GHANTASALA

A small town in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, Ghantasala, known as Katakasila in the ancient times (after Buddha's horse known as Kantakasaila), is a reputed destination for Buddhist pilgrims. It was first reported as a Buddhist site in 1870-71. Later, a stupa measuring 112 feet in diameter and 23 feet in height was excavated partially. It is believed to be from the 1st century AD. The stupa resembles the architecture of the Satavahana period and is also known as Maha Chaitya. An arrangement of bricks forming a solid cubical placed in the middle embellished by 12 zodiac signs is a unique find. The prayer hall or the chaitya had a texture and size unique to the Satavahana times and had separate dwelling places for Buddhist monks. Objects such as a four-by-three-feet Purna Kalasa containing lotus flowers, indicating the birth of Gautama Buddha, have also been discovered here. It is said that there was a time when the dome of the stupa was adorned with 47 slabs representing facts from Buddha's times. The museum of the Ghantashala town has a collection of Buddhist artefacts. 

The nearest prominent city is Vijaywada, 60 km away.