Discovery of a Bone-Relic at an Ancient Centre o} Mahayana

Summary

A bone-relic of Buddha was discovered at Nagarjunikunda, near the Amardvati Stupa in Palnad Taluk, Andhra Pradesh, during excavations led by A.H. Longhurst. The relic, fragment size of a pea, was found inside a small round box (0.75 inches in diameter) within a silver casket shaped like a miniature stupa (2.14 inches high), originally containing gold flowers and garnets. This discovery corroborates a 3rd-century BCE Brahmi inscription mentioning a pillar erected by Sri Virapurusadatta, sister of King Madhavi-putra, to enshrine a relic of Sammisambuddha, as recorded in the Mahajivimilakapra. Excavations since 1926 have revealed the site’s significance as a Buddhist center, with inscriptions indicating pilgrim visits from distant regions like Gandhara, China, and Tambapannidvipa. The area hosted monasteries linked to the Mahasanghika sect and its offshoots, Parvasailas and Aparasailas, as noted by Hiuen Tsang and other historical sources. The association of Nagarjunikunda with Nagarjuna, a key Mahayana philosopher, suggests the site later became a Mahayana hub. The findings highlight Dhanakataka’s role in early Buddhist history, including its sectarian affiliations and architectural developments like caityas and viharas. The discovery underscores the transition from early Buddhist practices to Mahayana principles, with ongoing excavations potentially shedding further light on Mahayana’s origins.