Pavurallakonda


Pavurallakonda
Pavurallabodu
Protected Buddhist Monument
Yaksha sculpture at Pavurallakonda near Bheemunipatnam
Yaksha sculpture at Pavurallakonda near Bheemunipatnam
Pavurallakonda is located in Visakhapatnam
Pavurallakonda
Pavurallakonda
Location in Visakhapatnam, India
Coordinates: 17°53′19″N 83°26′14″E
Country India
State Andhra Pradesh
District Visakhapatnam
Languages
 • Official Telugu
Time zone UTC+5:30 (IST)
Nearest city Visakhapatnam
Holy relic sites map of Andhra Pradesh

Pavurallakonda or Pavurallabodu is the local name of the hill popularly known as Narasimhaswamy Konda, near Bheemunipatnam about 25 km 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 consists of a ruined hilltop Buddhist monastic complex that probably witnessed human habitation from the 3rd century BCE to the 2nd century CE. It is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the North Coastal Andhra Region. Hinayana Buddhism may have flourished at this hilltop site.

The initial excavation of this site yielded many relics. Two Brahmi label inscriptions, foundations of Viharas, circular chaityas, votive stupas, halls, etc. are located among the ruins. Coins, polished ware, beads, etc. were recovered from the site by the state archaeology department of Andhra Pradesh. Nearly sixteen rock-cut cisterns are carved on the hill for the storage of rainwater. Excavations and restoration programs 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 and Bojjannakonda as heritage sites by UNESCO. This will not only pave the way for a 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). However, some studies conducted at this site suggest that 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.

Gallery

  • Remnants of a Buddhist Stupa at Pavurallakonda
    Remnants of a Buddhist Stupa at Pavurallakonda
  • Buddhist Rockcut Cistern at pavurallakonda
    Buddhist Rockcut Cistern at pavurallakonda
  • Rockcut steps Pavurallakonda Buddhist ruins
    Rockcut steps Pavurallakonda Buddhist ruins
  • Ruins of a Votive Stupa at Pavurallakonda near Bheemunipatnam
    Ruins of a Votive Stupa at Pavurallakonda near Bheemunipatnam
  • One of the 16 rockcut cisterns at Pavurallakonda Bheemili
    One of the 16 rockcut cisterns at Pavurallakonda Bheemili
  • Buddhist relief Pavurallakonda Site Bheemunipatnam
    Buddhist relief Pavurallakonda Site Bheemunipatnam
  • Rockcut steps to a large cistern pavurallakonda
    Rockcut steps to a large cistern pavurallakonda
  • Medium-sized rock cut cistern at pavurallakonda
    Medium-sized rock cut cistern at pavurallakonda
  • Five Headed Serpent Relief at Pavurallakonda
    Five Headed Serpent Relief at Pavurallakonda
  • Moonstone and steps at Pavurallakonda Buddhist Ruins
    Moonstone and steps at Pavurallakonda Buddhist Ruins