Sankaram

41 Kms from Vizag and 3 kms from Anakapalli on the banks of the Sarada River. Near to the Bojjana Konda named after A seated image of Buddha termed as Buddhanna or Bojjana and Lingalametta, Sankaram was unearthed by a A Britisher "Alexander Rea", in 1907. This is a 2000-year-old Buddhist Heritage site consists of numerous monolithic stupas, caves and structural buildings. It got its name derived from Sangharama which meant monastery. Numerous monolithic votive stupas, rock cut caves, brick build structural edifices, early historic pottery and Satavahana coins dating back to the 1st century A.D, have been discovered here. Antiquities like the seals, inscribed tablets, pots, copper coins mostly of seventh century AD were found during the excavation of the site. The finding of A gold coin of Samudragupta of the 4th century AD tells the kind of share this site has in the past. Excavations yielded several clay tablets conical and square seal impressions bearing figures of seated Buddha, pagodas and Buddhist creed formulae. The main stupa consists of square platform approached by a flight of steps, a drum and a dome commanding a. panoramic view of the fertile country side.

Nearby  Places

Bojjanakonda
It has numerous images of Buddha carved on the rock-face of the caves. Similarly at Lingalametta, there are innumerable rock cut monolithic stupas in rows, spread allover the hill. Other attractions are maha-stupa nearby yielded a relic casket, 3 chaitya halls, votive platforms, stupas and Vajrayana sculptures unearthed. At this place is a gold coin of Samudragupta datable to 4th century was found. The vihara was active for about 1000 years, spanning the Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana phases of Buddhism.