Location
Amaravati is a small town located on the banks of Krishna river in
the state of Andhra Pradesh. The place is situated to the north of
the capital city, some 450 kms away from it. Nearby lies the popular
town city called Guntur. The place is a popular site of Buddhist
settlement and is considered as one of the holy places in the state
of Andhra Pradesh.
Overview
Amaravati is a very famous Buddhist pilgrimage place. Formerly
called Chintapalli, the place was the site of Buddhist stupa which
is now housed in a museum at Chennai. The stupa is said to be built
by Satvahanas in the third century B.C., during the reign of Ashoka.
The place also served as a capital for sometime to Vishnukundinas
rulers.
The stupa that used to stand erected at Amravati was quite massive.
The place for centuries has served as one great religious and
learning centre in southern India. Inscribed on the stupa
excavations (the one preserved at the museum) are the teachings and
themes of Buddhism. The place is also amongst the few that feature
Buddhist art. The stupa is believed to have been providing services
till the middle of the 14th century A.D.
Amravati is visited by large number of pilgrims and tourists. The
place is thought to be one providing meditation and spiritual
influence on the visitors. Apart from Buddhist site, the place also
houses the holy shrine of Amaralingeswara, that is Lord Shiva.
A small museum located within the premises houses rare collections
associated with the popular site. Some of these pricely collections
include Buddha's statues and a flaming tree representing the bodhi
tree.
Accommodation
The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation provides for a
Tourism Guest House. The tourist house lies near the famous river
and provides for a picturesque scene. Bookings can be confirmed from
the state tourist office.
Accessibility
Many tour operators from different parts of the state run guided
tours to the place. From Hyderabad city the place can be one
destination in a week end tour.
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