PLACES
TO SEE
Amaravati
An important Buddhist site located near the ancient Satavahana capital, Dhanyakataka,
is now called Amaravati. It was one of the four renowned Buddhist centers
of learning in the country which attracted students from all over the world.
It gave fillip to art, architecture, trade, and facilitated the spread of
Buddhism on the east coast. Today in South India, Buddhists consider it the
most sacred pilgrim centre. Many years ago, an emissary of Emperor Ashoka,
who went to propagate Buddhism in this region, laid the foundation of the
Great Stupa at Amaravati.
The dome, now missing, seems to have been built solidly of large-sized bricks
measuring 57 x 28 x 7.6 cm. Presently it has a height of about 1.55 m and
a diameter of 49.30 m. The stupa may well have been the one to have the largest
marble-surfaced dome in the world!
The dome and the outer and inner sides of the railing were richly adorned
with carvings, depicting events from the life of Buddha. Locally, the Mahastupa
is known as 'Deepaladinne' or 'Mound of lamps'.
To give you a glimpse of the past, a miniature model of the stupa and some
of the original panels, have been preserved in a museum on the site. You can
see several statues and friezes relating Jataka stories.
Translate
This Page in : 
»
