Pavurallakonda

Pavurallakonda or Pavurallabodu is the local name of a hill, popularly known as Narasimhaswamy Konda, near Bheemunipatnam about 25 km towards north of Visakhapatnam, in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located at a height of about 150 meters above mean sea level.

Pavurallakonda

Pavurallabodu
Protected Buddhist Monument
Yaksha Sculpture at Pavurallakonda near Bheemunipatnam
Pavurallakonda
Location in Andhra Pradesh, India
Coordinates: 17°53′19″N 83°26′14″E
Country India
StateAndhra Pradesh
DistrictVisakhapatnam
Languages
 • OfficialTelugu
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Nearest cityVisakhapatnam
Holy relic sites map of Andhra Pradesh

Pavurallakonda consists of a ruined hill-top Buddhist monastic complex probably witnessed human habitation from 3rd Century BCE to 2nd century CE. It is one of the Largest Buddhist Monasteries of North Coastal Andhra Region. Hinayana Buddhism may have flourished at this hill-top site.

Initial Excavation of this site yielded many relics.[1] Two Brahmi label inscriptions, foundations of Viharas, circular chaityas, votive stupas, halls etc. are located among the ruins. Coins, polished ware,[2] beads etc. were recovered from the site by the state archaeology Department[3] of Andhra Pradesh. Nearly Sixteen rock-cut cisterns are carved on the hill for the storage of rain water. Excavations and Restoration Program are under progress at Pavurallakonda.

The Gosthani River flows close by this site. This site is contemporary with the nearby Buddhist sites in Visakhapatnam district like Bavikonda and Thotlakonda.

The Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has already appealed to the authorities to ensure better protection of Buddhist sites by taking up the declaration of Bavikonda, Thotlakonda, Pavurallakonda[4] and Bojjannakonda as heritage sites by UNESCO. This will not only pave the way for steady flow of funds but also generate employment opportunities for the locals.

Origin of the name

Pavurallakonda in general gives the meaning as 'The Hill of the Pigeons' (pavuralu in Telugu means pigeons and konda means hill).But as per some studies conducted at this site it may be known as Pavurallakonda due to the availability of white stone on the hillock (pavurallu means white stones locally). The origin of the name of this site needs clarification yet.

  • Remnants of a Buddhist Stupa at Pavurallakonda
  • Buddhist Rockcut Cistern at pavurallakonda
  • Rockcut steps Pavurallakonda Buddhist ruins
  • Ruins of a Votive Stupa at Pavurallakonda near Bheemunipatnam
  • One of the 16 rockcut cisterns at Pavurallakonda Bheemili
  • Buddhist relief Pavurallakonda Site Bheemunipatnam
  • Rockcut steps to a large cistern pavurallakonda
  • Medium-sized rock cut cistern at pavurallakonda
  • Five Headed Serpent Relief at Pavurallakonda
  • Moonstone and steps at Pavurallakonda Buddhist Ruins
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References
  1. "Buddhist Relic-Caskets In South India". Bharatiya Kala Prakashan.
  2. "Journal of the Andhra Historical Research Society Volume 39". Andhra Historical Research Society.
  3. "Buddhist sites". Department of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Andhra Pradesh. Archived from the original on 9 February 2012. Retrieved 9 September 2018.
  4. "A plea for preservation". DECCAN CHRONICLE.
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