Undavalli Caves

A monolithic example of Indian rock-cut architecture and one of the finest testimonials to ancient Viswakarma Sthapathis, the Undavalli Caves are located in Undavalli of Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh. The caves are located 22 Km from the Guntur city of Andhra Pradesh. The monument is centrally protected and of national importance. Found in the 7th century, these caves are associated with Vishnukundi Kings and are dedicated to Anantha Padmanabha and Lord Narasimha. Buddhist monks used this as their rest house. 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 four stories with a huge recreated statue of Vishnu in a reclining posture, sculpted from a single block of granite inside the second floor. Many Buddhist artifacts and stupas in Andhra were converted into Hindu temples and deities and Undavalli is an example. It was originally a Jain cave resembling the architecture of Udayagiri and Khandgiri. The caves are primitive rock-cut monastery and carved into sandstone hills. Since the caves were shaped in Jain abode and the 1st floor still retains the Jain style. Tirthankara sculptures and Jain Monasteries are exhibited in the Viharas. 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.