Phanigiri or Dharmachakrapuram of Ikshvakus

Phanigiri: The Final Records of the Ikshvakus

Dynasty: Ikshvaku | Location: Tirumalagiri, Suryapet

I. The 3rd Century Foundation

Source: Indian Archaeology 2010-2011 (Page 117)

Excavations at Phanigiri (historically known as Dharmachakrapuram) have yielded a fragmentary Prakrit record in Brahmi characters. Dating to the reign of Chamtamula Maharaja, the text mentions Siritagissa and concludes with the date: divasam 6 (Day 6).

II. Administration and Sacred Works

A limestone slab found at the site refers to the Navakaammika (Superintendent of Works). This official oversaw the construction of the Stupa and monastic structures on the "Hill of the Snake Hood." While historically part of Nalgonda, the site is now situated in the Tirumalagiri Mandal of the modern Suryapet District, Telangana.

III. The Sanskrit-Prakrit Transition

Source: Epigraphia Indica Vol-XLIII (2011)

In the 18th regnal year of Rudrapurushadatta (approx. 352 A.D.), Phanigiri saw the emergence of the earliest Sanskrit poetic verses in the region.

THE SANSKRIT POETIC VERSES

Verse 1: Records the erection of a Dharma Chakra (Wheel of Righteousness) by the Chief Physician of the King.

Verse 2: Praises Siva (the Lord with the bull banner) for destroying the haughty Manmatha.

Verse 3: Commemorates the killing of Kamsa by Madhusudana (Vishnu).

Verse 4: Honors the Buddha as the fire that consumed the forests of ignorance.

Linguistic Note: The inscription features the doubling of consonants—Ruddra, aggra, and chakkara—marking a clear evolution toward classic Sanskrit orthography.

The record ends in Prakrit, detailing a grant by Mahasenapati Saramenamdinaka (High Commander) and an installation by Bhadamta Dharmasena (Venerable Monk).

Glossary & Modern Details

Navakaammika

Superintendent of Works; architectural overseer of the monastery.

Mahasenapati

Great Commander / High Official (specifically Saramenamdinaka).

Bhadamta

Venerable; a title of respect for a monk (Dharmasena).

Dharmachakrapuram

The ancient name of the village/site before it became known as Phanigiri.

Modern Location

Suryapet District, Telangana (Historical: Nalgonda).

Hemanta Paksha

The Winter fortnight; used in the dating formula of Rudrapurushadatta.

"manuso loko iti" — May there be blessings on the world of human beings.