Bhattiprolu is a small village in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The town is renowned for its ancient Buddhist site from the 3rd century BC, which is considered one of the earliest and most important Buddhist sites in South India.
The Bhattiprolu Stupa is the village's main attraction and is considered one of the oldest and largest stupas in India. The stupa is a circular dome-shaped structure built with bricks and mud and measures about 52 feet in diameter and 27 feet in height. The dome is surrounded by a stone railing adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions in Brahmi script.
The Bhattiprolu Stupa is believed to have been built during the reign of the Mauryan Empire and is considered a fine example of Mauryan architecture. The stupa was rediscovered in the 19th century by British archaeologists who excavated extensively and uncovered several important artefacts, including pottery, coins, and sculptures.
Apart from the Bhattiprolu Stupa, the village has several other ancient Buddhist relics, including rock-cut caves, chaitya halls, and viharas. These structures are believed to have been built during the Satavahana and Ikshvaku dynasties and are adorned with beautiful carvings and sculptures.
Visitors to Bhattiprolu can also explore the nearby villages and towns, which offer a glimpse into the rural life and culture of Andhra Pradesh. The city is surrounded by lush green fields and small hills and is known for its warm hospitality and delicious cuisine.
Places To Visit In Andhra Pradesh Near Bhattiprolu:
While Bhattiprolu is a small village with ancient Buddhist sites and relics, several interesting places are nearby. Here are a few:
Located about 50 km from Bhattiprolu, Amaravathi is known for its ancient Buddhist site, Amaravathi Stupa. The stupa is considered one of the world's most important Buddhist sites and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.
Located about 40 km from Bhattiprolu, Guntur is a bustling city known for its rich history and culture. The city has several ancient temples and monuments, including the Kakatiya Kala Thoranam and the Kondaveedu Fort.
Located about 70 km from Bhattiprolu, Vijayawada is a major city in Andhra Pradesh known for its beautiful temples, parks, and museums. The city is home to the famous Kanaka Durga Temple and the Undavalli Caves, which are ancient rock-cut caves that feature intricate carvings and sculptures.
Located about 20 km from Bhattiprolu, Mangalagiri is a small town known for its ancient Sri Panakala Narasimha Swamy Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, and is believed to be one of the oldest temples in the region.
Nagarjuna Sagar:
Located about 100 km from Bhattiprolu, Nagarjuna Sagar is a town known for its beautiful dam, the second-largest masonry dam in the world. The city is also home to several ancient Buddhist sites, including Nagarjuna Konda Island, which features several rock-cut caves and sculptures.