The Amravati stupa, which is also known as Mahachaitya Stupa, has the privilege of being the largest stupa(95 feet high) in India - the birthplace of Buddhism. Built during the 2nd century BCE, the stupa was discovered by a British archaeologist, Colonel Colin Mackenzie in 1797. The stupa was earlier a simple structure with limestone crossbars and simple carvings, but when renovated by the Satavahana rulers, became a highly marked architectural monument.
Amravati
The capital of later Satvahana rulers in South India in the pre medieval era, Amravati is situated on the right bank of the river Krishna in Andhra Pradesh. Amravati, which was also known as Amaresvaram, is a home to best known 2000 years old Buddhist relics, which make the place an important pilgrimage for the Buddhists. The place is also identified as Dhanyakataka by several scholars, who connects Amravati with the origin of many Tantric teachings especially, Kalchakra.
Other Attractions
Besides Mahachaitya stupa, the largest stupa in India, Amaravati also other holy places in and around it such as Amareswara temple, Nagarjunkonda and Dharankota.
- Amareswara Temple: The holy temple dedicated to Lord Amarewara is a major site in Amaravati. The temple also consists of a massive Lingam, which is considered to be related to the Hindu God Shiva.
- Potala: Potala is a major Buddhist site, which is regarded as the residence of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva embodying Compassion. Bu we get its mention only in the scriptures and its exact location is yet to be identified. However, there is as yet no consensus about its exact location.
- Nagarjunakonda : Nagarjunakonda, near to Amaravati, is associated with a great Indian Buddhist, Nagarjuna, who preached the 'Middle Way' or Madhyamaka during 150 and 250 CE, based on the Perfection of Wisdom Sutras. His teachings are considered as a landmark in the history of Mahayana Buddhism.
- Dharankota: Dharankota, a major destination related to Kalchakra is a part of the Tantric Buddhism or Tantrayana. The Buddha is Himself believed to have taught the tantric practices to His disciple, Ananda over here.
Accessibility
Amravati can be reached by roadways as taxis and buses are available from Guntur(32 km away) and other places of the state to Amravati. The nearest railheads are at Guntur and Vijayawada. Both the railway stations are well connected with all the parts of Andhra Pradesh, Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi. If opting for airways, the nearest airport is at Vijayawada (82 km).
The Best Months to Visit
October to February. It is advisable to avoid the summers due to extensive heat.
A visit to Amravati in January 2006 can be a dream come true for many as His Holiness the Dalai Lama has consented to bestow 13 day Kalchakra gathering in Amravati.
