Buddhavanam, Nagarjuna Sagar, Telangana, India.

Maha Stupa

Maha Stupa

At the centre of the Buddhavanam, is the Maha Stupa, built according to the dimensions and architecture of the original Amaravathi Stupa, which was one of the biggest stupas in Dakshinapatha (South India). The stupa has a Vedika (drum), Dome (Anda) and a Harmika on its top. Ayaka Platforms are seen on the four cardinal sides of the stupa on which stand the five Ayaka pillars corresponding to the five important events in the life of the Siddhartha Gautama.

The ornate wall of the Maha stupa vedika is intricately carved with the scenes from the Buddha's life ministry and important kings and patrons of Dhamma of the period. The Dome portion is encased with sculptural panels depicting the Theravada Buddhist symbols like the Stupa, the Vajrasana, Bodhi tree, pillar of fire and Jataka stories. The events from the life of the Buddha are also sculpted in a chronological order. In the ground floor of the stupa, a museum of display of Buddhist Heritage with Buddhist antiquities and 100-year old eye copies of Ajanta frescoes, amphitheater and interpretation centers is a special attraction to the visitors.

Buddhavanam, Nagarjuna Sagar, Telangana, India.