Sankaram | The Buddhist Aramam of ancient Times, Vizag
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Sankaram

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Sankaram village on the banks of river Sarada near Anaklapalli is a popular Buddhist heritage spot. This tiny little village 41 Km away from Vizag houses two Buddhist sites namely Bojjana Konda and Lingalakonda. these 3rd-4th Centry Buddist sites tells the tale of this place as the place was the center of Buddhist culture and teaching. The name of the village Sankaram derived from the word Sangharama which meant monastery. There are many monolithic stupas, rock cut caves, ruins of prayer halls, meditation halls, brick build structural edifices, resting places available on the twin hills of Bojjanna Konda and Lingala Konda. Unearthed by a A Britisher "Alexander Rea", in 1906 Bojjana Konda named after A seated image of Buddha termed as Buddhanna or Bojjana and Lingalametta was a 2000-year-old Buddhist Heritage site consists of numerous monolithic stupas, caves and structural buildings. During the excavation of this place many age old coins(from the times of Samudra Gupta and Satavahana period), clay tablets of Sitting Buddha were found. There are many Buddha statues carved on the rock-face of the caves.
Bojjana Konda :The hill tops gives a panoramic view of the green fields and distance hills of the area. It will take one hour for a not serious visitor to cover both the places. Here there are prayer halls where places marked in elevated platforms in semi circular shape for Gurujee and in circular shapes for the followers. The rooms of the followers are still available and each room has grooved place on the wall for lamps. There is a cave with single rock cut four pillars with Buddha Status and another cave with nine pillars. There are wells built by cutting the rocks for storage of water. There are a few plain and small caves, which formed the Viharas for the monks and students. On facade of the cave is a life size statue of Buddha in meditation. Almost every outcrop and protuberance has been converted boldly into a stupa. Interestingly, how Buddhism got absorbed into Hinduism can be established by the presence of a figure of Lord Ganesha on the site.
Lingala Konda : There are hundreds of rock-cut monolithic stupas in rows spread all over the hill. Among other Buddhist attractions here are a Mahastupa nearby which yielded a relic casket, 3 chaitya halls, votive platforms, stupas and Vajrayana sculptures. A gold coin of Samudragupta dating to 4th century AD was also found at this place. The Vihara was functional for around a millennium and saw the development of the not only Theravada form of Buddhism but also Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. This place offers a glimpse into the rich Buddhist heritage and culture.
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How to Reach There
Sankaram village is located at a distance of 45 Km from Vizag,  On National Highway No 5 it will not take more than one hour to reach this place. Nearest railway station Anakapalli is 4 Km away from this historic place. From Anakapalli town it will be 15 minutes drive by road. There is no entrance fee for entering to this place. There are guides available to show you the caves and its importance if you are a serious visitor to this place. But many of the guides are not good at English.
Suggested Itinerary
Full Day Itinerary Kondakarla, Sankaram, Bojjana Konda, Yarada, RK Beach
Events and Attractions  
Unique feature of Bojjannakonda is that it shows all the three phases of Buddhism. i.e Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana. The main attraction here is the imposing figures of the Buddha, seated in a meditation-posture and the stupa. The main stupa was first carved out of rock and then encased in bricks.
 

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Bojjanakonda
Kondakarla
Appikonda
Yarada
 
 

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