Sand dunes are formed by the wind blowing sand particles into hills and ridges.
They can be found in deserts all over the world, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
The color of sand dunes can vary depending on the minerals that are present in the sand.
For example, red sand dunes are often found in areas where there is a lot of iron oxide in the soil.
Most famous red sand dunes in the world include:
The Namib Desert in Namibia
The Simpson Desert in Australia
The Sahara Desert in Africa
Buddhist heritage sites at Thotlakonda, Bavikonda and Parvulakonda
The Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex, located on a hill near Bheemunipatnam, about 15 kilometers from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
It is a treasure trove of Buddhist heritage.
Key sites you can find there:
Mahastupa: This is the largest stupa at the complex, dating back to the 2nd century BCE.
It was reconstructed in 2016 by the State Archaeology department after being partially damaged by monsoons in 2019.
The stupa is believed to have housed sacred relics.
Chaitya grihas: These prayer halls were used by monks for meditation and religious ceremonies.
There are several chaitya grihas at Thotlakonda, each with its own unique features.
Viharas: These were the residences of the monks. The viharas at Thotlakonda are typically two-storeyed structures with cells for individual monks, a common courtyard, and a kitchen.
Bavikonda, meaning "hill of wells" in Telugu, is another significant Buddhist heritage site located about 15 kilometers from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
Similar to Thotlakonda, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of ancient Buddhist monks.
Key sites you can find at Bavikonda:
Mahachaitya: This massive stupa, dating back to the 3rd century BCE, is the centerpiece of the complex.
It is believed to enshrine sacred relics and was once adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.
Vihara Complex: This sprawling complex housed the living quarters of the monks.
It comprises several rectangular halls with individual cells, a common courtyard, and a refectory (dining hall).
Stupa with Relic Casket: This unique stupa, excavated in 1982, contained a relic casket holding a bone fragment believed to be part of the Buddha's remains.
Rock-cut Wells: As the name suggests, the complex boasts numerous rock-cut wells used for rainwater harvesting, showcasing the monks' ingenuity in water management.
Stone Pillared Congregation Hall: This impressive hall, supported by massive stone pillars, served as a gathering place for monks and possibly religious ceremonies.
Paravulkonda: Located in Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, India, Paravulkonda is an ancient Buddhist complex dating back to the 2nd century BCE.
It was an important center of Mahayana Buddhism and flourished until the 12th century CE.
The site is known for its numerous stupas, chaityas, viharas, and other monastic structures.
Mahachaitya: The largest and most prominent structure at Paravulkonda is the Mahachaitya, a hemispherical stupa believed to enshrine the relics of the Buddha.
It is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various Buddhist symbols and stories.
Vihara complex: The vihara complex at Paravulkonda comprises several monastic buildings that housed the monks who lived and studied at the site.
These structures typically have multiple floors with cells for individual monks, a common courtyard, and a kitchen.
Rock-cut cisterns: Due to its hilltop location, Paravulkonda has numerous rock-cut cisterns that were used to collect and store rainwater.
These cisterns were essential for the survival of the monks during the dry season.
Other notable features: The site also has several other noteworthy features, such as meditation halls, prayer halls, and sculptures of Buddhist deities.
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