Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/TXx405sqY7Y
References: https://vajiramandravi.com/upsc-daily-current-affairs/prelims-pointers/phanigiri/
https://www.buddhavanam.telangana.gov.in/phanigiri.php
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phanigiri
Location: “Phanigiri Buddhist Site, Suryapet Rd, Panigiri,
Telangana 508279”
Phanigiri is a famous Buddhist site located around 110
KMs from Hyderabad and 45 KMs from Suryapet (our next destination of stay),
with its name derived from the shape of the hill which looks like a Snake hood.
Phani in Sanskrit means snake and giri means hill. Tirumalagiri
is the nearest locality/mandal around 6 KMs from the location. According to the archaeologists,
the coins belong to the Ikshvaku period dated between
3rd century and 4th century Common Era.
The site location is believed
to be on the ancient trade route (Dakshinapatha) connecting the west and the east coast of
the Deccan.
Notable findings at the
location include recent unearthing of a coin hoard at the Phanigiri in Suryapet
district, Telangana, while earlier, Lead coins with
elephant symbol on one side and Ujjain symbol , stone beads, glass beads,
shell bangle fragments, stucco motifs, broken limestone sculptures, a wheel of
a toy cart, final nails and pottery
Mahastupa, apsidal Chaityagrihas,
Votive stupas, pillared congregation halls, Viharas, platforms with staircases
at various levels, octagonal stupa chaitya, 24-pillared mandapam, circular
chaitya, and cultural materials that included terracotta beads, semi-precious
beads, iron objects, Brahmi label
inscriptions of the Satavahana and Ikshvaku times, (2nd – 3rd Century A.D.)
punch marked coins, and coins issued by the Kshatrapas, Romans, Mahatalavara
chiefs etc. and Several lime stone sculptural panels depicting the great events
of Siddhartha – Gautama’s life, Jataka tales, and Buddhapada slabs, Buddha and
Bodhisattva images were also recovered from the site.
Two large footprints in the complex
are believed to belong to Gautama Buddha. The place
also houses three viharas which
were once served as the dwelling for the Buddhist monks. Previously the name of
the village is Dharmachakrapuram but later it is changed to Phanigiri.
How to reach:
By Road: Situated around 45 KMs
from Suryapet, with limiting commute options, the site is situated at the
hillock around 2.0 KMs on the right of Jangaon-Suryapet road or National
Highway 365 B. Self-vehicle is the best way to commute. Through bus, take any
bus on the highway for Jangaon and ask to get down at Phanigiri-Itur cross road
and then take a local auto or something.
By Rail: Nalgonda is the nearest
railway station around 61 KMs
By Air: Hyderabad is the nearest
airport
Parking and Photography:
No dedicated parking available, but
there is ample space near the Ramalayam temple at the bottom of the hillock.
Photography is allowed completely
and Drones can be used too, if someone is not available.
Timings:
Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 6 pm