Tours
Life of Buddha
Buddhist Tour
Lalitagiri Tour
Lalitagiri is situated at a distance of 10 kilometers beyond the River Virupa. Although earlier excavations had brought to light the importance of this complex, recent excavations have yielded some evidence of a more ancient Buddhist complex. On the basis of iconographical similarities, the chronology of this site now dates back to the Sunga period, i.e. the second century BC. If this is to be believed, then Lalitagiri could be considered as one of the earliest Buddhist establishments in the world. Among the many noteworthy discoveries at this site is an ancient stupa containing relics preserved in caskets of stone. Its antiquity and its silver and gold contents have led to speculations that these are relics of Lord Buddha. Further findings of black polished inscribed pieces of pottery of Ashokan Brahmi script and a number of inscriptional evidence such as Kushan inscriptions, ornamental Brahmi etc. have corroborated in establishing Lalitagiri as a flourishing Buddhist center of the second century BC.
The 1st century Complex is definitely a big pull for the pilgrims as well as archaeologists. The sculptures are also quite interesting, especially when it's known that these belong to the 1st century. There are several stupas in the hill range, and the Chaitya hills are also a major attraction for the tourists.
There is also a giant stupa on the top of the Pushpagiri hill, of Mahavira, that is considered a brilliant piece of Buddhist architecture. There are relics of Buddha sculptured on the cascades, which are interesting to learn the culture of that age, is another draw.
The recent excavations have made the place more popular due to the findings of many ancient sculptures and other items, which are important in archaeological sense. The structures are linked, by the archaeologists, to the Gandhrva school of art.
Visit Also
Langudi : The recent excavations, revealing some interesting facts, in the Langudi hills that are worth a watch with utmost interest. There are many Stupas cut out from rock grabbing attention, the Buddha in Samadhi-mudra, Sculpture of Goddess Tara, the harmonic umbrella, the Cylin dome etc have revealed a new chapter in the Buddhist tourist destinations.