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Akkanna Madanna Caves: Ancient Rock-Cut Temples in Vijayawada
The Akkanna Madanna caves are a group of Hindu rock-cut temples located in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India. These caves, dating back to the mid-7th century, were excavated during the reign of the Eastern Chalukya dynasty. They are among the earliest Hindu rock-cut temples found in the Krishna and Guntur districts and are dedicated to Lord Shiva. The caves consist of two major complexes: the upper (larger) and lower caves. The upper cave, which is better preserved, houses an important 7th-century inscription that offers valuable insights into the temple's origins and history.
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Location
The Akkanna Madanna caves are located at the base of the Indrakiladri Hill, near the Krishna River in Vijayawada. This hill is also home to the renowned Kanaka Durga Temple, which attracts pilgrims from across the region. The caves are easily accessible and are protected monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), designated as sites of national importance.
History and Nomenclature
Despite their 7th-century origin, the caves are named after two brothers, Akkanna and Madanna, who lived in the 17th century during the rule of the Golconda Sultanate. Akkanna and Madanna were prominent ministers in the court of Tana Shah, the last ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, during a time of great political and economic turmoil.
The brothers were influential in helping Tana Shah ascend the throne and soon gained control of the state’s treasury. With their growing power, they directed significant resources toward the welfare of the people, which included the upkeep and construction of Hindu temples. However, their influence drew the ire of Muslim officials in the Golconda Sultanate. This led to their assassination in the late 17th century during a Mughal invasion under the command of Shah 'Alam, son of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
Several monuments in the region, including these caves, continue to bear the names of Akkanna and Madanna, in recognition of their contributions to the cultural and religious life of the time.
Architectural Features
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Upper Cave
The upper cave is the larger and better-preserved of the two. Carved out of a vertically rising rocky cliff, it features a front court and a mandapa (hall) supported by pillars. The entrance is adorned with an intricately carved staircase, though much of the original structure has been damaged.
Inside the upper cave are three shrines dedicated to Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu, though the statues of Brahma and Vishnu are now missing. The central sanctum, which houses a Shiva linga, is larger and taller than the side shrines. Unfortunately, the original Shiva linga has been heavily damaged by vandalism and has since been replaced with a shorter version.
The pillars and façade of the cave are simple in design, reflecting the early style of Chalukyan rock-cut temples. The upper cave also contains an inscription that has been pivotal in dating the cave to the 7th century, based on its paleographic features.
Lower Cave
The lower caves, though less preserved, are still significant. They feature three sets of sanctums, each with a flight of steps leading to a mandapa supported by two rows of pillars. The pillars, made from a softer rock known as Khondalite gneiss, have suffered considerable erosion. The lower cave also features more elaborate decoration than the upper cave, with makara torana (mythical sea creature motifs) and other artistic elements adorning the sanctum.
The lower sanctums were once dedicated to various forms of Shiva, and one of the caves contains a carved image of Ganesha. The ceilings of the sanctums show early attempts to carve a Nagara-rekha style shikhara (tower) in situ, an architectural experiment that was further refined in the nearby Undavalli caves.
Other Monuments
To the north of the lower caves is a small park containing inscribed pillars and ruins from nearby temples. Among these is the Kiratarjuna pillar, which depicts scenes from the Mahabharata, specifically the story of Arjuna’s penance to obtain the Pasupata weapon from Shiva. This pillar, along with the inscribed granite mandapa, was relocated to this site for preservation after 1950.
Conclusion
The Akkanna Madanna caves are a significant cultural and religious monument, representing early Chalukyan temple architecture. Despite centuries of damage, the caves offer valuable insights into the religious history of the Krishna River valley and continue to be a symbol of the region's rich heritage.
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https://know-your-heritage.blogspot.com/2016/08/akkanna-madanna-caves-hindu-rock-cut.html
https://www.touristplaces.net.in/vijayawada-ap/akkanna-madanna-caves/
