Thotlakonda Buddhist Monastery & Complex, Andhra Pradesh

Thotlakonda - A Buddhist Complex is situated on a hill close to Bheemunipatnam approximately 15 kilometres (9.Three mi) from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, India. The hill is set 128 metres (420 ft) above sea level and overlooks the ocean. The Telugu name Toṭlakoṇḍa derived from the presence of a number of rock-reduce cisterns hewn into the bedrock of the hillock. Thotlakonda changed into nicely in the impact of ancient Kalinga, which became an important supply of dissemination of Buddhism to Sri Lanka and various parts of Southeast Asia. It affords an perception into the technique of transoceanic diffusion of Indic subculture, mainly Buddhism. A hill on the sea coast with salubrious climate was a great enchantment for the Buddhist priests to construct a monastery complex right here. The placid sea sheltered through the deeply in curved shoreline right here, provided a safe haven for anchoring ships.

Thotlakonda came to light at some stage in an aerial survey with the aid of the Indian Navy for putting in place a Naval Base. After its discovery, most important excavations had been performed by using the Andhra Pradesh State Archaeology Department for the duration of 1988 - 1993. The excavations hooked up the existence of a Hinayana Buddhist complex which flourished 2000 years ago. To the South of the complicated there may be a tank which served as a water supply to the inhabitants of the monastery.

The excavations monitor Satavahana dynasty lead and Roman silver coins indicating foreign exchange; terracotta tiles, stucco decorative portions, sculptured panels, miniature stupa fashions in stone, and Buddha footprints had been additionally observed. The excavations additionally yielded twelve inscriptions in the Brahmi script. From polygraphic research, it appears that the hill could have been known as Senagiri; Senain Pali manner "elder, advanced".

Timings

Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex can be visit during the day time (07:00 AM to 06:00 PM)

Entry Fees

10 INR per person

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