Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/PYsVpT88mRQ
Location: "Bojjanna Konda, Bojannakonda Rd, Rebaka, Andhra Pradesh 531032"
Bojjanakonda and Lingalakonda are two Buddhist rock-cut caves situated adjacent to each other near the village Sankaram (Anakapalle of ancient Kalinga), previously known as Sangharam, Andhra Pradesh. The sites are believed to be dated between 4th and 9th century AD. Original name of Bojjanakonda was Buddina Konda.
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
(Boudha-arama, i.e., vihara) as these Buddhist establishments are generally known.
This is a beautiful site that gives one a chance to
experience the amazing architecture and exquisite artwork with surroundings
that are very beautiful. Virid green environments with small hillocks and the
old Buddhist temples and stupas make up the landscapes of this location.
The most majestic feature of this rock cut site is the
majestic figure of Buddha in meditative pose.
Artifacts
discovered at the site include a gold coin from the Samudra Gupta era, copper
coins of Chalukya king Kubja Vishnu Vardhan, coins from the Andhra Satavahanas
period, and pottery.
The
caves at Bojjannakonda bear a resemblance to those
in Takshasila.
The
word ‘Sangrama’, common
in Takshasila but not in Andhra Pradesh, suggests influences from
northern Indian Buddhist practices at Bojjannakonda.
The
Buddhist temple at Barabodur in Java appears to have been built following the
architectural style of the structures on Lingala-metta.
Bojjanakonda
Bojjanakonda is the
eastern hillock and is covered with large group of monolithic stupas
surrounding the rock-cut platforms of the Maha Stupa, with the dome constructed
of brick.
In 1906 Alexander Rim excavated the site and found all forms
of Buddhism including Himayana, Mahayana
and Vajrayana here. Groups of rock-cut and brick stupas and small
chaityas surround this stupa. In two of the brick stupas, stone relic caskets
in the form of miniature stupas were found. There is also a stone[Linga being
the name locally applied to the stupa]. An image of the Goddess Hariti
(Buddhist monk) is found at the foot of the hill as per the archaeological
sources. A figure of ‘Kalabhairava’, featuring the head of Lord Ganesha
adorned with conch shells is also present here.
On this hill there are six rock-cut caves of which some have
sculptured panels. One main cave has sixteen pillars, or which five are broken,
and it enshrines a monolithic stupa in the centre. There is a pradakshina-patha
around it. On the ceiling over the stupa is a carving of a chhatra, i.e.,
umbrella which was originally connected with the top of the stupa, the shaft
being now lost. Above this cave, is an upper storey with the figures of Buddha.
In all, on this hill [Bojjannakonda], there are six rock-cut caves of which
some have sculptured panels. Most panels consists of a seated Buddha and
attendants.
As Buddhism began to spread, many centres of learning and
viharas for the monks were set up in various regions. They can also be seen
at Thotlakonda, Bavikonda, Pavurallakonda around Visakhapatnam. They all
flourished around 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE, but then gradually faded
out, probably due to the revival of Hinduism.
Buddhist monks used to worship on the hill 2,000 years ago.
It was originally known as Buddhuni konda (hill of the Buddha) but it
came to be known as ‘Bojjannakonda' in course of time. Vaisakha Pournami is
also celebrated on a large scale here at Bojjannakonda.
Lingalakonda
Lingalakonda
is the western hillock and a walk of around 200 meters from Lingala
konda. The stie is again a trail of natural beauty and the Buddhist sites,
caves and Stupas are worth visiting.
Parking and
Photography
There is dedicated parking available and it is not an issue.
Photography is chargeable and there is an entry fee too.
Drone (if they ignore it while taking inside) should be used
with caution without anyone noticing. From the top it shouldn’t be a problem
using it.
Route:
The sites are easily accessible from Vizag. We stayed in
Vizag and planned to visit this site along with Rushikonda beach. The Chennai-kolkata
highway there is under construction and is in a very bad state. Even then it
shouldn’t take much time to travel. It’s a beautiful drive. It must have
improved now.
