Satavahana Buddhist site unearthed

Vijayawada: A first century CE Buddhist site came to light in Prakasam district on Wednesday. Dr E Sivanagi Reddy, a Buddhist archaeologist and CEO of Cultural Centre of Vijayawada and Amaravati (CCVA), accompanied by historian Dr Jyothi Chandramouli of Addanki, explored Buddhist remains at Manikeswaram village in Addanki mandal.

Reddy said on the information given by Dr Jyothi, a survey was conducted at Manikeswaram village under ‘Preserve Heritage for Posterity’, a scheme launched by CCVA to sensitise the local communities on safeguarding the archaeological and historical sites and monuments left uncared for.

He said the team spotted two Buddhist pillars (1’-0”X1’-0”X10’-0” size) carved with half lotus medallions and depicted with frieze of animals located near Mandukeswara temple of the village. Dr Sivanagi Reddy after thorough examination of the art motifs on the pillars said that these pillars belong to a Buddhist monastery of the Satavahana period.

He said the pillars were located outside the temple premises, coated with white wash, which lost its archaeological significance. Reddy sensitised the temple priest Prasad Sarma on the issue.

The team appealed the AP State Department of Archaeology and Museums to further explore the village and declare it as a protected site and preserve the existing Buddhist pillars by erecting a sign board. Puratana president K Venkateswara Rao also participated in the exploration.