Undavalli Caves
high-definition creative commons photographs from the Undavalli Caves in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh together with further information.
There seems to be a lot of dispute about the origin of the Undavalli (Uṇḍavalli) caves, with Buddhists, Jainas and Hindus all laying claims. It seems to me the most likely answer is that all three groups occupied and further developed the caves in stages, almost certainly beginning with the Buddhists, as rock-cut caves are a feature of Buddhist architecture.
At some point, probably after Buddhism had declined, they have definitely been taken over by Hindus and are now dedicated to Lord Ananta Padmanābha and Lord Narasiṁhaswāmi. The main statue in the place is also in dispute between Hindus who believe it to be Ananta Padmanābha, and Jainas who favour the Tirthaṅkara Pārśvanātha.
The four-storey structure is carved out of the sandstone hill and reflects Gupta architectural styles. There are many relief-type sculptures, especially on the second floor, depicting various gods and other figures, not all of which I could identify. There are maṇḍapas on the first and second floors, and the top floor has a good view out over the surrounding countryside and the Krishna River.
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Photographs by Anandajoti Bhikkhu
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