Amaravati Stupa : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Amaravati Stupa is a major archaeological site located in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, India. This ancient site was built between the 2nd century BCE and 3rd century CE, during the period of the Satavahana dynasty. The Amaravati Stupa is an important religious monument for both Buddhists and Hindus due to its cultural heritage and archaeological significance. Its beauty is further enhanced by its architectural brilliance, which is reflective of an advanced civilization that flourished in Andhra Pradesh during ancient times. In this blog, we will explore the interesting facts, information and travel guide associated with Amaravati Stupa. We will also take a look at its historical and archaeological significance and the fascinating stories surrounding the fascinating monument.

Interesting Facts About Amaravati Stupa

1. The Amaravati Stupa is an ancient Buddhist structure located in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh and thought to have been constructed sometime between the 1st and 2nd centuries CE.

2. The Stupa is almost 25 meters in diameter and has a circumference of nearly 72 meters.

3. It was dedicated the offerings of King Ashoka who built several other stupas around India.

4. The Amaravati Stupa is made of brick and is believed to have a central dome that rises up to 8 meters.

5. It is designed as a mandala in that it has four gates — one for each cardinal direction — and numerous decorative elements, including floral motifs and animals.

6. The Stupa was rediscovered in 1797 by an English collector.

7. Over the years, the Amaravati Stupa has been excavated by both the Archaeological Survey of India and the Andhra Pradesh State Archaeology Department.

8. The excavations have revealed several artifacts such as coins, jewelry, and carvings, as well as several mud and stone sculptures.

9. The Amaravati Stupa is now a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958.

10. The Amaravati Stupa is an important part of the ancient Buddhist tradition in India. It is a testament to the strong devotion of the Buddhist faith and is a source of inspiration for pilgrims around the world.

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History & Information About Amaravati Stupa

Amaravati Stupa is an ancient Buddhist monument located in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located near the town of Amaravati, in the Krishna district, and is believed to have been built by the first-century Buddhist emperor, Ashoka. The stupa was originally established to house relics of the Buddha, but was later expanded and embellished by the great Buddhist king, Dharmashoka, who further added pillars with inscriptions to denote his legitimacy, along with sculpted images of the Buddha and Hindu deities.

The structure consists of many elements and is noteworthy for its importance to Buddhism and to the spread of Buddhism and religious studies in the region. The most distinctive feature of the structure is its large dome-like shape, which resembles a tent and is said to resemble the shape of a devadasi, or a female ascetic. At the center of the dome is the shrine constructed to house the relics of the Buddha.

The dome is surrounded by a terraced enclosure with stone steps. This is strengthened by a stone wall around the entire structure. Within the enclosure, also made of stone, stand three rows of elegant stone pillars, which were originally supplementary pillars added by Dharmashoka. This is a striking example of a historically important monument that celebrated the Buddha’s life in South India.

On the inner walls of the enclosure are sculptures depicting the life of the Buddha, his teachings, and the eight great events of Buddhist teachings. Along with these sculptures are inscriptions describing the king’s accomplishments, as well as the dedication of his various projects to Buddhism. There is also a panel that shows the footprint of the Buddha on the ground.

Today, the Amaravati Stupa is a popular pilgrimage destination and attracts many visitors and pilgrims from across the Buddhist countries. It is also a popular site for ecumenical retreats and meditation. Amaravati Stupa is an important part of the legacy of Ashoka and Dharmashoka, and is an important part of the Andhra Pradesh’s religious and cultural heritage.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Amaravati Stupa

Amaravati Stupa is an important Buddhist site located on the banks of the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh, India. The stupa is believed to have been built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 2nd century BC and is considered one of the earliest Buddhist structures in India.

How to Get There:

Amaravati Stupa is easy to reach from any part of India. You can take a flight to Vijayawada International Airport, which is just 50km from the Stupa, or take a train to Vijayawada, the nearest railway station. Once you reach there, you can take a local bus or hire a taxi to reach the stupa.

Things to See in Amaravati Stupa:

Amaravati Stupa is an important Buddhist site and perfect for exploring and learning about Buddhism and its history. You can explore the 4th century stupa, around which are many sculptures and stonework. You can also explore the Archaeological Museum which has many ancient artifacts and sculptures. There is also the great Amareswara Temple in front of the stupa which is believed to have been in existence since the 2nd century BC.

Other Activities Nearby Amaravati Stupa:

Amaravati Stupa is surrounded by many other attractions and places of interest. You can visit nearby historic sites like Udayagiri Caves which is a limestone complex filled with Buddhist sculptures. You can also visit nearby Hindu temples like Chennakesava Temple and Sri Somanatha Temple. Nature lovers can explore the regional parks like Mangalagiri Pantheru Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to several species of mammals, birds and reptiles.

Where to Stay:

There are several budget and luxury accommodation options located near the Amaravati Stupa. Some of the best hotels nearby include Grand Mariya Inn, Hotel Gokulam Grand, Hotel Central Court Amaravati and NTR Guest House.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Amaravati Stupa

Q: Where is Amaravati Stupa located?

A: Amaravati Stupa is located near Amaravathi village in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Q: What is Amaravati Stupa?

A: Amaravati Stupa is a magnificent stupa built in the 2nd century BCE during the reign of the Satavahana dynasty. It is the earliest major Buddhist monument in India.

Q: Who constructed Amaravati Stupa?

A: The Amaravati Stupa was constructed by the Shatavahana rulers of ancient India.

Q: What is the significance of Amaravati Stupa?

A: Amaravati Stupa holds historical, religious and architectural importance as it is one of the oldest monuments in India and a great example of early Buddhist architecture. It also plays an important role in the study of Buddhist art, religion, and history.

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