Adurru Buddhist Site

Adurru is popular abode for the followers of Buddhist religion. In 1953, The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has unearthed the century’s old heritage of Viharas, Chaityas, and Buddhist Stupas from this site. These excavations have also revealed ancient artefacts like shreds of red pottery, jars, and bowls of kaolin. The prime attraction of this religious site is a Maha Stupa which stands with a diameter of 17 feet and has been carved out as a wheel on a raised platform. There is also a pyramid shaped structure in Adurru village which is popularly referred to as “Dubaraju Gudi” by the locals.

The popular Buddhist Stupa present here is said to be built during the reign of Emperor Ashoka and it was called as “Mahakshetram”. The Maha Stupa has been also declared as a protected monument by Archaeological Department of India. The place also bears a foundation stone laid by Ashoka’s daughter, Sanghamithra while she was on her way to Sri Lanka. She was a famous Buddhist nun also. On the front side of the site, i.e. towards east, there are two Upa-Stupas on both sides with the same wheel based structure. You will also witness square shaped and round shaped structures towards the west side of the main Stupa. They are systematically well connected with each other from all the sides.

Some of the other enthralling findings at this Buddhist site are the presence of an underground passage to Godavari River and the diamonds-square shaped structures on the main Stupa. The whole excavation site stretches to an area of 2.04 acres and its scenic beauty makes this site a worth visit place.