The city of destiny has always had a lot of stories to tell. Rich with history and beauty, Visakhapatnam is known for its peace and tranquillity. Did you know, this alluring city is a home for a 2000-year-old monastery? Vizag bears the ruins of Buddhist stupas on the hills of Thotlakonda near Bheemunipatnam, 15 km away from the city’s heart. Thotlakonda overshadows the sea, holding the stupas for longer than the city witnessed. The name Thotlakonda, which literally translates as the “Hill of Stone Wells.” is symbolic because it has waterproof wells embedded on the hill bed. 

Above 128 Ft from sea level, Thotlakonda offers quite a pleasant look at the calm sea. Apart from the delightful greenery in and around the hill, this place holds history that attracts tourists from all around the world. Also known as the Mahastupa of the Buddhist heritage, it consists of many stupas, viharas and grihas which were used by the monks during early times. Thotlakonda hill offered the best climate and geographic conditions for monks to reside, preach Buddhism and worship Gautam Buddha.  

 

Thotlakonda: The beginning of the history

The sea situated by the hill was the start of everything. The high tidal helped travellers use Thotlakonda as the Port to anchor their ships to rest and resume their journeys. The ruins were not discovered until 1976, during the setup of naval bases. While surveying and searching for the right spot, the helicopter stumbled upon these precious ruins of Buddhism. Followed by the discovery, the area of the hill was declared as a protected monument, which comes under the act of Andhra Pradesh Ancient and Historical Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1960.

When dug deep into the discoveries, it became clear that the stupas were active for almost 400 years, dating from 200 BCE (Before Common Era) to 200 CE (Common Era). Major excavations were done in the years 1988 to 1993, which resulted in finding the most crucial history of the stupa, the essence of Hinayana Buddhism that was prospered 2000 years ago. 
 

Excavations also presented a lot of evidence that pointed to foreign exchange trade and lead to the Satavahana dynasty. Archaeologists found the roman silver coins and actual Buddha footsteps. The stupas were surrounded by 12 inscriptions, rich in Brahmi script. There was a say that, Thotlakonda had been structured in a way it accommodated 100 monastics along with food, water, clothing and medicines to store.

Though Hinayana Buddhism was the major energy of Thotlakonda, it had a hint of Nikaya Buddhism. Human representations that showed worshipping of Buddhas with padukas were also found. After the end of the 3rd century, the era of Buddhism in Thotlakonda declined. 

The fall and restoration of the maha stupa

After Vizag faced the wrath of the HudHud cyclone in the year 2014, it witnessed terrifying horrors. Among them was the collapse of the stupas and the major destruction of the heritage site. Later in the year 2016, restored and reconstructed by the State Archeology Department. Though history has vaguely remained on the hill, the glory of the stupas has somehow vanished into thin air.

It remains a rich habitat of flora and fauna. Around 90 species of birds have been found making this heritage site their home. Biologists, geologists and archaeologists from around the globe are found in this place every other day, enjoying and recording the beauty of Thotlakonda and glorifying its history for every generation.

Thotlakonda has everything a true nature enthusiastic dream of. Floods of greenery, aesthetic ruins of history with a story that resounds within the heritage site, flourishing flora and fauna and the scenic view of the sea. Truly, with the age greater than the city, it is really a wonder within the city of destiny.

By Yashaswini