Anupu Nagarjuna Sagar

Anupu is a great historical site in Andhra Pradesh, close to Nagarjuna Sagar, and one of the must-see places to visit in Nagarjuna Sagar. Carefully reconstructed, this ancient site gives us a look into ancient India's rich educational and cultural history.

There are stupas, viharas, and other buildings that have been destroyed that give guests a unique look into how people lived in the past. The fact that Anupu still stands showcases how advanced India's architecture and schooling were in the past.

What is Anupu famous for?

Anupu is famous for its primary attraction, which is the ancient archaeological site. Visitors could visit these exquisitely recreated Buddhist university ruins, stupas, viharas, and many other structures, trying to catch glimpses and nuggets of what might-have-been attained by India at that time, considering the architectural and educational progression.

The town of Anupu is on the banks of the Krishna River. It boasts fine sceneries of the river along with the surrounding landscapes. The calmness of the spot makes it suitable for photography and nature walks.

Anupu offers an oh-so-still environment conducive to meditation and introspection. Spend some quiet time there just soaking in the spirituality and history. This is one location that necessarily makes it to Nagarjuna Sagar tour packages for its tranquil and introspective environment.

What are the key architectural features of Anupu?

The Ancient University, Amphitheater, and Harati Temple are notable Anupu buildings. Rebuilt stupas at university have spherical brick or rubble walls coated in limestone slabs or stucco. A Buddha statue centers on one of Simhala Vihara's two rooms. Chaitya Halls and temples had limestone columns. The walls were brick and stone.

A beautiful amphitheater with tall columns on both sides had a vast playground in the middle. On top of the field are broken column remains of old vihara. One of the most important finds was the shrine of the Buddhist mother goddess Harati. The temple facing the amphitheater shows a shattered mother goddess seated.

Why is this significant for ancient history?

Anupu, a historic Buddhist site in Andhra Pradesh, lies 8 miles from Nagarjuna Sagar. While rebuilding the Nagarjuna Sagar dam, the remnants of an ancient Buddhist University were excavated. The reservoir was feared to bury them. An unusual restoration of the remnants at Anupu, 4 km from the dam site, prevented submersion.

The Ikshvaku capital was Nagarjuna Konda, 150 km south of Hyderabad, in the 3rd–4th centuries AD. The ancient site was 23 sq.km in a Krishna River valley.

Anupu, on the river's east bank, has more reconstruction sites. They comprise a temple (3rd-4th century), monasteries (4th century), and a stadium. The monastery contains a store, bath, and refectory. Stadium seating is on tiered galleries around a rectangular court.