Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/l4biEeund1s
Location: "Guntupalli Buddhist Caves, 248H+WXW, Approach Rd for Buddist Caves, Jeelakarragudem, Andhra Pradesh 534449"
Rerference:
http://cpreecenvis.nic.in/Database/GuntupalliCaves_2595.aspx
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guntupalli_Group_of_Buddhist_Monuments
The Guntupalle or Guntupalli Group of Buddhist
Monuments is located near Kamavarapukota, Eluru
district, in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is
arouind 40 KMs from Eluru city.
The rock-cut part of the site has two Buddhist caves,
a chaitya hall
and a large group of stupas
There are remains of structural buildings in brick and stone,
including remains of two vihara made of brick, as well as excavated caves at two
levels, including an unusual structural chaitya hall
(that is, one built above ground). The core of this consists of the stone stupa
with an enclosed path around it allowing ritual parikrama
(circumambulation). They mostly date to 200-0 BCE, with some sculptures added
later. The main building above ground is in brick, around a stone stupa, with over 30 smaller stupas on a
terrace in front of it. There are ruins of two other buildings.
During excavation, three relic caskets
were found. The caskets had many precious elements like gold, silver,
crystal beads. The bronze image of Padmapani was
found along with one of the caskets. The inscription on the casket was in
the Devanagari script
which indicates the year as from the 9th to 10th century CE.
Rock cut
Temple (Vritta Chaitya): Datable to the 3rd-2nd century BC,
the vritta chaitya is circular on plan and enshrines a rock cut
votive stupa provided with a small circumambulatory path around it. Locally
known as Dharmalingeswara, it has vaulted domical ceiling marked by carved ribs
while its exterior shows an arched facade, with ornamental rafts resembling
famous Sudama and Lomasrishi caves of Bihar.
Guntupalle is popularly known as "Andhra Ajanta". These caves
are believed to pre-date even the world famous Ajanta & Ellora caves of
Maharashtra. It is also believed that the great Buddhist Logician, Dignaga
resided here for quiet sometime during his lifetime.
How
to Reach:
By Road: Nearest
city is Eluru (40 KMs). Best is to use own vehicle to visit. The road to
Guntupalli is in pathetic condition. Be careful while driving
By Train:
Nearest Railway station is Eluru around 40 KMs.
By Air: Vijaywada
is the nearest airport: 87 KMs, Rajamahendravaram: 112 KMs
Parking and
Photography
There is a dedicated parking available and parking of
vehicles is not an issue.
Photography is allowed, they won’t check but would verbally
ask about enquiring bag for drone or not.
Be careful while taking Drone.
Route and
Stay
Stay can be done at Eluru itself. Good hotels and residencies
available here. We planned to cover Guntupalli Buddhist caves and Dwarka
Tirumala, so followed this route. From Dwarka Tirumala to Guntupalli the road is very pathetic. Be
careful while driving.
