A bodhi tree, sapling of which was planted by the Dalai Lama who visited Amaravati town in 2006 to open Kalachakra, was almost dead six months ago.
“My first reaction was to dig a pit around the tree and water it. The area in front of the tree was being used for parking of vehicles with no respect for the place. The new project we designed was to close the place and develop a meditation area here. The tree has been rehabilitated and it looks very healthy, surrounded by eight granite pillars symbolising Ashtanga Margam, the eight-fold path in Buddhism,” said Amareswara Galla, Curator and International Heritage Advisor, Amaravati Ancient Town.
The long-neglected Kalachakra museum, proposed to be renamed as Amaravati Heritage Centre and Museum, is bursting with life. A large carving of the Dharma Chakra has been installed in front of the bodhi tree. Five gazebos have been constructed in front of the tree using traditional pentals representing Buddha’s first sermon to his five disciples after he attained enlightenment. The large wall has been transformed with mural art and the whole area has been aesthetically designed.
‘Venuvanam’, which was formally inaugurated by MLA K. Sridhar on Saturday, was the cynosure of all eyes.
International standards
Monks in maroon robes offered prayers at the tree during the inaugural.
The MLA said that though it was a small pilot project it had set the benchmark for international standards that would become the hallmark of the ancient Amaravati town.
The once-sleepy town is buzzing with activity with Tourism and other officials are set on the task of reviving the old world charm of the place that attracted Buddhists in a big way.
A heritage walk and a tourism circuit are among projects planned for this region.
