The stupa is made of brick with a circular vedika and depicts Lord Buddha in a human form, subduing an elephant. It is adorned with 95 ft high platforms, protruding in four cardinal directions. Presently, Amravati stupa has been kept at the Government Museum of Chennai.
How to Reach Amravati
By Air
The airport nearest to Amravati is that of Vijayawada, situated at a distance of 65 km.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is in Guntur, approximately 32 km away.
By Road
Frequent bus and taxi services are available for Amravati, from Guntur and Vijayawada.
Nagarjunakonda
| Location: | Guntur District, near Hyderabad |
| Highlights: | Ancient Buddhist site known for Buddhist architecture like Chaityas, Viharas etc |
Nagarjunakonda is a valley situated in Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh. It lies at a distance of approximately 150 km from the capital city of Hyderabad. Nagarjuna Konda is named after Nagarjuna, a Buddhist monk, who lived here around the turn of the 2nd century AD. A magnificent example of ancient Buddhist architecture, it is remake of the original Buddhist site. The original valley was shifted, as it was at the danger of being submerged under the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam. The valley symbolizes a lost civilization, which flourished thousand years ago.A number of excavations were carried out here, coming up with the Maha Chaitya, Viharas and Monasteries. Some of the most ancient items of Buddhism were also unearthed during the excavations, like Buddha statues, relics, stone images, Jataka tales encrypted panels and other items of Buddhist origin. It is believed that the antique sculptures belong to the Ikshvaku rule. The ruins of a university have also been found at Nagarjunakonda. There is also a museum, known as Nagarjunakonda Museum, housing all the important excavated items.
How to reach Nagarjunakonda
By Air
The airport nearest to Nagarjunakonda is that of Hyderabad, well connected with all the major cities of India.
By Rail
Macherla, 20 km from Nagarjunakonda, is the nearest railway station.
By Road
It is well connected with Hyderabad, by road.
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