Youtube: https://youtu.be/OW_VhFge3ls
References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelakondapalli
https://www.buddhavanam.telangana.gov.in/nelakondapalli.php
https://touringwithpk.com/nelakondapalli-buddha-stupa/
Location: “Nelakondapally Buddha Stupa, Near, and, Nelakondapally, mandal,
Telangana 507160”
About Nelakondapally
Nelakondapally (21 KMs
south west of Khammam, 58 KMs south-east of Suryapet), also referred to as
Nelakondapalli or Nela Kondapalli, is a town and headquarters of a mandal in
Khammam district, Telangana, India. It is also an archaeological site important
to early Buddhism and Hinduism, where excavations have discovered a major stupa
site near an ancient manmade lake, another site where Buddhist and Hindu
artwork were carved in pre-3rd century India, both sites also yielding hundreds
of ancient rare coins with Shaiva and Vaishnava inscriptions from the dynasties
of Andhra Ikshvakus and Vishnukundinas. Nelakondapally is also the birthplace
of Bhakta Ramadasu (architect of Bhadrachalam temple).
Nelakondapally is an
ancient fortified city comprising numerous mounds inside. Excavations at the
early historic mounds in the village locally known as Virataraju dibba and
Bairagula Gutta brought to light
1) A number of lime stone images of standing
Buddha,
2) A row of brick built water troughs for the
treatment of sculptured panels,
3) Viharas,
4) Maha chaitya,
5) Rock- cut votive stupas,
6) Terracotta figures
7) Coins belonging to Satavahana, Ikshvaku and
Vishnukundin period during exacavations
between 1984-1995, alongwith inscriptions, stupa plaques, harmika and chattri (an
umbrella emerging from the center of harmika) of the mahastupa were found.
The presence of uncarved
lime stone blocks, chips and flakes at Bairagula Gutta obviously suggests that
it was a manufacturing centre of Buddhist sculptures and panels. An icon
of standing Buddha as Padmapani in bronze was brought to light by the fishermen
of the village from the rivulet nearby, flowing adjacent to the Mahastupa, dated
to the post-Gupta times in well preserved conditions.
The Buddhist stupa is a
historic monument dated back to 3rd century CE. The stupa is almos
46 ft high and around 170 meters in diameter. Virataraja Dibba is said to be
contemporaneous with certain events in Mahabharata, earlier to the construction
of Stupa. According to Krishna Sastry, this Stupa is one of the largest in
South India.
This mahastupa was
discovered in the excavations conducted by the Department of Archaeology,
Government of Andhra Pradesh, between 1974 and 1977. After 1977, a series
of excavations in and around the site were conducted, which revealed that this
site was a major Buddhist centre. The evidence found at the brick stupa
suggests that it was completed during the Ikshvaku period and later additions
were made by the Vishnu Kundin emperors. Which means that the Stupa was
completed in the 2nd Century AD.
Nelakondapalli was known
as Nelicinda in olden times. It is said to be a hub for construction of and exporting
Buddha statues and panchaloha idols (5 metal statue of Buddha).
The wheel shaped stupa
is 5-tiered, with an ayaka vedicas (a small platform extending out of the drum)
in the 4 cardinal directions and encircled by concentric tiers with spokes
between each of the tiers, giving the stupa a wheel shaped plan. Both burnt and
normal bricks are used for the construction of the stupa, Nelakondapalli stupa
is among the later stupas which are raised higher almost proportionately with
the drum. Scholars are of the opinion that this stupa is a Sariraka Stupa
or Relic Stupa, indicating that it enshrines bodily relics of the Buddha. According
to Gopagoni, this mahastupa is believed to enshrine a tooth of
Siddhartha.
A votive stupa is also
present a few meters on the south west of the mahastupa, built using white
limestone. The votive stupa is around 1ft high and 1 ft in diameter. Just like
a main stupa, this votive stupa has a harmika
(a square fence-like enclosure) at the top, symbolizing heaven. This votive
stupa is also believed to be constructed between 1st and 2nd
century AD. A label inscription reading “Skanda Bhadrasa” was found on
the stupa.
The iconography of the
statues found in Nelakondapalli show that the region followed Mahayana
Buddhism. In simple words, Mahayana Buddhism is a sect of Buddhism that
believes in the heavenliness of the Buddha and worships him in idol form, as
opposed to the Hinayana sect which views the Buddha as a philosopher or the
enlightened one. Another extraordinary discovery at Nelakondapalli was, a
throne decorated with lotuses, creepers and a Kaustubha gem, which has
religious symbolism.
How to reach:
By Road: The Buddhist
stupa location is around 2 KMs from NH365A on State Highway 240. The site is
around 3.1 KMs from Nelakondapally Bus stop. Local autos can be hired and one
can easily reach the location.
By Rail: Khammam
is the nearest railway Station around 20.5 KMs
By Air: Vijayawada
airport is the nearest airport around 131 KMs. Hyderabad airport is around 236
KMs
Parking and Photography:
There is no dedicated
parking outside the temple. Vehicles can be parked on the road outside the main
gate.
Photography is allowed.
I used Drones inside, but be careful if someone from the security is inside. I
am not sure if its allowed or not.
Timings:
Popular
Festivals:
Nearby
Places to visit:
1) Ganeshparalayam,
Kusumanchi
2)
Adi Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Venugopala
Swamy Temple, Burugadda
3) Swayambhu
Lingeshwara Temple, Mella Cheruvu
Stay
Options:
Khammam is the nearest best stay option with lots of
hotels/residencies. If one is coming from Suryapet, then Suryapet also has good
stay option.