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News: For two days, the 7th-century Undavalli Caves became a vibrant venue for the first Andhra Pradesh Telugu Mahotsavam, celebrating the Telugu language, literature, music, poetry, folk songs, storytelling, and cultural traditions.
About Undavalli Caves
- They are a monolithic caves are example of Indian rock-cut architecture.
- Location: They are located near Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
- They are believed to have been carved out of sandstone on the side of Undavalli Hill.
- Associated river: It is situated on the bank of river Krishna.
- Built by:
- These multi-storeyed caves date back to the 6th–7th century CE.
- It was built by the Vishnu Kundin rulers, who governed the region during that period.
- The caves are a unique blend of Indian and Buddhist architectural styles.
- Principal Diety: The principal deity in the caves is Anantasayana Vishnu (Vishnu in a reclining position).
- Architecture features:
- They are renowned for their intricate carvings and distinctive rock-cut architecture.
- The caves are four stories high, with each floor featuring unique carvings and architectural elements.
- The ground floor has a large open hall with sculptures of Lord Vishnu and other Hindu deities.
- The second floor contains small cells with intricate carvings depicting different stories.
- The third floor houses a massive reclining statue of Lord Vishnu, one of the cave’s main attractions.
- The fourth floor contains a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, providing a place for worship and meditation.
- An underground passage is believed to connect the caves to the Krishna River.
- The carvings depict scenes from Hindu mythology, reflecting India’s rich artistic heritage.
