Ancient Buddha Parinirvana Pillar found in Adilabad

Metro India News | Hyderabad

A rare stone pillar bearing a Buddha Parinirvana sculpture has been identified in Bhimsari village of Adilabad district, drawing the attention of historians who say the find sheds new light on Telangana's Buddhist heritage and its centuries-old religious diversity.

The sculpture was noticed by history lecturer Roddavaru Prithviraj, a member of Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam. Carved on one side of the pillar is a reclining Buddha depicted in the Parinirvana posture, while the remaining three sides feature sculptures associated with other religious traditions.

Speaking to Metro India, Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam convenor Sriramoju Haragopal said the image shows the Buddha lying on his right side with his right hand placed beneath his head. He noted that the depiction closely follows descriptions found in the Parinibbana Sutta, which narrates the Buddha's final moments before attaining Parinirvana.

Historian and Pleach India Foundation CEO Dr. Shivanagireddy, who examined the sculpture, confirmed that it is a Buddha Parinirvana image. He said similar sculptures have been reported earlier in Telangana, including one carved on the base of the Bhimeshwara Temple in Vemulawada. However, the Bhimsari pillar is unique because it combines Buddhist, Vaishnavite and Shaivite imagery on a single stone monument.

Apart from the Buddha sculpture, another side of the pillar depicts Vishnu Sayana Murti in a reclining posture. A third side features a warrior clad in royal attire and holding a sword, while the fourth side portrays Uma Lingana Murti, showing Lord Shiva embracing Goddess Uma or Parvati.

Historians say the presence of these diverse carvings on a single pillar reflects a period when different faith traditions coexisted and influenced one another. They note that Buddhism flourished in the region under the patronage of the Satavahana and Ikshvaku dynasties, while Hindu traditions also thrived, making such examples of artistic and religious synthesis particularly significant. Such carvings provide valuable clues about the social, cultural and spiritual landscape of the time.

Buddhism once flourished across several parts of present-day Telangana, leaving behind a rich legacy of stupas, monasteries, inscriptions and sculptures. Researchers believe the Bhimsari pillar could help deepen understanding of that legacy and offer fresh insights into the interaction of Buddhist and Hindu traditions in the region.

Experts describe the sculpture pillar as the first known example of its kind in Telangana, making it a significant find for historians studying the state's ancient religious and cultural history.