Sankaram

            If u heard the words meditation, peace, immediately we get the name “Goutham Buddha” in our minds. Not only in our country around the world there are Buddha followers. There are many Buddhist heritage places in Andhra Pradesh, Sankaram was one of them located at a distance of 45km from Visakhapatnam.

         However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act upon them? -BUDDHA

        The word Sankaram is corrupt for ancient Buddhist “Sangha” monsters and “Aramam” rest house. It is the historical complex of monolithic stupas, sculptured figures, Buddhist caves, brick monasteries. Sankaram is a village located on the banks of river Sarada near Anakapalli. It is a popular Buddhist heritage place. There are two Buddhist sites namely Bojjanakonda and Lingalakonda. These 3-4centuries Buddhist sites tell the history of this place. This place was the center of Buddhist culture and teaching. There are many monolithic stupas, rock-cut caves, prayer halls, meditation halls, brick build structural edifices, resting places available on the twin hills of Bojjannakonda and Lingalakonda. The unearthed by a Britisher “Alexander Rea”, in 1906 Bojjannakonda named after a seated image of Buddha termed as Buddhanna or Bojjana and Lingalametta was a 2000year old Buddhist heritage place. During the excavation of this place many age old coins, clay tablets of sitting Buddha were found. There are many Buddha statues carved on the rock-face of the caves.

BOJJANAKONDA

         The uphill gives a view of the green fields and distance hills of the area. There is a cave with single rock-cut pillars with Buddha statues and another cave with nine pillars. There are wells built bit 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 the facade of the cave is a life-size statue of Buddha in meditation. Almost every outcrop and protuberance had been converted boldly into a Stupa.

LINGALAKONDA

        There are hundreds of rock-cut monolithic stupas in rows spread all over the hill. Among other Buddhist attraction places here as a Mahastupa nearly which yielded a relic casket, 3chaitya halls, stupas, voyive platforms and Vajrayana sculptures. A gold coin of Samudragupta dating to 4th century AD was also found at this place. This place shows a glimpse into the rich Buddhist heritage and culture.