The Undavalli Caves are monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture, located in Guntur district in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The caves are located south west of Vijayawada. It is one of the centrally protected Monuments of National Importance.
History
Originally serving as a
Jainism abode resembling the architecture of the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves. The caves later became a site for Buddhist monks and eventually transformed into Hindu temples. Undavalli caves are carved in the Gupta style of rock-cut architecture, dated back to the 4th-5th century CE. The caves showcase a confluence of religious influences, reflecting the region's diverse spiritual history. Notably, the Vishnukundina kings, who ruled from 420–620 CE, contributed to the development of these caves, leaving behind intricate sculptures and architectural elements.
Chronology
These caves were carved out of solid
sandstone on a hillside in the 4th to 5th centuries CE.
There are several caves and the best known largest one has three
stories with a huge recreated statue of
Vishnu in a reclining posture, sculpted from a single block of
granite inside the second floor. It is estimated that these caves were sculpted sometime in 4-5th century CE during the reign of Vishnukundina kings
The main cave is one of the earliest examples of
Gupta Empire architecture, primarily primitive rock-cut
monastery cells carved into the sandstone hills.
Initially, the caves were shaped as a Jain abode and the first-floor abode still retains the Jain style; the
vihara exhibits
Jain monasticism and includes
tirthankara sculptures. This first level of the cave is a carved
vihara and includes
Buddhism artwork.
The site served as the
Bhikkhu monastic complex during ancient period.
The walls of the caves display sculptures carved by skilled craftsmen.
The caves are surrounded by green countryside. From the high hill above the cave overlooking the Krishna River many fine specimens of rock-cut architecture can be seen. These caves are part of Mangalagiri Tadepalle Municipal Corporation.
Architecture
It is an Impressive Four storey rock cut temple with East facing facade of 29m long, 16m wide. There are variation in depth of each floor. The ground floor is an unfinished low pillared hall with 8 pillars and 7 door openings on façade. The first storey accommodates triple shrine at back, each with the pillared hall in front, originally dedicated to the Trinity (Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma).
Sculptures on the walls represent Vaishnava deities. The second storey has a pillared rectangular shrine of Vishnu on a serpent. Sculptures of Shiva and Vaishnava and a few like the Vaishnava Alwars are sculptured later on. The top floor was unfinished with a Triple Shrine. Some of the sculptural specimens are attributed to Chalukyan period. It has 5 meter long statue of Vishnu in reclining position.
in the Undavalli Caves.]]
at Undavalli Caves.]]
depicted on a pillar at Undavalli Caves.]]
Transport
The only means of connectivity for the caves is by road. APSRTC operates bus services from
Vijayawada,
Guntur and Amaravathi to this location.
APCRDA runs Tourist Bus-cum-Boat services through
Krishna River from
Prakasam Barrage.
See also
-
Akkanna Madanna Caves
-
Mogalrajapuram Caves
Notes
External links
