• Regarded as the greatest of all Ikshvaku rulers.
• Known by the titles Dakshina Ashoka and Ikshavaka Ashoka.

Religious Influence:

• Initially a patron of the Vedic religion, he later embraced Buddhism due to the influence of his aunt, Shanta Sri.
• He is noted as the only Ikshavaku ruler to support Buddhism, marking his reign as the “Golden Era” of Mahayana Buddhism.
• Under his rule, Nagarjuna Konda gained prominence, earning the nickname “Southern Gaya”.

Educational Contributions:

• Established Sri Parvata University and 14 other Buddhist universities in India.
• His aunt Shanta Sri constructed the Maha Chaitya at Nagarjuna Konda, commemorating the mortal remains of Buddha.

Social Contributions:

• According to inscriptions from Nagarjuna Konda, Shanta Sri made numerous donations for the welfare of Brahmins, poor people, and sramanas.
• Veera Purusha Datta married four daughters of Shanta Sri, initiating the practice of marrying aunts’ daughters within the dynasty.

Cultural Impact:

• A notable sculpture depicts him striking a Shivalinga with his legs at Nagarjuna Konda, suggesting his disdain for Shaivism.
• Many Buddhist sculptures from the Ikshvaku period, known as Manaviya Sculptures, were excavated at Nagarjuna Konda.

Inscriptions:

• His contributions are documented in several inscriptions, including:
  • Alluri Inscription
  • Jaggaiah Peta Inscription
  • Nagarjuna Konda Inscription
  • Amaravati Inscription
  • Uppugunduru Inscription

Upasika Bodhisri

Overview:

• A prominent Buddhist patron, niece of Bodhi Sharma, and daughter of Revantha of Sri Parvata.
• Played a significant role in promoting Buddhism.

Contributions:

• Her Upasika Inscription at Amaravati details her efforts for the spread of Buddhism.
• Built a Buddhist monastery at Chuladammagiri on Nagarjuna Konda.
• Constructed a platform for the Bodhi tree at Sinhala Vihara.

Other Constructions:

• Shila Mantapam in front of Paruvata Vihara.
• Mantapashala at Purvashada.
• Prayer hall at Devagiri.
• Chaitya at Kuhala Vihara.
• Vihara on top of Mahadammagiri.
• 7 Viharas at Papila and 3 Viharas at Erumuthuva.

Bhava Viveka

• A notable Buddhist preacher who lived during the reign of Veera Purusha Datta at Nagarjuna Konda.
• Initiated two significant traditions in Buddhism:
  • Svatantra Madhyamika Tradition
  • Nyaya Prayoga Tradition

Literary Works:

• Authored several important texts, including:
  • Prajna Pradeepa
  • Tarkay Wala
  • Karathala Ratna

Historical Recognition:

• Mentioned by the Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang.