Undavalli caves : Faith Alive, Idols dating 4th Century AD

Undavalli Caves, dated 4^th Century AD is located in Guntur (Andhra Pradesh) around 10 Km from Vijayawada. Recently I got an opportunity to visit the caves, and the whole experience can be described simply as ‘Chota Packet, Bada Dhamaka’. I cannot think of any other idiom but it just blew me away as I went from one story to the next one of the caves.

When I stood outside the premise, while taking the entry tickets and looked at the caves, I wondered if was it worth coming all the way. The caves appeared very small and nothing noticeable about them. But as they say, don’t judge the book by its cover. I was totally surprised as we went inside for the centuries old artefacts present in the caves. 

One thing that sets the Undavalli caves apart is its monolithic rock-cut construction, formed out of a single rock mountain. A four-storied structure, as one moves from one story to the next, one is awed by its architecture of pillars and idols, a structure that witnessed the integration of different religions.

Although a few elements inside the caves, such as the pillared halls, shows Buddhist or Jain influences but almost all the sculptures are dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. The principal deity in the caves is Anantasayana Vishnu (Vishnu in a reclining position) with a serpent and Lord Garuda on the sides, where to date the prayers are being offered.

But the most amazing takeaway is when one stands on the balcony, and views the surroundings, the lush green fields, the mountains, and the river Krishna on one side. What a sight to imbibe in memory when one leaves the caves!

Undavalli caves is must visit if you are interested in the Heritage architecture and Idols. 

Rakhi Sunil Kumar