Buddhist Art & Culture

Stupas were constructed by lay people for enshrining the relics of Lord Buddha. The symbolism of the stupa is varied. According to some, the dome depicts the bubble, reflecting the transience of life. Some say the spire on the top of the dome suggests Buddha's compassion, the dome itself represents nirvana and the square base symbolizes moral restraint.

The domes are covered with carved marble panels depicting Buddhist symbols, scenes from Buddha's life and Jataka stories. Tathagata was worshipped through symbols such as Buddhapada, Wheel, Bodhi Tree and Triratna. The Andhra art style (Amaravati School of Art) of creative expression has its bearing on the subsequent art style of South India and the countries of Asia.

A unique feature of Amaravati is the symbol of flaming trisula (trident). The bas-reliefs of Amaravati are best example of Indian sculpture.


Adurru(Dubaraju Gudi), Adurru

Adurru is located near Nagaram in Razole taluk of East Godavari district. The village lies on the west bank of the Vainetaya, a branch of Godavari river 9.5 km. from the sea.

The mound is locally known as Dubaraju Gudi. Archaeological Survey of India conducted excarations in 1953 and brought to light, remains of stupas, chaityas and vinaras among which the Mahastupa, built on wheel shaped plan 17 feet in diameter with a raised platform running all round the drum and ayaka platforms on cardinal directions. The Buddhist remnants spread accross an area of approximately 2.04 acres.

How to Reach This Place

Road : Adurru is located 30kms from Amalapuram. It is well connected by Road.

Rail : Nearest Railway Station is Rajahumundry and distance is 130kms from it.

Air : Hyderabad, Vizag. Airports.


Chandavaram Buddhist site, Chandavaram

Chandavaram is located on the right bank of the river Gundla Kamma in Pakasam district.There is a very interesting stupa constructed on elevated terrace which is the first of its kind in Andhra Pradesh and stands next to Sanchi Stupa, in elegance.

Monuments and Antiquities
The excavations have revealed 24 beautifully decorated Buddhist slabs, some of which were also inscibed. Excavations also unearthed viharas, votive stupas, satavahana coins, brahmi label inscriptions and other early historic cultural materials datable to 2nd BC to 2nd AD. The Buddhist establishment is situated on a hillock known as Singarayakonda. The establishment consists of remains of Stupas, Chaityagrihas and Vihara complexes. The other minor antiquities are coins,and pottery particularly black and red .

How to Reach this Place :

Road : 75 km from Ongole,150 kms from Vijayawada. Chandavaram is well connected by bus with frequent buses from Ongole. Private transport is available from Donakonda.

Rail : Chandavaram is well connected by bus with frequent buses from Ongole. Private transport is available from Donakonda.

Air : 150 kms from Vijayawada.


Nagarjuna Konda, Nagarjunasagar

Following the discovery of the site in 1926 by A.R.Saraswathi, the site was excavated and a number of Buddhist monuments were brought to light. Nagarjuna konda again assumed importance in 1950s when the construction of Nandikonda Project was conceived as a result of which the valley was to be converted into a reservoir. In order to salvage the remains from submergence due to construction of the dam across the Krishna, extensive excavations were carried out for a period of about seven years starting from 1954.

How to Reach This Place

Road : Located at 150 km from Hyderabad. Well connected by Road.

Rail : 20 kms from Macherla.

Air : Hyderabad Airport.


Sankaram

The Buddhist ruins are located on the contiguous hills locally known as Bojjanakonda and Lingalametta consist of numerous monolithic stupas, caves and structural buildings.

Monuments & Antiquities
During excavation several antiquities like the seals, inscribed tablets, pots, copper coins mostly of seventh century AD were found. A gold coin of Samudragupta of the 4th century AD is a significant find. A seated image of Buddha termed as Buddhanna or Bojjana is found in one of the caves on the hill.

Sankaram has numerous monolithic votive stupas, rock-cut caves buildings and images of Buddha and non-tantric form of Hariti.

There are a few plain and small caves on the same hillock, which formed the Viharas for the monks and students. On facade of the cave is a life size statue of Buddha in meditation.

How to Reach This Place

Road : 40 km from Visakhapatnam

Rail : 40 km from Visakhapatnam & 3 km. to the north of Anakapalle railway station

Air : 40 kms from Visakhapatnam