Andhra Pradesh Pilgrimage Travel

Category :- All India Travel Tourism > States > Pilgrimage > Andhra Pradesh

The idol has four arms, two in the rear, one carrying the Shankha or the conch, and the other the Chakra or the discus, and two in the front, one in the Abhaya pose and the other resting on the hip. On the front arms, the Bhujanga Valaya, and the girdle of the serpent, an emblem of Shiva can be seen. It is considered auspicious to have your head shaved when visiting the temple. The temple is one of the few in India that will allow non-Hindus into the sanctum sanctorum. It is the richest temple in the country and most of its wealth is used to help the poor.

How to reach: It is situated in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, 704 kms. from Hyderabad, 250 kms. from Bangalore and is 150 kms. from Madras .

BUDDHIST CENTRES

Nagarjunakonda
Nagarjunakonda is a known Buddhist site. It is known for Buddhist University founded by Nagarjuna, a Mahayana exponent. It was a place with stupas, chaityas, monasteries and exquisite sculpture adorning the monuments. Nagarjunakonda is now an island on the immense lake created by the dam, Nagarjunasagar, and can be reached by a boat. A replica of a vihara has been created on this island embellished with the figure of the Buddha.

Amravati
Amravati is the known center of Buddhism. In 140 AD Buddhism was introduced here influenced by Kushanas of Mathura. Amravati is known for its Great Stupa, 6 ft high and the highest in South India. It is made of marble. There is a brick-cored chaitya or a temple which is surroundede by a carved railing. The dome of the stupa is 192 ft in diameter. The carvings in relief adorn both the outside and interiors of the stupa.

How to reach: It can be reached by road from Vijayawada via Guntur (64 kms. ) and from Hyderabad (359 kms.) which has an airport and is a rail junction.