Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/PYsVpT88mRQ
Location: " RCH5+CM3, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530048"
Situated on a hill near Bheemunipatnam in Vizag, Thotlakonda Budhist Monastery believed to be built around 2000 years, with peak of its activity during the period of 2nd century BC only due to brisk Roman trade and religious missions sent abroad. The lofty stupas shining during the day, with their light lime plaster and with rows of wick lamps during nights, might have served as guiding landmarks of nautical commuters. There appears to have been no royal patronage for this monastery. However traders and local believers seem to have supported the complex. In its heyday, Thotlakonda might have accommodated more than 100 bhikkhus.
The monastery declined
by the end of 3rd century BC. The complex had arrangements for
storing food, clothing, medicines and served as a religious cum academic
centre. Nikaya Buddhism appears to have been
practiced here, including the worship of Gautama Buddha through symbols such as padukas and other material remains rather than using human representation.
Thotlakonda was well
within the influence of ancient Kalinga, which was an important source of
dissemination of Buddhism to Sri Lanka and various parts of Southeast Asia.
The site was
reconstructed in 2016, after it was collapsed. The vihara is almost 2000 years
old.The Buddhist monks arriving from places like China, Burma and many other
countries used to stay at this site for months before finishing their learning.
In 2019, the stupa was
partially damaged due to monsoons, but it was restored by 2021 at the cost of
Rs 42 lakh.
Stupas: These are Buddhist commemorative monument usually housing sacred
relics associated with the Buddha or other saintly persons.
Chaityas: A Chaitya was a rectangular prayer hall within a stupa placed in
the centre, the purpose was prayer.
Viharas: Viharas were the residences of the monks.