Plan to develop Buddhist site at Chebrolu

‘Chebrolu was a territorial capital during Kakatiya dynasty’. A few sculptures made of lime and marble stone carvings and an image of a mystical animal and ‘Yaksha’ were also found along with large bricks used for constructing the site.

September 18, 2014 12:50 am | Updated November 17, 2021 12:02 am IST - VIJAYAWADA:

Officials inspecting the site where a Buddhist remains were unearthed at Bhimeswara Temple at Chebrolu in Guntur district. Photo: By Arrangement

Officials inspecting the site where a Buddhist remains were unearthed at Bhimeswara Temple at Chebrolu in Guntur district. Photo: By Arrangement

As part of its endeavour to develop ancient sites in the region, the Archaeology and Museums Department has decided to transform the old Bhimeswara temple at Chebrolu in Guntur district into a tourist spot as precious Buddhist remains belonging to the first or second century A.D. were found adjacent to the temple.

Six railing posts of Buddhist Stupa each measuring five-foot high and 60 cms width along with several other precious remains were unearthed while carrying out digging works on southern side of the temple as part of the temple renovation works by the department a few weeks ago.

After further excavation, officials have found the railing posts depicting Lotus Medallions and a row of animals.

A few sculptures made of lime and marble stone carvings and an image of a mystical animal and ‘Yaksha’ were also found along with large bricks used for constructing the site.

“We have shifted sculptures to the Guntur museum for display while the railing posts would be put up near the temple to indicate that there was human habitation since second century A.D.,” said Archaeology Department Assistant Director K. Chitti Babu on Wednesday.

The villagers also wanted the department to erect the posts adjacent to the temple where Buddhist remains were found. Considering all these aspects, the department is planning to develop the area into a tourist site. The renovation of three temples, including Bhimeswara temple, was taken up at a cost of over Rs.1.4 crore. Plans have also been chalked out to construct a compound wall at the temple, said Mr. Chitti Babu.

He said Chebrolu was a territorial capital during Kakatiya dynasty and commander chief Ganapathi Deva was in-charge of the area. The site is 20 kms from Guntur, while over 70 kms from Vijayawada.

Top News Today

Sign in to unlock member-only benefits!
  • Access 10 free stories every month
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.