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[[File:Totlakonda entrance.jpg|thumb|Entrance to Totlakonda]] | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2018}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2018}} | ||
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2018}} | {{Use Indian English|date=September 2018}} | ||
{{Infobox settlement | {{Infobox settlement | ||
| name | | name = Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex | ||
| native_name | | native_name = | ||
| native_name_lang | | native_name_lang = | ||
| other_name | | other_name = Senagiri | ||
| nickname | | nickname = | ||
| settlement_type | | settlement_type = Protected Buddhist Monument | ||
| image_skyline | | image_skyline = File:Mahastupa in Thotlakonda, Visakhapatnam (2).jpg | ||
| image_alt | | image_alt = | ||
| image_caption | | image_caption = Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda | ||
| pushpin_map | | pushpin_map = India Visakhapatnam | ||
| pushpin_label_position | | pushpin_label_position = left | ||
| pushpin_map_alt | | pushpin_map_alt = | ||
| pushpin_map_caption | | pushpin_map_caption = Location in Andhra Pradesh, India | ||
| coordinates | | coordinates = {{coord|17|49|35|N|83|24|34|E|display=inline,title}} | ||
| subdivision_type | | subdivision_type = Country | ||
| subdivision_name | | subdivision_name = {{flag|India}} | ||
| subdivision_type1 | | subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]] | ||
| subdivision_name1 | | subdivision_name1 = [[Andhra Pradesh]] | ||
| subdivision_type2 | | subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]] | ||
| subdivision_name2 | | subdivision_name2 = [[Visakhapatnam]] | ||
| established_title | | established_title = <!-- Established --> | ||
| established_date | | established_date = | ||
| founder | | founder = | ||
| named_for | | named_for = | ||
| government_type | | government_type = | ||
| governing_body | | governing_body = | ||
| unit_pref | | unit_pref = Metric | ||
| area_footnotes | | area_footnotes = | ||
| area_rank | | area_rank = | ||
| area_total_km2 | | area_total_km2 = | ||
| elevation_footnotes | | elevation_footnotes = | ||
| elevation_m | | elevation_m = | ||
| population_total | | population_total = | ||
| population_as_of | | population_as_of = | ||
| population_rank | | population_rank = | ||
| population_density_km2 | | population_density_km2 = auto | ||
| population_demonym | | population_demonym = | ||
| population_footnotes | | population_footnotes = | ||
| demographics_type1 | | demographics_type1 = Languages | ||
| demographics1_title1 | | demographics1_title1 = Official | ||
| demographics1_info1 | | demographics1_info1 = [[Telugu language|Telugu]] | ||
| timezone1 | | timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]] | ||
| utc_offset1 | | utc_offset1 = +5:30 | ||
| postal_code_type | | postal_code_type = <!-- [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] --> | ||
| postal_code | | postal_code = | ||
| registration_plate | | registration_plate = | ||
| blank1_name_sec1 | | blank1_name_sec1 = Nearest city | ||
| blank1_info_sec1 | | blank1_info_sec1 = [[Visakhapatnam]] | ||
| website | | website = | ||
| footnotes | | footnotes = | ||
}} | }} | ||
[[File:Rock-cut water tank, Totlakunda.jpg|thumb|Water tank carved in rock, Totlakonda]] | |||
Thotlakonda | '''Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex''' is situated on a hill near [[Bheemunipatnam]] about {{convert|15|km}} from [[Visakhapatnam]] in [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[India]]. The hill is about {{convert|128|m}} above [[sea level]] and overlooks the ocean. The Telugu name ''Toṭlakoṇḍa'' (తొట్లకొండ) derived from the presence of a number of rock-cut [[cistern]]s hewn into the bedrock of the hillock. “Thotlakonda" may also mean “hill of cisterns.” <ref>{{cite web |last1=N/A |first1=N/A |title=Thotlakonda & Bavikonda |url=https://shunya.net/Pictures/South%20India/Bavikonda-Thotlakonda/BavikondaThotlakonda.htm |website=Shunya.net |access-date=March 18, 2025}}</ref> In 2019, the stupa was partially damaged due to monsoons, but it was restored by 2021 at the cost of Rs 42 lakh.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gopal |first=B. Madhu |date=2021-09-14 |title=Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda restored |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/maha-stupa-at-thotlakonda-restored/article36449488.ece |access-date=2022-03-02 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> | ||
[[File:Votive Sthupas, Totlakonda.jpg|thumb|Votive Sthupas, Totlakonda]] | |||
Thotlakonda | Thotlakonda was well within the influence of [[Kalinga (historical kingdom)|Kalinga]], an important source of dissemination of [[Buddhism]] to Sri Lanka and various parts of [[Southeast Asia]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Andhra Pradesh: Capital Relocation Poses Threat to Buddhist Heritage Sites in Vizag |url=https://thewire.in/rights/andhra-pradesh-capital-relocation-vizag-buddhist-heritage-sites-threat |access-date=2024-04-17 |website=The Wire |language=en}}</ref> Also, it was one of the ports of entry for pilgrims arriving via th sea to visit prominent Buddhist places located near the 83.3 degree Meridian East. Thotlakonda's history provides an insight into the process of transoceanic diffusion of Indic culture, especially Buddhism. | ||
[[File:Bauddha Viharas, Totlakonda.jpg|thumb|Bauddha Viharas, Totlakonda]] | |||
A hill on the sea coast with a salubrious (healthy) climate was an ideal attraction for the Buddhist monks to build a [[monastery]] complex.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ganguly |first=Nivedita |date=2021-04-20 |title=A campaign to save Visakhapatnam’s 2000-year-old Buddhist site of Thotlakonda |url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/a-campaign-to-save-visakhapatnams-2000-year-old-buddhist-site-of-thotlakonda/article34368632.ece |access-date=2024-04-17 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The placid sea, sheltered by the deeply curved coastline, provided a safe haven for anchoring ships. Buddhist sites such as Thotlakonda, Sarnath, Kushinagar and Lumbini lie very close to the longitudinal 83.3 degrees Meridian East. People coming to India by sea to visit important Buddhist sites looked for the shortest route to travel; it is believed that many stopped at Thotlakonda, a transit point where they anchored their ships, rested on the hill for a while, and then continued along the 83.3° East meridian northwards.{{Citation needed|date=March 2025}} | |||
Thotlakonda | Thotlakonda came to light during an aerial survey by the [[Indian Navy]] for setting up a naval base. After its discovery, major excavations were conducted by the Andhra Pradesh State Archaeology Department from 1988 to 1993.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peri |first=Usha |date=2024-03-03 |title=Vizag security guard’s narration brings Thotlakonda Buddhist site to life |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/good-news/2024/Mar/03/vizag-security-guards-narration-brings-thotlakonda-buddhist-site-to-life |access-date=2024-04-17 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> The excavations established the existence of a [[Nikaya]] Buddhist complex which flourished 2000 years ago. To the south of the complex there is a tank which served as a water source to the monastery inhabitants. | ||
[[File:Thotlakonda_Buddhist_Complex_in_Visakhapatnam_in_2024,_March_22.jpg|thumb|Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex]] | |||
The excavations reveal [[Satavahana dynasty]] lead and [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] silver coins indicating foreign trade; [[terracotta]] tiles, stucco decorative pieces, sculptured panels, miniature [[stupa]] models in stone, and [[Buddha footprint]]s were also found. The excavations also yielded twelve inscriptions. From linguistic studies, it appears that the hill might have been known as ''Senagiri''; ''Sena'' in [[Pali]] means "elder, superior". | |||
The complex | Thotlakonda's peak activity was between the 2nd century BCE and the 2nd century CE owing to brisk Roman trade and religious missions sent abroad.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thotlakonda {{!}} Incredible India |url=https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en/destinations/visakhapatnam/thotlakonda.html |access-date=2024-04-17 |website=www.incredibleindia.org}}</ref> Thotlakonda came into existence along with nearby Buddhist sites in [[Visakhapatnam]] like [[Bavikonda]] and [[Pavurallakonda]]. The lofty stupas shining during the day, with their light lime plaster and with rows of wick lamps during nights, might have served as guiding landmarks of nautical commuters. While there appears to have been no royal patronage, traders and local Buddhists seem to have supported the monasatic [[sangha]]. In its heyday, Thotlakonda might have accommodated more than 100 [[bhikkhu]]s.{{Citation needed|date=March 2025}} | ||
The complex served as a religious-academic center, with arrangements for storing food, clothing, and medicines. [[Nikaya Buddhism]] appears to have been practiced at Thotlakonda, including the worship of [[Gautama Buddha]] through [[aniconic]] symbols such as [[paduka]]s, [[ashtamangala]] and other methods of non-human representation. | |||
Thotlakonda had declined by the end of the 3rd century. | Thotlakonda had declined by the end of the 3rd century. | ||
[[File:Thotlakonda Monastic Complex Panoramic view AP.JPG|thumb|centre|1100px|Thotlakonda Monastic Complex Panoramic view]] | [[File:Thotlakonda Monastic Complex Panoramic view AP.JPG|thumb|centre|1100px|Thotlakonda Monastic Complex Panoramic view]] | ||
==References== | |||
{{reflist}} | |||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{commons category|Thotlakonda}} | {{commons category|Thotlakonda}} | ||
* [ | * [https://www.rangan-datta.info/thotlakonda.htm Travel Article on Thotlakonda.] | ||
* https://web.archive.org/web/20170626104454/http://asihyd.ap.nic.in/monuments.html | * https://web.archive.org/web/20170626104454/http://asihyd.ap.nic.in/monuments.html | ||
[[Category:Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh]] | [[Category:Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh]] | ||
Latest revision as of 00:08, 11 February 2026
Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex
Senagiri | |
|---|---|
Protected Buddhist Monument | |
.jpg) Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda | |
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 501: Unable to find the specified location map definition: "Module:Location map/data/India Visakhapatnam" does not exist. | |
| Coordinates: 17°49′35″N 83°24′34″E / 17.82639°N 83.40944°E | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| District | Visakhapatnam |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Telugu |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| Nearest city | Visakhapatnam |
Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex is situated on a hill near Bheemunipatnam about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, India. The hill is about 128 metres (420 ft) above sea level and overlooks the ocean. The Telugu name Toṭlakoṇḍa (తొట్లకొండ) derived from the presence of a number of rock-cut cisterns hewn into the bedrock of the hillock. “Thotlakonda" may also mean “hill of cisterns.” [1] In 2019, the stupa was partially damaged due to monsoons, but it was restored by 2021 at the cost of Rs 42 lakh.[2]
Thotlakonda was well within the influence of Kalinga, an important source of dissemination of Buddhism to Sri Lanka and various parts of Southeast Asia.[3] Also, it was one of the ports of entry for pilgrims arriving via th sea to visit prominent Buddhist places located near the 83.3 degree Meridian East. Thotlakonda's history provides an insight into the process of transoceanic diffusion of Indic culture, especially Buddhism.
A hill on the sea coast with a salubrious (healthy) climate was an ideal attraction for the Buddhist monks to build a monastery complex.[4] The placid sea, sheltered by the deeply curved coastline, provided a safe haven for anchoring ships. Buddhist sites such as Thotlakonda, Sarnath, Kushinagar and Lumbini lie very close to the longitudinal 83.3 degrees Meridian East. People coming to India by sea to visit important Buddhist sites looked for the shortest route to travel; it is believed that many stopped at Thotlakonda, a transit point where they anchored their ships, rested on the hill for a while, and then continued along the 83.3° East meridian northwards.[citation needed]
Thotlakonda came to light during an aerial survey by the Indian Navy for setting up a naval base. After its discovery, major excavations were conducted by the Andhra Pradesh State Archaeology Department from 1988 to 1993.[5] The excavations established the existence of a Nikaya Buddhist complex which flourished 2000 years ago. To the south of the complex there is a tank which served as a water source to the monastery inhabitants.
The excavations reveal Satavahana dynasty lead and Roman silver coins indicating foreign trade; terracotta tiles, stucco decorative pieces, sculptured panels, miniature stupa models in stone, and Buddha footprints were also found. The excavations also yielded twelve inscriptions. From linguistic studies, it appears that the hill might have been known as Senagiri; Sena in Pali means "elder, superior".
Thotlakonda's peak activity was between the 2nd century BCE and the 2nd century CE owing to brisk Roman trade and religious missions sent abroad.[6] Thotlakonda came into existence along with nearby Buddhist sites in Visakhapatnam like Bavikonda and Pavurallakonda. The lofty stupas shining during the day, with their light lime plaster and with rows of wick lamps during nights, might have served as guiding landmarks of nautical commuters. While there appears to have been no royal patronage, traders and local Buddhists seem to have supported the monasatic sangha. In its heyday, Thotlakonda might have accommodated more than 100 bhikkhus.[citation needed]
The complex served as a religious-academic center, with arrangements for storing food, clothing, and medicines. Nikaya Buddhism appears to have been practiced at Thotlakonda, including the worship of Gautama Buddha through aniconic symbols such as padukas, ashtamangala and other methods of non-human representation.
Thotlakonda had declined by the end of the 3rd century.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ N/A, N/A. "Thotlakonda & Bavikonda". Shunya.net. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
- ↑ Gopal, B. Madhu (14 September 2021). "Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda restored". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
- ↑ "Andhra Pradesh: Capital Relocation Poses Threat to Buddhist Heritage Sites in Vizag". The Wire. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
- ↑ Ganguly, Nivedita (20 April 2021). "A campaign to save Visakhapatnam's 2000-year-old Buddhist site of Thotlakonda". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
- ↑ Peri, Usha (3 March 2024). "Vizag security guard's narration brings Thotlakonda Buddhist site to life". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
- ↑ "Thotlakonda | Incredible India". www.incredibleindia.org. Retrieved 17 April 2024.