Kotilingala: Satavahana Capital? Ancient Stupa, Mud Fort & Koteswara Temple Where History Meets Pilgrimage – Coins of Simuka, 3rd c. BCE Buddhist Stupa & the Unique Lingam Legend Satavahana (3rd c. BCE – 3rd c. CE) | Mud Fort 100 acres | Silver coins of Rano Chimuka | Koteswara Siddeshwara Temple | Godavari banks Kotilingala (also spelled Koti Lingala) is a historic village in Velgatur mandal, Jagtial district, Telangana, nestled on the southern bank of the Godavari River . The site is a remarkable confluence of ancient Buddhism and living Hindu worship. Archaeological excavations have revealed a 100-acre fortified city with a massive mud rampart , a large brick stupa (3rd–2nd century BCE), a monastic vihara, and most importantly, a hoard of silver and potin coins of the Satavahana king Simuka (Chimuka) – the founder of the Satavahana dynasty. Many scholars identify Kotilingala as the earl...
Dharmapuri: Ancient Buddhist Stupa & Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple The only shrine of Lord Yama (God of Death) in India | 3rd c. BCE relic stupa | Dakshin Kashi on Godavari Buddhist Stupa: 3rd c. BCE – 3rd c. CE | Narasimha Temple: Kakatiya-Chalukyan | Unique Yama Temple | Ramalingeswara (1000 yrs) Dharmapuri (historically Dharmapura, Dhammanvura, Dharmapuram) is a sacred village in Jagtial district, Telangana, nestled on the northern banks of the holy river Godavari . Known as Dakshin Kashi , it is a unique confluence of Buddhist and Hindu heritage. The site houses a 3rd century BCE Mahastupa – one of the earliest relic stupas in the Deccan, likely containing a Buddha relic – alongside the famous Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple , the only temple in India dedicated to Lord Yama (God of Death), the 1000-year-old Ramalingeswara Temple , and many other shrines. With literary mention...