Placed within the banks of the River Krishna in India
, the small town of Amaravati has a surprisingly rich cultural and religious heritage. Situated in the outskirts of Andhra Pradesh, it is home to one of the famous Pancharama temples known as the Amareswara Temple. This small town was once the capital of Satavahanas who was first of the Andhra Kings to rule the region after the disintegration of the Maurya Empire. Also going by the names of Dharnikota or Dhanyakataka, Amaravati is the place where the now famous pre-Mauryan Buddhist Stupa was built.
With such a rich history its no surprise that there are many legends and stories connected to this quiet village town. According to some of the stories it has been said that this was the site where Buddha preached and carried out a Kalachakra ceremony. The verification of this very fact would mean that Amaravati has a history that dates back to 500 BC. Many kings and rulers have made the Krishna River their home and it was believed by these Kings that Amaravati or Amareswaram was a sacred site. This was attributed to three things that the land possessed; one was the Krishna River, the other was the Mahalinga Murthy which was one of God Siva and the final component was a Kshetra that had a Sthala mahatmyam which in essence meant a land of special energy or power.
Amaravati is a town that also has a rich Buddhist history. A fact verified by the existence of the famous Buddhist Stupa. This stupa was believed to have been built in the time of King Ashoka and was finished in the year 200 BC. The panels surrounding the stupa are carved with the story of Buddhas life and the stupa itself is decorated with erect Buddha figures and limestone relief. The style of art that was applied by the people of Amaravati is also regarded as one of the three important styles of historic Indian art.
When looking for accommodation when visiting Amaravati, the perfect place to stay would be The Gateway Hotel M G Road Vijayawada. Among the many hotels in Vijayawada- which is a town that is quite close to Amaravati is a flagship rest known for its outstanding service. With luxurious settings and impeccable service, they ensure a hassle free, relaxing getaway for the entire family.