G. Suryanarayana
G. Suryanarayana visits Bojjana Konda, near Visakhapatnam, where he comes across architectural remnants of the Buddhist period. |
A monolithic statue of the Buddha at Bojjana Konda
Similarly, the upper cave is entered by a rectangular doorway, which is flanked by a Buddha figure on each side. The cave has a majestic figure of Buddha in bhoomisparsa meditation posture. The rock-cut stupa and the figure of Buddha are the main tourist attractions here. Outside the cave, there are several votive stupas leaning out of the natural rock with domes that give us a classic view of the surroundings.
On the top of the hill, there is a group of structural buildings clustering around a chaitya and vihar complex. The ruins found here represent both the Hinayana and the Mahayana phases of Buddhism. There is a row of cells, which the monks are believed to have used as their residential quarters in those days. They were called viharas or the Buddhist monastery.
The trek to the caves of Bojjana Konda could be a little tiresome but are nevertheless rewarding
In the western side of Bojjana Konda, another hill called Lingala Konda, where one can find a number of monolithic and structural stupas on the top, also attracts tourists. The entire landscape with lush green fields surrounding the hills provides a tranquillising view. Today, Bojjana Konda attracts many Buddhist pilgrims from several countries, especially during Buddha Poornima (Vaisakha Poornima).
The Archaeological Department, with the help of the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Board and the District administration of Visakhapatnam, has taken over the development and maintenance of the place. The other Buddhist settlements around Visakhapatnam are Thotlakonda and Bhavikonda. AP Tourism, Vizag Urban Development Authority (VUDA) and the District Administration of Visakhapatnam have taken up several developmental projects for the benefit of tourists. Both these places are on the sea-front, which adds to the spectacular view. Lumbini Festival is an annual event that is held here and it attracts several pilgrims from across the country.
Pictures by the author
Fact file
Getting there: Visakhapatnam is situated mid-way between Chennai and Kolkata. It is connected to Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata by air and train.
Accommodation: Visakhapatnam offers excellent hotel accommodation to meet all budgets. AP Tourism provides comfortable accommodation at Yatri Nivas on the sea front.
Getting around: AP Tourism provides hi-tech tourist cabs for daily sightseeing.
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The Architecture of Buddhist idols in Bojjanna Konda is stunning.
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ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteBojjannakonda is one of the Holy relic sites of Andhra Pradesh.
Bojjannakonda and Lingalakonda are two Buddhist rock-cut caves on adjacent hillocks, situated near a village called Sankaram, which is a few kilometres away from Anakapalle, Vishakhapatnam in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The sites are believed to date between 4th and 9th Century A.D, when the 3 phases of Buddhism (Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana) flourished at Sankaram.
Nice post about this place, thanks for sharing your experience in this blog. It really helps people to plan for future trips. If anyone want to travel this place then book your bus tickets advance in Kaleswari Travels and get more offers.
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ReplyDeleteSankaram, a small village, is situated about a mile to the east of Anakapalli in the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. A short distance to the north of the village are two hills, the one on the east called Bojjannakonda and the other on the west called Lingalakonda, both of which are surrounded by paddy fields. The hills contain numerous monolithic stupas, rock-cut caves, chaityas and monasteries forming one of the most remarkable Buddhist establishments in Andhra Pradesh during the period from the 4th to the 9th Century CE. The name of the village Sankaram is evidently a corruption of Sangharam as these Buddhist establishments are generally known.
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ReplyDeleteOne of the most significant Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh, Sankaram is located some 3.5 km away from Anakapalle and 41 km away from Visakhapatnam on the Sabbavaram by-pass road. The name Sankaram derives from the term Sangharama. Sankaram is famous for the whole lot of votive stupas, rock-cut caves, brick-built structural edifices, early historic pottery and Satavahana coins that date back to the 1st century AD.
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Hi
ReplyDeleteBojjannakonda and Lingalakonda are two Buddhist rock-cut caves on adjacent hillocks, situated near a village called Sankaram, which is a few kilometres away from Anakapalle, Vishakhapatnam in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The sites are believed to date between 4th and 9th Century A.D, when the 3 phases of Buddhism (Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana) flourished at Sankaram (Sangharam as it was called then).
Very interesting post, we enjoyed each and everything as per written in your post. Thank you for sharing this article because it’s really informative. If you are planning for your holiday and Bus Ticket Bookings, searching for the beautiful place to spend your time then you can wander around this vibrant city. It really helps people to plan for future trips. If anyone want go to visit these places and your online bus ticket booking advance in Kaleswari Travels and get more Bus Ticket Offers.
Hi
ReplyDeleteIts alias names are Aniankapalli, Anekaphalle, Vijaypuri, Veniapalii, Kanakapuri, Bellampatnam, and Anakapalli. It is located by the side of a holy Sarada River. During the Independence struggle of India, many prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar visited Anakapalle. It is around 34 km in distance from Visakhapatnam.
Very interesting post, we enjoyed each and everything as per written in your post. Thank you for sharing this article because it’s really informative. If you are planning for your holiday and Bus Ticket Bookings, searching for the beautiful place to spend your time then you can wander around this vibrant city. It really helps people to plan for future trips. If anyone want go to visit these places and your online bus ticket booking advance in Kaleswari Travels and get more Bus Ticket Offers.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteBojjannakonda and Lingalakonda are two Buddhist rock-cut caves on adjacent hillocks, situated near a village called Sankaram, which is a few kilometres away from Anakapalle, Vishakhapatnam in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
Very interesting post, we enjoyed each and everything as per written in your post. Thank you for this article because it’s really informative. If you are planning for your holiday and searching for the beautiful place to spend your time then you can wander around this vibrant city. It really helps people to plan for future trips. If anyone want go to visit these places book your online bus tickets advance in Kaleswari Travels and get more bus ticket offers.