Guntupalli Group of Buddhist monuments, Andhra Pradesh

Address

Guntupalli Group of Buddhist monuments, Approach Rd for Buddist Caves, Jeelakarragudem, Andhra Pradesh 534467

Diety

Buddha

Introduction

The Guntupalle or Guntupalli Group of Buddhist Monuments is located near Kamavarapukota, West Godavari district, in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. It is around 40 km away from Eluru. The rock-cut part of the site has two Buddhist caves, a chaitya hall and a large group of stupas. The chaitya hall has a rare carved stone entrance replicating wooden architecture, a simpler version of that at the Lomas Rishi Cave. There are remains of structural buildings in brick and stone, including remains of two vihara made of brick, as well as excavated caves at two levels, including an unusual structural chaitya hall. The core of this consists of the stone stupa with an enclosed path around it allowing ritual parikrama. They mostly date to 200-0 BCE, with some sculptures added later. The main building above ground is in brick, around a stone stupa, with over 30 smaller stupas on a terrace in front of it. There are ruins of two other buildings.

Puranic Significance

Buddhism has been a popular lifestyle since the time of Buddha in the Andhra country. Many Buddhist architectural deities found in the Andhra country are evidence of the distinct position of Buddhism in the history of Buddhism. In such fields, probably the oldest is the oldest one. Guntupalli is also about the same period. These are important Buddhist works of the 3rd century BC. Gutupalli has recently been considered a Buddhist field. But recently the recent availability of the Vayalagavana Siri Sita and Kharevas are proven that Jainism has also flourished here.The Buddhists found on Guntupalli Vuri hills are historically very important. The Archaeological Survey of India has decided that these are historic and preserved antiquities. On the hill, there are sturdy gardens, monasteries and stupas. One of these is found in a stupa. This Tirth is a testimony to the many stupas that can be seen here to attract devotees.