Buddha Statue at Belum Caves in Andhra Pradesh
Didn’t we set out to see the Belum Caves in Kurnool? But on arriving at the destination we find this huge Buddha statue near Belum Caves. For a minute I wondered whether we were at the right place at all. Even though the place charmed me from the moment I stepped in I felt a little confused. There was something peaceful about it. The statue gleamed like a pearl reflecting morning rays. The giant statue of Buddha gave us the feeling we were at some monastery.
But first things first, we kept exploring the place for the caves. Belum Caves are popular for its longest cave system in Indian subcontinent. The caves have huge stalactite and stalagmite formations inside.
All we could see was plain land all around. At a distance from this statue we spotted a small building probably a security outpost. Nearing the place we discovered the steps leading downwards into some underground caves. We spent good one hour of exploring the caves. However the ‘how and why’ of the existence of Buddha statue kept bothering me.
Buddha statue near Belum Caves
Jains and Buddhists monks were occupying the Belum Caves of Andhra Pradesh 2000 years ago. Many Buddhists relics were found inside the caves. A small museum in Anantpur houses all unique relics that were found in the caves. This giant statue of Buddha near the Belum Caves marks that era.
In 2005 Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) built this 40ft tall statue of seated Buddha on a 20ft high lotus shaped pedestal. Gautama Buddha is depicted with dhyana mudra in left hand and abhaya mudra by right hand.
Buddha statue is located near Kolimigundla village and bypass road leads to Tadipatri. This has enhanced the serene aura around the place. Tourists now linger for a longer time to get the right instagrammable pic of the seated Buddha.
Arrive during the twilight hours to capture the statue with colorful skies in background. Add to this there is a play area for children, accommodation and a restaurant.
Total height of the statue including the height of the pedestal on which it is seated and the lotus surrounding the base of the statue, is 60 ft. There were plans to convert the big round room in lotus to house a rock museum. It was planned to showcase local rocks, minerals and meteorites. Not sure if it has taken off yet. Please let me know in your comments if you are aware or have visited it.
We halted here while on a road trip from Hyderabad to Bangalore.
See more seated Buddha here:
Largest Buddha Statue in Wat Si Chum Sukhothai in Thailand
Visit to Dambulla Royal Cave Temple Sri Lanka
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Looks graceful. Beautiful shot. There seems to be kind of competition between Buddha and Shiva. I have come across many such huge statues of Shiva at different places.
this is another inspiring statue.
i have only been to China and H.k but I wish i could visit this one and see it up close.. ^-^
The statue looks awesome. Is it ancient or contemporary ?
This is so peaceful, beautiful.
Gigantic sculptue in a serene landscape. Nice shot.
Must be really gigantic..Nice capture..
Oh how beautiful is that! Very. 🙂
Such a beauty
and the bleu sky
the perfect shot 🙂
Oh my.. what a wonderful Buddha sculpture! =) It's like peace surrounds the Buddha! =)
Lovely weekend to you! 🙂
This is a very beautiful statue of Buddha. It looks wonderful under that blue sky.
Beautiful and gleaming.
Hugs
SueAnn
Beautiful Buddha, he sits so serene.
Yet another magnificent Buddha!
Pretty picture, yes, pretty moon, gigantic sculpture.
Beautiful statue of Buddha.
Regards and best wishes
beautiful.. so much to see, within our own country!!
So pure and lovely!
Wonderfully composed picture …
so white against the brown earth and the blue sky!
Fantastic shot. You had the perfect day for it too.
Lovely capture Indrani of this massive statue!
beautifully captured
you show us great things!
Aloha from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral
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Can keep looking at Buddha's statue! Amazing capture with a lovely mountain backdrop!
Terrific capture and how lovely the statue is against that lovely blue sky! Have a great weekend, Indrani!
Sylvia
Liebe Indrani, das ist eine wunderschöne Buddhastatue. Danke!
Grüsse aus der Schweiz
Hans-Peter