Rare Tara (Female Buddha) Idol Discovery - Ippagudem

Last updated: April 08, 2017

Rare Tara (Female Buddha) Idol Discovery – Ippagudem, Station Ghanpur Mandal – a significant archaeological find in Ippagudem village, Station Ghanpur mandal, Jangaon district, Telangana. A rare black granite idol of Tara – the female Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism who appears as a female Buddha in Vajrayana Buddhism – was discovered abandoned near the bund of a tank by heritage enthusiast R. Rathnakar Reddy. The idol, dating to the 8th or 9th century AD, stands 3‑ft tall and features a naked upper body with large breasts (a common description of Tara in Buddhist literature). An engraved image of Buddha is visible on the hair bun. A broken 4‑ft Buddha idol was found nearby. The discovery provides vital evidence of Buddhist presence in Telangana during the 9th–10th centuries.

Tara – Female Buddha / Bodhisattva 8th–9th century AD Black granite idol (3 ft tall) Found near tank bund, Ippagudem Buddha image on hair bun Broken Buddha idol (4 ft) also found Vajrayana Buddhist tradition

Tara idol discovered at Ippagudem, Telangana

A chance discovery that rewrites Buddhist history in Telangana. Archaeology and history enthusiast R. Rathnakar Reddy stumbled upon a black granite idol abandoned near the bund of a tank at Ippagudem. He initially mistook it for a Yakshini of Jain mythology. However, noted archaeologist and historian Emani Shivanagi Reddy identified it as Tara – a female Bodhisattva and a meditational deity in Vajrayana Buddhism. The upper body is naked with prominent breasts, a characteristic feature described in Buddhist texts. A small Buddha image is engraved on the hair bun, confirming its Buddhist affiliation. A broken 4‑ft Buddha idol found nearby further supports the identification. The idols are believed to date back to the 8th or 9th century AD, indicating that Telangana had a thriving Buddhist community during this period.

Significance of Tara in Buddhism and call for preservation. Tara is revered as a female Buddha who embodies compassion and protects devotees from danger. In Vajrayana Buddhism, she is a tantric meditation deity. Some traditions also associate her with Hinduism as a form of Shakti. Rathnakar Reddy has urged the State Archaeology and Museums Department to shift the idols to a museum for safekeeping. Telangana Jagruthi State secretary Sri Ramoju Haragopal visited the site and urged the government to preserve these rare artefacts. As of now, the idols remain at the discovery spot, vulnerable to theft or damage. This discovery opens a new chapter in understanding the spread of Vajrayana Buddhism in the Deccan.

8th–9th C. AD

Estimated period

3 ft

Tara idol height

4 ft

Broken Buddha idol height

Black granite

Material

Ippagudem

Station Ghanpur mandal

R. Rathnakar Reddy

Discoverer

Emani Shivanagi Reddy

Identified as Tara

Urgent preservation call

Telangana Archaeology Dept.

Tara – The Female Buddha in Vajrayana Buddhism

Tara is one of the most revered deities in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. She is considered the mother of liberation and represents the virtues of compassion, protection, and swift action. According to Buddhist tradition, Tara was born from a tear of Avalokiteshvara (the Bodhisattva of Compassion) as he looked upon the suffering world. In Vajrayana, she appears as a female Buddha with full enlightenment. The Ippagudem idol’s iconography – naked upper body, large breasts, Buddha on the hair bun – matches descriptions in texts like the Sadhana-mala. The discovery is significant because Tara worship was more common in Tibet, Nepal, and eastern India; its presence in Telangana indicates the spread of Tantric Buddhism into the Deccan.

The Discovery and Its Archaeologists

R. Rathnakar Reddy – Heritage Enthusiast

A local history lover, Rathnakar Reddy spotted the idol abandoned near a tank bund. He first thought it was a Yakshini (Jain) but later sought expert opinion. He has been advocating for the idol’s museum transfer.

Dr. Emani Shivanagi Reddy – Archaeologist

The noted archaeologist confirmed the idol as Tara based on iconographic features: the Buddha on the hair bun, the posture, and the depiction of the female form.

Sri Ramoju Haragopal – Telangana Jagruthi

The State secretary of Telangana Jagruthi visited the site and urged the government to preserve the idols, highlighting their historical and cultural value.

The Broken Buddha Idol

A 4‑ft broken Buddha statue was found near the Tara idol, strengthening the Buddhist context. Both idols are carved from black granite, typical of the region’s early medieval sculpture.

Vajrayana in the Deccan

This discovery suggests that Tantric Buddhism had a presence in Telangana during the 8th–9th centuries, possibly through trade routes connecting the Deccan to Odisha and Bengal.

Condition of Idols

The Tara idol is damaged – the nose, arms, and lower portion are broken. The Buddha idol is also in fragments. Exposure to weather and lack of protection have worsened their state.

Buddhist Sites in Telangana (Nearby)

Jangaon district – Already known for the Ghatikachal Buddhist site (Satyavolu) and other early Buddhist remains.
Phanigiri (Suryapet/Nalgonda border, ≈50 km): A major Buddhist site with a mahastupa, viharas, and a recent sculpture of Buddha.
Nelakondapalli (Khammam district, ≈80 km): Another important Buddhist site with a large stupa and monastic complex.
Nagarjuna Konda (≈120 km): The most famous Buddhist site in Telangana with an island museum.
Buddhavanam (≈100 km): A modern Buddhist theme park near Nagarjuna Sagar.

Heritage Itinerary (1 Day from Hyderabad)

Morning – Ippagudem & Tara Idol Site

7:00 AM: Start from Hyderabad (≈120 km, 2.5 hours via NH65 to Jangaon, then to Station Ghanpur).
9:30 AM: Arrive at Ippagudem village. Locate the tank bund where the Tara idol was found. The idols are still kept at the site (no protective shelter as of now).
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Study the Tara idol – note the Buddha on the hair bun, the female anatomy, and the damage. View the broken Buddha idol nearby.
11:00 AM: Visit the local village and the tank. Speak to locals about other possible relics (some may remember excavations).

Afternoon – Nearby Buddhist Sites & Return

12:30 PM: Lunch at Station Ghanpur or Jangaon town.
2:00 PM: Drive to Ghatikachal Buddhist site (≈15 km) – explore the stupa remains and the recent excavations.
3:30 PM: Optionally visit Phanigiri (≈50 km) if time permits.
5:00 PM: Return to Hyderabad.

Visitor Information – Ippagudem Tara Idol Site

Access & Timing

Location: Ippagudem village, Station Ghanpur mandal, Jangaon district, Telangana.
Open: The site is accessible 24/7 as it is an open area (no gate). Best visited during daylight.
Entry: Free.
Best season: October – March.

Directions

By road: From Hyderabad, take NH65 to Jangaon (approx. 90 km). From Jangaon, take the road to Station Ghanpur (≈15 km). Ippagudem is a few km from Station Ghanpur. Ask locals for “Tara idol” or “Buddha idol near tank”.
Parking: Limited roadside parking.

Preservation Alert & Tips for Visitors

⚠️ Heritage at Risk: The Tara and Buddha idols are currently unprotected and exposed to the elements and potential theft. There is no museum, shelter, or guard. If you visit, do not touch, scratch, or move the idols. Report their condition to the Telangana State Archaeology Department (040-23232855) or to local heritage groups. Public awareness can pressure authorities to shift them to a museum.

No facilities at the site – carry water, snacks, and sunscreen Wear sturdy shoes – the tank bund area may be uneven Photography allowed – please share photos to create awareness Respect the idols as sacred objects (some locals may worship them) Do not attempt to clean or restore the idols yourself Combine with Ghatikachal and Phanigiri for a Buddhist circuit tour

📿 Heritage tip: The engraved Buddha on the hair bun is the key identifying feature of this Tara idol. Use a magnifying glass or zoom lens to see it clearly. Also, note the posture – standing (samabhanga) with hips slightly tilted. This idol is a rare example of Vajrayana iconography in South India. Researchers believe it may have been part of a larger monastic complex that is yet to be excavated.

A Rare Glimpse into Telangana’s Tantric Buddhist Past

The discovery of the Tara idol at Ippagudem is a wake‑up call for heritage conservation in Telangana. While excitement over the find is justified, the idols remain dangerously unprotected. Every day they lie exposed to sun, rain, and potential vandalism. This guide is not only for visitors but also a plea to the authorities: shift these unique 8th‑9th century sculptures to a museum. Until then, let responsible heritage travellers document, respect, and advocate for their safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Tara in Buddhism?
Tara is a female Bodhisattva and, in Vajrayana, a female Buddha. She embodies compassion and protects devotees from fear and danger.

Is this the only Tara idol found in Telangana?
This is a rare discovery. Other Tara idols have been found in Odisha, Bengal, and Bihar, but very few in the Deccan.

Can I see the idol in a museum now?
No, the idol is still at the discovery site. Heritage activists are urging the government to move it to a museum.

Who identified the idol as Tara?
Noted archaeologist and historian Dr. Emani Shivanagi Reddy confirmed the identification after R. Rathnakar Reddy found it.

What is the age of the idol?
Approximately 8th–9th century AD (1200–1300 years old).

How can I help preserve these idols?
Take photographs, share on social media with tags to @TelanganaArchaeology, and write letters to the department demanding museum transfer.

References & Further Reading

Demand protection for the Ippagudem Tara Idol