VISAKHAPATNAM: An in-depth research and survey-oriented book on the Buddhist legacy of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh – ‘Tathagathuni Adugujadalu’, written by city-based Buddhism experts E Rani Sarma and Unudurti Sudhakar, will be released this weekend at the Public Library. The archaeological site of Thotlakonda has been taken as the central point of the narrative.

C Anjaneya Reddy, former DGP of Andhra Pradesh will release the book on Saturday, October 26, while Prof C Pradgna, head of the department of English at Gitam University, will be the discussant.

The book describes the monastic-layman relationship and also the life of the inmates within the monastery. Written in the form of a travelogue with a simple narrative for the layreaders to understand, it brings together the different elements of the surviving Buddhist legacy.

According to the authors, there are perhaps more Buddhist remains in north coastal AP more than any other region in the country. Most of the Buddhist sites are found along the coast of Bay of Bengal and along streams.

It is believed that it is from the port cities of Kalinga Janapada and north coastal AP, Buddhhism travelled to countries like Myanmar, Cambodia and Sri Lanka. As such, traces of Buddhism still survive in the surnames people, places, traditions and customs apart from archaeological ruins.

The book describes the life of inmates within the monastery. The authors say that there are perhaps more Buddhist remains in north coastal AP more than any other region in the country

