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Biggest Buddha ‘foot’ found in Andhra Pradesh

Two ‘biggest’ Buddha padhas have been found in Kadapa in Andhra Pradesh. An AP State Road Transport Corporation conductor turned archaeology enthusiast recently found the ‘biggest’ Buddha padhas and they were verified and dated by noted archaeologist Dr E. Siva Nagi Reddy.

Biggest Buddha ‘foot’ found in Andhra Pradesh
The ‘biggest’ Buddha ‘foot’ which was found in Kadapa 
[Credit: Deccan Chronicle]
Siva Nagi Reddy the CEO of the cultural centre of Vijayawada said, “In the recent survey conducted by Y. Ramakrishna Reddy of APSRTC Proddutor depot and me we noticed the existence of the biggest Buddha padha slabs so far discovered in entire South India in Naganadhuni Kona. It is a newly discovered Buddhist site located three kms from Khajipet village in Mydukur mandal of YSR Kadapa district. The Buddhist site dates back to Satavahana times of 2nd century AD.”

Informed by the locals Ramakrishna Reddy, Siva Nagi Reddy and engineer Chandrasekhar Reddy inspected the site and spotted the two Buddha padhas decorated with Astamangala symbols which are embossed in the compound wall of  Siva temple on the hillock.

Ramakrishna Reddy and his friend from Hyderabad had gone on a casual visit to the Siva temple earlier when local people informed them about digging by treasure hunters. They found large-size bricks 30 x 15 x 7 cms and foundations of circular stupas along with pot shreds. A request has been made to Archaeological Survey of India to protect the site and also to the police and MRO to protect it from treasure hunters.

Source: Deccan Chronicle [November 11, 2015]