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NAGARJUNAKONDA On the krishna river, about 150kms south of Hydrabad
Nagarjunakonda was one of the largest and most important center for the bhudhist
in southern India from 2nd century BC until the 3rd century AD. It was then
known as Vijayapuri. Nagarjuna one of the most reverred of the bhudhist monks
gave Nagarjunakonda it's name. This site was discovered in 1926. In the 1950's
and 1960's subsequent excavations have unearthed the remains of Viharas, Stupas,
Chaityas and mandapams as well as some examples of white marble carvings and
sculptures depicting the life of the Bhuddha. this original site now lies under
the reservoir created by the building of the huge Nagarjuna Sagar Dam in 1960.
The nearby hilltop fort now an island in the middle of the reservoir now houses
the buildings which were removed and reconstructed before the flooding. A museum
on the island also houses the statues, coins, jewellery and other pre historic
artifacts found at the site. The city of Nagarjuna Konda was, once a
marvellous place adorned with stupas, chaityas, monasteries, and
splendid sculpture depicting the life of Buddha, besides the tools of
Palaeolithic and neolithic ages. It also boasted of a large amphitheatre with
perfect acoustics, an altar for the sacrifice of horses, royal baths, quays and
bathing ghats along the river, and a well planned drainage system. But as time
passed by and Buddhism lost strong roots in India, the city became almost
oblivious to the outside world. In 1960 work began on the Nagarjunasagar dam
(Hydro Electric Project) on the river Krishna which was the world's tallest
masonary dam. Excavations were hence resumed with added urgency and the
ruins from the site, were relocated stone by stone, on the crest of
Nagarjunakonda Hill, overlooking the river. With the completion of the project,
Nagarjunakonda regained its lost fame and beauty. On the slopes of the Nagarjuna
hill, is now an island in the immense lake. What to See Nagarjuna dam, which was completed in 1966,
is 124 metres high and 1 km long, one of the largest masonry in the world.
The lake, which it straddles, is the third largest manmade lake in the
world. 4 kms away from the dam, is the Viewpoint, where a panoramic view
of the amazing landscape, is simply a feast to the eyes. On a pylon not
too far from the dam, is the image of Nagarjuna, the patron of the ancient
city.Within easy reach of Nagarjunasagar, are the picturesque Ethipothala
waterfalls, and the thick forest of the Srisailam Wildlife Reserve. This
reserve is part of Project Tiger, and supports a variety of animals, birds
and reptiles. How to Get There
Regular bus services from
Hyderabad, Guntur and Vijayawada. Top |
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