Times of India
Dec 9, 2012
HYDERABAD: Buddhism may have had its heyday in the past in Andhra Pradesh but not anymore as none of the 150 Buddhist sites of the region figure in the Union tourism ministry’s list of “spiritual pilgrimage sites”.
The Union tourism ministry had appointed a consultant to identify the Buddhist locations, which included places like Bodh Gaya in Bihar, Sarnath, Kushinagar and Piparvah in Uttar Pradesh among many other tourist destinations. But strangely none from Andhra Pradesh was included in the list released by minister of state for tourism K Chiranjeevi. The sites in the state, which are considered most important in South India, do not even figure in the extended pilgrimage list released by the ministry. “Many sites in the state have spiritual value for Buddhists. Around 18 monastic establishments (a unit comprising stupas and monasteries) are said to contain the corporeal relics of Buddha and hence are highly venerated by adherents of the faith. Viharas (monasteries ) also exist at many sites but are in a dilapidated condition and need immediate restoration and conservation for restoring their spiritual value,” said B Subrayamanyam , an expert on Buddhism.
An archeological expert requesting anonymity said lack of tourism facilities at state’s Buddhist sites could have worked against its inclusion. “At Bodhgaya and Sarnath, tourism is highly developed . But Buddhist sites in the state do not even have signage leave alone facilities for tourist accommodation. Many locations are unknown. In addition to being in a state of neglect, they are not even promoted by the government,” he said. Though the central tourism ministry reportedly worked for identification of sites with all the states, given the paltry allocation of funds and lack of exposure, it comes as no surprise that Buddhist sites in AP are not being considered for pilgrimage. Experts add that though the state government is working on the ambitious Nagarjunasagar Buddhavanam project where efforts are being made to depict the life of Buddha through sculptures, the sanction of funds for repairs and regular maintenance of the sites is only marginal.
The constitution of the circuits is expected to bring about development in the selected locations particularly improved rail and road connectivity besides development of tourist amenities that will further cater to tourism prospects.
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