Salihundam

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Salihundam is a village and panchayat in Gara Mandal of Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh, India.

It is 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 discovered by Gidugu Venkata Rama Murthy in 1919 AD. During excavations relic caskets, four stupas, a Chaityagriha, structural emples and a number of sculptures reflecting the three phases of Buddhism - Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana were found dating back to about 2nd century B.C. to 12th century A.D. The statues of 'Tara' and 'Marichi' were discovered at this site and from here Buddhism spread to Sumatra and other far-eastern countries.