Those who live in Secunderabad will never want to move away from there. Especially after one discovers beautiful sights, old British architecture, churches, long winding roads with the shade of trees on either side and admire what is left of the rocky terrain of Deccan. While suggesting places to visit in the twin cities, the usual suspects are always discussed, except by those who have visited the Ananda Buddha Vihara at Mahendra or Mahendragiri Hills in Secunderabad. Ananda Buddha Vihara is a Buddhist complex; complete with a Buddha temple, meditation halls, library and a cultural space. Ananda Buddha Vihara is considered the heart of Buddhist activities in the twin cities and other parts of the State.
The best is nestled on top View of the city below from Buddha Vihara at Mahendra Hills
For locals it is just another walk by a Buddha temple. But for those who live in the midst of a concrete jungle, this place — right from main road to the drive up — is awe-inspiring. The winding narrow roads doesn’t seem like a mean incline to the eye, but you realise it is quite a slope when you begin the climb on foot or by vehicle.
There are two roads to reach Ananda Buddha Vihara. The route from East Marredpally is the most frequented. Speed isn’t advisable here. Go slow and climb while you look down to see the hustle-bustle you have left behind. Apart from the little tiredness (if you are not high on fitness) you will realise the calm and silence around. The rustling of leaves and chirping of the homebound birds over the evening sky will make you wonder about the noise we are surrounded with.
Mahabodhi Buddha Vihara at Mahendra Hills
The Buddha Vihara is adjacent to Mata Amritanandmayi’s ashram. One can go inside the ashram to take a look.
Once near the Buddha temple, the view is breathtaking. But it’s also sad to note the rate at which the hill is getting populated. Since the Buddha temple is at the highest point of what remains of Mahendragiri Hills, it kind of offers a birds-eye view of the city. A good idea would be to go equipped with a pair of good binoculars for a better view. The Vihara was inaugurated by 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, in 2002. With a proposed museum hall, it is a place to gain knowledge about Buddhism.
Apparently the institution began in 1974 and was a registered society managed by city-based Buddhist monks from 1996. In 2003, The Dalai Lama dedicated the statue of Buddha in a position known as the Dhamma Desana Mudra here.
To reach the main hall with high arched ceiling, one has to climb up a fleet of stairs. In the hall is a big golden Buddha statue, enveloped in an utterly unbelievable silence. A mini garden adjacent to the hall has a beautiful idol of Buddha under the tree, depicting the scene of attending Nirvana.
Ananda Buddha Vihara is open from 6am - 11am and 4pm - 7pm. There is no entry charge.
