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Thotlakonda
The Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex situated on a hilltop in Mangamaripeta village
is at a distance of 15 kms from Visakhapatnam on the Vizag-Bheemili beach road.
Also known as 'the Hill of Eagles", the complex has a number of stupas,
Chaityas, Viharas, a congregation hall and a refectory belonging to the Himayana
School, mostly excavated during1982-92. These remains are classifieds as religious,
secular and civil. Excavations at Thotlakonda comprise pottery, beads, bangle
pieces, tiles, stuccos, iron objects, sculptural remains, moulded bricks, inscriptions,
coins, etcs.
Bavikonda
Bavikonda, on the North west of Timmapuram, is about 16 km from Vishakhapatnam
along the beach road leading to Bheemunipatnam. The hill acquired the name Bavikonda
due to the existence of wells on the hill to collect rain water for drinking
purpose. The artifacts recovered here include Roman coins and satavahana coins
apart from pottery dating back to 3rd century BC and 2nd Century A.D. Excavations
on the hill-top brought to light an extensive Buddhist establishment consisting
of a Mahachaitya, stupas, chaityagrihas, a congregation hall, platforms, viharas,
kitchen-cum-store complex,
pottery, relic caskets, tiles, stuccos, iron objects, moulded bricks, coins
etc.
Pavuralakonda
Pavuralakonda or Narasimhaswamy Konda is located to the west of Bhimli or Bheemunipatnam
which is about 24 km. from Vizag. This hillock also called 'hill of pigeons',
covering an area of 10 to 12 acres, is at a height of 168mts above sea level.
Excavations of the site believed to be dated between 3rd C. B.C. and 2nd C.
A.D, revealed nearly 14-16 rock-cut troughs or cisterns used for collecting
rainwater, foundations of viharas, with cells and common verandah, circular
chaityagrihas, votive stupas, halls etc. The river Gosthani which flows nearby
Pavuralakonda served as navigation canal for inland trade in the early centuries
of the Christian era.
Sankaram Buddhist Excavations
The village of Sankaram near Anakapalli, 38 km from Visakhapatnam is known for
its 3rd and 4th century Buddhist constructions. Situated on two small hillocks,
these constructions are believed to be made during Mahayana period. The hills,
Bojjanakonda and Lingalakonda has a monastery, numerous rock- cut stupas and
sanctuaries cut into the sides of the hill with several Buddha images. There
are a few plain and small caves on the hillock, which formed the Viharas (shelters)
for the monks and students. The site, an archeologists delight have excavated
several antiquities like the seals, inscribed tablets, pots, copper coins mostly
of seventh century AD.
A unique feature of Bojjannakonda which was excavated under
the aegis of Alexander Rim in 1906, is that it shows all the three phases of
Buddhism. i.e Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana. The main attraction here is
the imposing figures of the Buddha, seated in a meditation-posture and the stupa.
The main stupa was first carved out of rock and then encased in bricks. The
hillock Lingalakonda, is located to the west of Bojjannakonda
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