Heading back to the history of Visakhapatnam, it was once under the ruling of King Ashoka and the presence of Buddhist activities are found here. The famous Buddhist sites in and around Visakhapatnam are known to be part of the Kalinga territory when Emperor Ashoka won the great battle of Kalinga. It is said that these sites might have been developed by King Ashoka himself, after embracing Buddhism. Thotlakonda is the famous Buddhist site present here. It was declared as UNESCO world heritage site.
Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex:
Indian Navy has found the existence of “Buddhist stupas” in Thotlakonda during an aerial survey, and the Archaeology Department carried out excavations from 1988 to 1993.The excavations found the existence of a Buddhist complex which flourished 2000 years ago. To the south of the complex there is a tank where the water is stored for the usage in the monastery .The complex also had facilities for storing food, clothes, medicines etc. and served as a religious cum academic centre.
From symbols such as padukas and other material things found during the excavation it is known that Nikaya Buddhism might have been followed here. Famous for the monastery complex, Buddhist stupas and constructions, the view it offers gives a feeling of tranquility.
The length of the hill is about 128 metres and it is situated at a distance of about 15 kilometers from Visakhapatnam.
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