Biccavolu (Bikkavolu) is a village about 30 kilometers west of Kakinada, Eastern Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. Prior to the 13th-century, it was a much larger historic town and religious center. It is called Birudanka and Birundankaprol of Vengidesa in historic Telugu and Sanskrit texts.
<ul><li>Major Hindu temples, particularly of the Shaiva and Surya tradition, were built in Biccavolu by the Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi. Per inscriptions found in the temples and this area, these temples were complete and consecrated between the 8th and 10th-century. These temples and iconography therein are useful illustrations of innovative interpretations of early Sanskrit texts on temple architecture and the Hindu synthesis of ideas across those found from the Cholas in the South (Tamil Nadu), the Kalingas in the east (Odisha) and the western Deccan region's explorations (upper Karnataka).</li></ul><ul><li>The Nakkula Gudi (Nakkula temple) is located to the south of Biccavolu village.</li></ul><ul><li>The Nakkula Gudi faces east, and its adhisthana are partially buried. The bhadras are formed of bays of three projecting pilasters, with images framed as the center piece. A Chatura-posture Nataraja (Natesa) graces the south side, Surya the west, and goddess Mahisasuramardini (Durga) graces the north. The vimana has three talas (storeys) with three prominent nasis. The third tala repeats the artwork of the second, and these consist of artha scenes highlighting vidyadharas (sages, teachers with students, divine knowledge bearers), kama scenes (amorous couples in mithuna), and dharma scenes with deities.</li></ul><ul><li>This Hindu temple follows the square and circle principles of temple architecture illustrated in historic Sanskrit texts.</li></ul><ul><li>The temple exterior and interior show signs of erosion as well as of deliberate damage and destruction. The ardhamandapa area is the most damaged section. Similarly, the original fusion art combining Dakshinamurti and Lakulisa in this temple is now mostly lost.</li></ul>
G.N. Subrahmanyam
2021-06-26 09:08:49
G.N. Subrahmanyam (OTRS 2021062810008185)