Famous Temples in India

Architecture

The Bojjannakonda and Lingalakonda caves lie on the same hill but in different directions. Bojjannakonda lies on the eastern side of the hill while Lingalakonda lies on the western side of the hill. These hills contain numerous monolithic stupas, rock-cut caves, chaityas and monasteries making the hill one of the most remarkable places for Buddhist shrines in Andhra Pradesh.

Bojjannakonda - This is the eastern hill covered with a large group of monolithic stupas surrounding the rock-cut platforms of the Maha stupa. Bojjannakonda has six rock-cut caves, a group of stupas surrounding a maha stupa and chaityas surrounding the maha stupa. The caves have panels that have been meticulously sculptured. The main cave is comparatively larger and has sixteen pillars. It has a monolithic stupa right in the centre, creating a pathway around the stupas for pradakshina. The dome of several stupas is made of bricks. Two of these brick stupas hold stone relic caskets or miniature stupas. The first stop is a rectangular cave with a broad doorway flanked by tall ‘Dwarpalas’ and a modern grated steel door. The cave has a stupa that is surrounded by 16 pillars. But it is difficult to savour the past here as there is no light inside. An imposing statue of the Buddha carved into a concave arch sits above the doorway on the second storey. This cave has several statues of the Buddha in different postures, though most of them are defaced. Adding to the decrepitude are stains on the walls left by oily lamps. Atop the hill is a huge platform made of bricks and surrounded by 52 viharas, that were used for meditation by the monks. These are surrounded by several small stupas.

An umbrella is carved on the ceiling over the stupa. This umbrella was originally connected to the top of the stupa. However, after years of weathering the shaft that connected the umbrella to the stupa is no longer seen. The cave has two levels - the top level has a carving of Gautam Buddha where he can be seen sitting in a lotus position, meditating posture with attendants around him. At the foothills, an image of a Buddhist Monk, Harati, can also be found. The caves form a notable establishment of Buddhists in the region and stand out for its large group of monolithic stupas that surround a Maha Stupa which has a dome made of bricks. The three phases of Buddhism - Mahayana, Hinayana and Vajrayana are featured on the caves, chaityas and the monasteries. The surroundings are tranquil and motivate many to meditate when they visit the attraction. The caves nearby also have stupas where Buddhist monks would meditate. Items like mud utensils, seals, pots, terracotta beads, gold, lead and copper coins and metal figures were recovered from the caves. An idol of Kalabhairav and an image of Harati were also later on discovered during the excavation.

Lingalakonda - On the western side of the hill, there consists of a series of caves popularly known as Lingalakonda caves. These caves consist of a large number of rock-cut small stupas forming the shape of a ridge. It is recorded that when the excavation was conducted, a large number of antique Buddha statues and Buddhist relics were recovered. This excavation was conducted with the support from Mr Alexander Rea in the early 20th century. It has over 250 rock-cut stupas. The uphill climb here isn’t as challenging as it is at Bojjannakonda. There are only 35 steps leading to a gentle slope. A large rock-cut stupa on the heritage site welcomes you. By its right side are more stupas in descending order of size. On the left, a pathway leads to the edge of the hill, where over 200 small stupas overlook Bojjannakonda. Between the edge of the hill and the largest stupa, there is a cave-like structure which has a wooden scaffolding.

It was also recorded that pottery, seals, terracotta inscribed tablets, terracotta beads and terracotta figures were also excavated. The gold coins on Samudra Gupta of Gupta dynasty, copper coins of Eastern Chalukya King Vishuvardhana surnamed Vidhamasiddhi and a lead coins were also recovered. These artefacts provided the information that the early Buddhist settlements in these areas, dates from the 2nd and 9th century.