Ambapuram cave temple

Ambapuram cave temple or Nedumbi Basadi is a rock-cut Jain cave temple in Ambapuram village near Vijayawada in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

Ambapuram Jain cave temple
Nedumbi Basadi
Nedumbi Basadi
Religion
AffiliationJainism
DeityMahavira
Location
LocationAmbapuram village near Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
Geographic coordinates16°34′04.4″N 80°37′27.7″E
Architecture
StyleRock-cut architecture
CreatorEastern Chalukyas
Date established7th century CE
Specifications
Temple(s)1
Monument(s)5
MaterialsRock cut

History

Jainism became popular in the Vijayawada region during the reign of Eastern Chalukyas or Vengi Chalukyas in the 7th century CE. During the 7th—8th century CE, a total of five Jain caves were constructed in Ambapuram and Adavinekkalam hills.[1] The village derives from the image of Goddess Ambika inside the Jain cave temple.[2]

Architecture

The cave temple enshrines three cells — Veranda, antarala and garbhagriha. The verandah has plain walls and ceilings devoid of sculptures. The antharala features images of yaksha on either side of the door and an idol of Parshvanatha having a serpent hood with five heads. The antharala has an image of Goddess Ambika as protector deity and a carving of an unidentified deity. There is an image of chauri (whisk) bearers on each side of Mahavira.[1] The rear wall of the garbhagriha houses an idol of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, in lotus position with the symbol of lion stamped on the pedestal. The cave temple also features a rock-cut miniature Jain stupa.[2] A 3 feet (0.91 m) tall idol of Parshvanatha with 7 hooded serpent in Kayotsarga posture. The idols date back to 7th century during the reign of Kubja Vishnuvardhana (c. 624–641 CE).[3][4]

In 2019, Cultural Centre of Vijayawada, RCV along with 70 students organised a trek to promote tourism to this cave temple.[5][6]

See also

References

Citations
  1. British Library 1815.
  2. Varma 2015.
  3. Murli 2019.
  4. TNN 2019.
  5. Express News Service 2019.
  6. Hans News Service 2019.

Sources
  • Varma, P. Sujata (1 October 2015). "Ancient Jain temple cries for attention". The Hindu. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  • Murli, S. (13 September 2019). "Antique Jain Tirthankara idol unearthed in Prakasam". Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  • TNN (13 September 2019). "Jain idol from 7th century found". The Times of India. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  • Express News Service (15 September 2019). "70 School students trek to Swetambara Jain rock-cut caves". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  • Hans News Service (15 September 2019). "70 students trek Ambapuram Cave in Vijayawada". The Hans India. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  • "Jain sculpture of Mahavira at Vijayawada". British Library. 21 August 1815.
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