Copyright thehindu
Rajanagaram MLA Bathula Balaramakrishna announced that a Detailed Project Report (DRP) has been prepared with an estimated cost of ₹21 crore for developing Kapavaram Buddhist monastery at Kapavaram of Korukonda mandal in East Godavari district. Kapavaram monastery complex consists of rock cut caves, cisterns and remains of Buddhist stupas and chaityas on the Pandavula hill as claimed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The 2nd Century B.C. Buddhist monastery is a protected monument of the ASI. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s great-grandson Raja Ratna Ashok Ambedkar on Friday attended the one-day festival conducted here by the Buddhist Council of Andhra Pradesh, Jana Chaitanya Mandali and Thadhagatha Buddha Vihar of Rajamahendravaram. Addressing a gathering of Buddhist monks and believers, Mr. Balaramakrishna explained about the proposed beautification plan. “The DPR will be submitted to the Ministry of Culture for the financial aid under the Scheme of Financial Assistance for the Development of Buddhist/Tibetan Culture and Art,” he said. “The beautification plan includes display of Buddha Jataka stories, replica of Sarnath Stupa, light and sound system, landscaping and solar power and a guest house,” said Mr. Balaramakrishna.
