Amravati Trip
Amaravati was the capital of the Satavahana dynasty, which ruled continuously for four centuries. Buddhism made its appearance in Amaravati influenced by the Kushanas of Mathura. On the Amravati Tours, you may visit the Great Stupa and a temple dedicated to Lord Amarewara.
Amaravati lies on the right bank of River Krishna, 65 km from Vijayawada in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is famous for the ruins of a 2000-year-old Buddhist settlement and the great Buddhist stupa. Amravati is considered as one of the most sacred pilgrim center for the Buddhists.
The Great Stupa of Amravati is larger than the stupa at Sanchi erected at this place some 2000 years ago. The local refer to it as the Mahastupa and is also known as Deepaladinne or the Mound of Lamps. An envoy of Emperor Ashoka, who spread Buddhism in this region, laid the foundation of the Great Stupa at Amravati. The stupa is made of brick with a circular vedika and platforms protruding in four cardinal directions are 95 ft high.
The stupa is kept at the Government Museum in Chennai. Buddha is depicted in a human form on the circular panel subduing an elephant. It is based on a story of Devadatta, Buddha's cousin sending the elephant to attack the Buddha. A museum must not be missed while on tour of Amaravati. It houses a few remains from the stupa.
