About Nagarjunasagar, Nagarjuna Sagar History

Nagarjunasagar was the earliest in the series of "modern temples" taken up to pave the way to the Green Revolution in India.

Nagarjuna Sagar located about 150km away from the city of hyderabad. It is one among the most prominent Buddhist centres and it took its present name from Nagarjuna , one of the most revered Buddhist monks.Due to the immense archaeological significance and excavations Nagarjuna Sagar is a centre for propagation of Buddhist teachings in South India.

The construction of the dam submerged an ancient Buddhist settlement,Nagarjunakonda, which was the capital of the Ikshvaku dynastyi n the 1st and 2nd centuries, the successors of the Satavahanas in the Eastern Deccan. Excavations here had unveiled 30 Buddhist monasteries, and art works and inscriptions of great historical importance. In advance of the reservoir's flooding, monuments were dug up and relocated. Some were moved to Nagarjuna's Hill, now an island in the middle of the reservoir. Others were moved to the mainland. Project construction was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, on 10 December 1955, and proceeded for the next twelve years.

Nagarjunakonda, which was the capital of the Ikshvaku dynasty in the 1st and 2nd centuries, the successors of the Satavahanas in the Eastern Deccan. Excavations here had yielded 30 Buddhist monasteries, as well as art works and inscriptions of great historical importance. In advance of the reservoir's flooding, monuments were dug up and relocated. Some were moved to Nagarjuna's Hill, now an island in the middle of the reservoir. Others were moved to the mainland.

The great stupa at Nagarjunakonda belongs to the class of uncased stupas, its brickwork being plastered over and the stupa decorated by a large garland-ornament. The area is also known for panoramic views of the valley from a viewing area near the dam, and is also the site of natural waterfalls, Ethipothala Falls which cascade down 22 m into a blue lagoon that is also a breeding centre for crocodiles.