Pavurallakonda

Pavurallakonda Pavurallabodu
Protected Buddhist Monument
Yaksha sculpture at Pavurallakonda near Bheemunipatnam
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 25km north of Visakhapatnam, in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located at a height of about 150 meters above sea level.

Pavurallakonda consists of a ruined hilltop Buddhist monastic complex that had witnessed human habitation anywhere 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 appealed to the authorities to ensure better protection of Buddhist sites after Bavikonda, Thotlakonda, Pavurallakonda and Bojjannakonda were designated 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 stones on the hillock (pavurallu means "white stones" locally). The origin of the name of this site needs clarification.

Gallery

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