Nagarjunakonda, Information about Nagarjunakonda, Nagarjunakonda Tour

Nagarjunakonda is situated about 150 km. towards southeast of Hyderabad on the Krishna river. This ancient city remained one of the most important Buddhist center in South India for 5 centuries. Nagarjunakonda was originally known as Vijaypur and the major place of monks and scholars. This city takes its name from Nagarjuna who was one of the most respected monks of Buddhism and also the founder of the Madhyamika School. He also founded the University here.

The site was discovered in 1926 and the remains of stupas, viharas, chaityas and mandapas were excavated from 1950 to 1960. Some outstanding examples of marble carvings about the events in the Buddha’s life can also be seen here. But these remains have been now moved to an Island Museum following the construction of the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam which will submerge the whole area. The dam is one of the largest masonry construction and the third largest artificial lake in the world. The main stupa of Nagarjunakonda is known as the Mahacheitya and is believed to contain the sacred relics of the Buddha. Some of the famous relics like a small tooth and an ear ring are believed to be of the Buddha. Earlier, Nagarjunakonda was a splendid city with stupas, chaityas, monasteries and marvellous sculptures. It had 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. With the passage of time and the eclipse of Buddhism in India, the city found its way to the abandoned lot, and had almost faded into oblivion. An "Ashwamedha" sacrificial altar of tools from Paleolithic and Neolithic times were also found here. Some of the unearthed Buddhist settlements have also been excavated here which reveals that various Buddhist students came here from Kashmir, Gandhara, China, Sri Lanka and Assam. The academic and medical services were on par with other major Buddhist universities like Nalanda, Valabhi and Vikramshilla. Brahmanical Hinduism and Buddhism flourished in harmony which is evident from the several Hindu temples and Buddhist temples at Nagarjunakonda.

Tourist Attractions in Nagarjunakonda

Various tourist attractions in Nagarjunakonda are Nagarjunasagar, Nagarjunasagar Dam, Anupu and Ethipothala Waterfalls.

Nagarjunasagar
The Nagarjunasagar temple belongs to the modern India with some of the modern engineering wonders. Nagarjunasagar was named after Acharya Nagarjuna, the founding father of Mahayana Buddhism. Nagarjunasagar provides a unique charm to the tourists. Here, river Krishna passes through the hills and forests in full flow and stopped only by the Nagarjunasagar dam. A city called Vileyapuri flourished here about seventeen years back and was a great centre of Buddhist learning. This city went on to serve as the capital of the Ikshwaku kingdom.

Nagarjunasagar Dam
Nagarjunasagar Dam is one of the earliest hydroelectric projects of India. The construction of the dam resulted in the third largest man-made lake in the world. Nagarjunasagar Dam is about 124 metres high and about 1 Km long and one of the largest masonry dam in the world. On a pylon not too far from the dam, is the image of Nagarjuna, the patron of the ancient city.

Anupu
During the construction of the Nagarjunasagar dam, the ruins of an ancient Buddhist university were excavated and these ruins are now located in Anupu, a few kilometres away from the Nagarjunasagar dam. This place is of great architectural interest with the third century Viharas (Buddhist University) and an amphitheatre with fine acoustics.

Ethipothala Waterfalls
The Ethipothala waterfalls are a radiant sight of the power and beauty of nature. Chanravanka, a mountain stream cascades down the hills from a height of 22 m, near the Nagarunasagar dam. The dazzling lagoon formed by the falls has a crocodile breeding centre.

Around Nagarjunakonda

Anupa:
The relics of Buddhist University and stadium excavated at Nagarjunasagar have been reconstructed at Anupa, about 4 kms. From the dam site. The stadium is noted for its excellent acoustics and is a worth visiting site.

Srisailam (70 kms.)
This major Hindu pilgrim centre is located on the banks of Swarnamukhi, amidst the scenic Rishabhagiri hills. The magnificent Malikarjuna Swamy temple atop the hill is one of the most ancient and sacred places in South India. It enshrines one of the twelve jyotirlingas existing in the country. The temple walls are finely carved with images of Shiva in different manifestations, elephants and hunting scenes. Another important shrine is the fortified temples of Sri Parvata, which is believed to be in exstenc since pre-vedic period. It is regarded as the Shaktipeeth of Goddess Bhramaramba in the form of Kali and is said to be one of the eighteen leading srishailam is well connected by rail and road.

How to get here

By Air:
The nearest airport is located at Vijayawada, about 65 kms from Nagarjunakonda.

By Rail:
The nearest railway stations are located at Guntur, 36 km. away and at Vijayawada, 82 km. away.

By Road:
Nagarjunakonda is well connected with various cities like Guntur, Vijayawada, Hyderabad.