References: https://drs.nio.res.in/drs/bitstream/handle/2264/8579/Man_Envi_44_49a.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salihundam
Salihundamis located 7 km west of
Kalingapatnam. Salihundam, is a village and panchayat in Gara Mandal of
Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh. It is a historically important Buddhist
monument of ancient Kalinga and a major tourist attraction. It is a village
lying on top of the hill on the south bank of the Vamsadhara River. It is at a
distance of 5 KM west to Kalingapatnam and 10 KM from Singupuram and 18 KM from
Srikakulam town. It was known as Salipetaka (meaning rice emporium in Telugu).
The Buddhist site lies atop the hill on the south bank of Vamsadhara River
around 9KMs from Srikakulam town. The numerous Buddhist stupas are surrounded
by a beautiful scenic view all round with the river flowing deep down.
Salihundam Buddhist site excavation was
done during 1919 AD when 4 stupas, relic caskets and architectural shrines were
discovered, along with Buddhist deities Mareechi and Tara. All that is
remaining were probably built between 2nd and 12th
century and reflects the different times of Buddhism specifically Mahayana,
Theravada and Vajrayana.
The site is an evidence that Buddhism
thrived thoroughly in the period during 2nd and 3rd
centuries.
There are a number of Buddhist stupas and a
huge monastic complex on a hillock amidst scenic surroundings. The site was
first discovered by Gidugu Venkata Rama
Murthy in 1919.
The salihundam buddhist site has a museum
at the entrance, housing the sculptures found here, including chathurbhuja
Aparajitha, Bhavishya Buddha, Dhyana Buddha, Shad Bhuja Mareechi and Durga.
Legends
and History (link above)
A. H. Longhurst excavated Salihundam in
1919 (Longhurst1919-20), followed by T.N.Ramachandran in 1943-47 (Ramachandran
1949-50) and lastly by R.Subrahmanyam (Subrahmanyam 1964; Subrahmanyam 1994).The
excavations yielded occupational remains which include Megalithic Black and red
ware, inscribed pottery with Brahmi characters, RW, Red Polished ware (RPW)
which consists of bowls, lamps, dishes, glass and terracotta beads, Punch
Marked Coins (PMC), Roman coins of Tiberius (14 -37 CE), Satavahana and
Puri-Kushan coins,and brick structures. These finds indicate that Salihundam
port had trade relations with the Romans (Subrahmanyam 1994; Subrahmanyam
1999), and Southeast Asia, including inter-regional contacts. The occurrence of
inscribed potsherds mentioning names of persons and places from all levels of
excavations is also a significant feature of Salihundam. For instance, two
conches inscribed as Salipasaka or Salipatakahave been recovered during
excavation. Probably these two terms denote the ancient names of Salihundam.
Sali means 'rice’ and patakaorvataka or pasaka means town or place. The name
signifies 'the place where rice is stored' (Ghosh 1989). Besides bigger and
smaller stupas, apsidal chaitya grihas, vihars, pillared mandaps, votive
stupas, Buddha images, Buddhist sculptures namely Tara and Marici datable from
3rd century BCE to 8th century CE (IAR 1953-54: 11) have been
reported from Salihundam. Interestingly, three phases of Buddhism, such as the
Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana have been documented at Salihundam, which were
influenced by both north and south India (Ghosh 1989).
Accessibility, Parking and Photography
Unlike the nearby Kalingapatnam Buddhist
site, the Salihundam is very well managed with proper accessibility. There is
ample amount of Parking space, and the roads to reach the site are very well
maintained. The site is at a higher location.
No restrictions in photography at all, including
inside the museum.
I have used Drone from within the site and there was
no restriction. But be careful.
Stay and
Accomodation:
Srikakulam and Rajam are the nearest cities and
town. Rajam has a very good JJ Innotel hotel which is a very reasonably priced
hotel with good rooms. The food in the restaurant is also very good. Do try the
Masala Dosa for just Rs 50 and awesome in taste. Rajam is a good place to stay
as its more centrally located from where multiple locations can be accessed
Route and
Location
Staying at
Rajam, and covering these two locations, the route followed was:
