Nagarjunakonda - నాగార్జునకొండ

Nagarjunakonda, like Amaravati, is also situated on the bank of river Krishna in District Guntur of Andhra Prades. Nagarjuna, a Buddhist monk-philosopher and founder of the Madhyamika ("Middle Path") school, is estimated to have lived between 150-250 CE in south India. His clarification of the concept of shunyata ("emptiness") is regarded as an intellectual and spiritual achievement of the highest order. Recognized as a patriarch by several later Buddhist schools, his two basic works are Madhyamika Karika and Vigrahavyavartani, both critical analyses of views about the origin of existence, the means of knowledge, and the nature of reality. This ancient Buddhist site 24 km both from Macherla and Nagarjunasagar project, was one of the largest and most important Buddhist centres in south India. Acharya Nagarhjuna shifted here from amaravati and established the Madhyamika school, whih attracted students even from far off places like Sri Lanks perched atop a hill on the right side of the Nagarjunasagar canal. It preserves priceless archaeological relics and findings recovered from the valley area submerged under the waters of the reservoir. The Nagarjuna island can be reached by motor launch which departs from small village of cijayapuri on the banks of Nagarjunasagar. This important historical and archaeological site is set amidst one of the most picturesque surroundings. The region is endowed with a rich and vibrant past.