Saali Hundam – Buddhist Monuments

Saali Hundam is a historically known village and panchayat in Gaara Mandal of Srikakulam District in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is about 14 Km from the World Famous Sri Mahaa Vishnu Temple at Srikurmam. It is believed that there is also an Under Ground Tunnel connecting these two places.

It is a famous Buddhist Remnants site situated on the south bank of River Vamsadhara at a distance of 5 kilometers west of Kalingapatnam and 18 kilometers from Srikakulam town.

It was known as “Salivatika” (meaning rice emporium). But many called it "Salyapetika" (meaning box of bones or relics). There are a number of Buddhist stupas and a huge monastic complex on a hillock amidst scenic surroundings.

The site was first rediscovered by Sri Gidigu Venkata Ramana moorthy in 1919.
The site was rediscovered second time by Sri Ponnana Simhachalam in 2013

During excavations, relic caskets, four stupas, a Chaityagriha, structural temples and a number of sculptures reflecting the three phases of Buddhism - Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana were found dating back to about 2nd century BC to 12th century AD.

The statues of Taara and Mareechi were discovered at this site and from here Buddhism spread to Sumatra and other far-eastern countries through River Vamsadhara and Kalingapatnam Port.

Kappa Hundi

There is a small gap between the hill stones and it is said that who ever drops a coin (or something like that) there , it will straight away reach the Ancient Srikurmam Temple (Garba Gudi). Some kind of justifications of these are available, when we see the Under Ground Tunnel entrance at Srikurmam Temple., which was supposed to be stretching upto Salihundam , some 14 Kilo Metre distance. And it is said that this was used as source of communication and secretive travel by Kings, Saints etc. in the past.

The Well

There is a well at the top of the monument. Inside the well is located a brick constructed horizontal wall. Down to this is some thing empty which can be easily known by stepping on it. There is a  rumour about this well, i.e., There is a hidden treasure inside this well. However, there are No confirmations  whether this is true or not.

How to travel

We can first reach Srikakulam Town by Road/ Rail/ Air. Visakhapatnam City is about 110 Km from Srikakulam Town. We can start from Srikakulam towards East on the Kalingapatnam Road to reach Salihundam, which is at a distance of about 18 Km.

Archaeological Survey Of India (ASI) Protected Buddhist Monument
Location in Andhra Pradesh, India
Coordinates: 18°20′00″N 84°03′00″E / 18.33333°N 84.05000°E / 18.33333; 84.05000Coordinates: 18°20′00″N 84°03′00″E / 18.33333°N 84.05000°E / 18.33333; 84.05000
Country	India
State	Andhra Pradesh
District	Srikakulam
Languages             Telugu
Time Zone	IST (UTC + 5:30)
PIN Code	532405
Nearest city	Vishakapatnam 125 Km
	Lok Sabha Constituency : Srikakulam Vidhan Sabha Constituency : Srikakulam