Experience Bliss On The Telangana Buddhist Trail

Buddhism came to the region of Telangana, even when the ‘Enlightened One’ was alive. It flourished and spread under the patronage of the Ikshavaku dynasty who were ardent Buddhist followers. Most of the marvelous Buddhist structures were built during this period. Buddhism held sway in this region for many centuries. Many Buddhist sites were discovered across Telangana, which divulged a wealth of artifacts that speak volumes of the ancient Buddhist culture.

Buddha Statue-Hussain Sagar Lake – The 350 ton monolithic statue of Buddha, measuring 18 mts tall rises from the placid waters of the picturesque Hussain Sagar Lake in Hyderabad, is a reverent memorial to the golden period of Buddhism in Telangana. This monumental statue is a humble tribute which the present generation pays to the living memory of the Buddha. Here is where you start off from the modern metropolis of Hyderabad, to visit more than 4 significant Buddhist sites of Telangana.

Nagarjunakonda – The exotic island of Nagarjunakonda, 150 km from Hyderabad, emerged out of the artificial lake which was formed after construction of the Nagarjun-asagar dam. Before submersion, evidence was found here of early settlements from the Stone age up to Medieval times. But its most brilliant period was the century of Ikshavaku rule, beginning in the second quarter of the 3rd century AD. A great Buddhist University is said to have flourished here. Acharya Nagarjuna, considered to be one of the most important Buddhist philosophers after Gautama Buddha, is said to have lived and taught here, and hence the place came to be named after him.

Buddhist Island Museum – There is a Buddhist museum at Nagarjunakonda, which houses a number of precious artifacts, Buddhist relics and structures discovered in excavations in the valley. These remains date back to the 3rd century A.D. Carved limestone slabs, inscriptions and sculpture bring out the mastery of the Satavahanas and the Ikshavakus when Buddhism flourished here. The themes are mainly from episodes involving the Buddha, but an outstanding example of the sculpture of that age is a stunning life-like depiction of the ‘Enlightened One’ standing in the eternal stance of sublime peace. A model of the submerged valley, displayed in one of the museum galleries, transports one to another age.

Buddhavanam / Sriparvatarama – Sriparvatarama is a theme park showcasing the Buddhist heritage of Telangana in an area of 279 acres at Nagarjunasagar, Telangana. At the centre is the replica of Amaravati Stupa, in its original dimensions, shape and design. The stupa is inlaid with sandstone, sculpted panels as it was originally. It is a fantastic and beautiful meditation centre. The limestone panels decorating the stupa are intricately carved like the original panels with scenes from Lord Buddha’s life. The park is filled with greenery, flowering plants, smooth grass lawns and there is also a Buddha Express a toy train which takes visitors around.

Dhulikatta – This beautiful Buddhist site in Karimnagar District, is located 150 kms from Hyderabad. Excavations here have revealed a Buddhist stupa and vihara built on a prominent mound at the junction of 2 perennial rivulets. The stupa, dating back to 3rd century B.C. and enlarged many times, was once bedecked with more than 50 carved slabs, most of them found intact. One of the slabs, has the Muchilinda Naga – a five headed cobra protecting the Lord Buddha, symbolically represented by his feet, and is exquisitely delineated. On it is an inscription in early Brahmi script. Punch marked Satavahana and Roman coins, ivory combs, seals, silver portrait coin, beads and bangles, terracotta figurines were also recovered.

Phanigiri – Phanigiri, about 50 kms from Jangaon in Nalgonda District has a Buddhist monastic settlement situated on flat hill on the north east of the village. It consisted of more than 30 stupas and many fragmentary Buddhist artifacts. More than 60 Satavahana coins were also found here including the intricately carved Lotus medallion. It is the only site which yielded panels carved with Jataka Stories. This site is a must see stopover for the ardent Buddhist follower.

Nelakondapalle – Located 180 km. from Hyderabad, in Khammam District. Excavations here have unearthed a stupa built of brick and about nine Buddhist idols among other articles of historical importance. Subsequent excavations revealed a unique spoked stupa. Besides, other remains are votive stupas in limestone and a pedestal in black basalt decorated with Triratna symbols and lotus motifs.