Why is Buddhavanam in the Spotlight?
In a remarkable blend of heritage and global culture, Miss World 2025 contenders from 22 countries recently visited Buddhavanam, Telangana’s premier Buddhist theme park, to commemorate Buddha Purnima. This high-profile event drew attention to the site’s spiritual significance, architectural grandeur, and role in preserving India’s Buddhist legacy.
Buddhavanam is strategically located on the northern bank of the Krishna River, near Nagarjuna Sagar in the state of Telangana. The region was historically known as Nagarjunakonda or Sriparvata – Vijayapuri, a flourishing centre of Buddhist learning and culture during ancient times.
This tranquil park sits beside one of the largest man-made lakes in India and is enveloped by scenic hills and spiritual serenity, making it a perfect site for meditation and historical exploration.
Between 1954 and 1960, extensive excavations were conducted in the region, yielding extraordinary Buddhist remains and structures:
In addition, remains of a palace complex and a few Brahmanical temples built from bricks were discovered, showcasing the coexistence of religious traditions in the area.
The sculptural panels depict:
These provide both spiritual teachings and artistic insight into ancient Indian narrative sculpture.
To preserve the invaluable heritage threatened by the submergence from the Nagarjuna Sagar dam, many artifacts and structures were relocated and reconstructed at:
These efforts underline India’s commitment to heritage conservation and the revival of Buddhist legacy.
Spread across 279 acres, Buddhavanam has been developed by the Government of India as part of an integrated Buddhist Circuit initiative aimed at attracting both domestic and international tourists, particularly from Southeast Asia.
The park is meticulously designed to reflect the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha through distinct thematic zones:
The Mahastupa stands out for its exquisite carvings on both the drum and dome. An artistic highlight is the virtual hanging sky effect with lotus flowers beneath it, symbolizing enlightenment and purity.
The visit of Miss World 2025 contenders underscores Buddhavanam’s growing global appeal. As part of India’s larger efforts to promote spiritual tourism, the site aligns with the goals of:
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