Pavurallakonda

Pavurallakonda or Pavurallabodu is the local name of the hill popularly known as Narasimhaswamy Konda. It is located near Bheemunipatnam, about 25km north of Visakhapatnam, in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, at a height of about 150 meters above sea level.

Pavurallakonda consists of a ruined hilltop Buddhist monastic complex that witnessed human habitation anywhere from the 3rd century BCE to the 2nd century CE. It is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the North Coastal Andhra Region. Hinayana Buddhism may have been practiced at this hilltop site.

The initial excavation of this site yielded many relics. Among the ruins are two Brahmi label inscriptions, foundations of Viharas, circular chaityas, votive stupas, and halls. Coins, polished ware, beads, and other artifacts were recovered from the site by the state archaeology department of Andhra Pradesh. Nearly sixteen rock-cut cisterns were carved on the hill for the storage of rainwater. Excavations and restoration programs are ongoing at Pavurallakonda.

The Gosthani River flows close by this site. This site is contemporary with the nearby Buddhist sites in Visakhapatnam district, like Bavikonda and Thotlakonda.

The Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has appealed to the authorities to ensure better protection of Buddhist sites after Bavikonda, Thotlakonda, Pavurallakonda, and Bojjannakonda were designated as heritage sites by UNESCO. This will not only pave the way for a steady flow of funds but also generate employment opportunities for the locals.

Origin of the name
Pavurallakonda, in general, gives the meaning as 'The Hill of the Pigeons' (pavuralu in Telugu means pigeons and konda means hill). However, some studies conducted at this site suggest that it may be known as Pavurallakonda due to the availability of white stones on the hillock (pavurallu means "white stones" locally). The origin of the name of this site needs clarification.