Buddhist Sites

-| Ghantasala | -

Location: District Krishna (Andhra Pradesh ) - Lat 16º 8'N, Long 80º 56 E

Ghantasala was a large flourishing village in Taluk Divi about 20 kms. from Masulipatan in Andhra Pradesh. It was a renowned Buddhist centre, teaming with monuments of great beauty. The prosperity of the place was due to the sea-borne trade. This fact has been attested by the presence of a number of Roman gold coins and hundreds of copper coins of the 2nd century AD south Indian dynasty king. These coins were found with ship motif.

The ancient name of Ghantasala was Kamtakashila or Kanta-asaila in Sanskrit. It was probably a flourishing Buddhist Centre on the east coast. Several limestone pillars of various sizes, bearing characteristic decoration of the 2nd -3rd century AD have been found at various forts of the stupa. Large no. of structural members have been found in the vicinity such as an inscribed lion which most probably crowned the gate and a number of ornamental pillars. The existence of Mandapa, pillars, a Buddhist statue and a Maha chaitya like the stupa of Nagarjunakonda was unearthed with paraphernalia of the whole structure. All these findings make this site worth a visit.

Home - About Us - Contact Us - Presentation - Reservation - Email