I have visited 10th century old shiva temple and it was one of the famous temples located on East Godavari - Andra Pradesh.
Andhra Pradesh is an illustration of the diverse styles of temple building in the Indian subcontinent.The Chalukyan, Dravidian, Nagara and the Orissa idiom are seen in the construction of temples in this southern state. Among the various dynasties that ruled over this region, the Eastern Chalukyas who ruled over Coastal Andhra had a lion's share in shaping the destiny of the temples of East Godavari.
The temples of East Godavari owe their grandeur to the contribution of Eastern Chalukyas who were well known for their typical Dravidian style of art and architecture. Bikkavolu which is home to several important temples of the Eastern Chalukya period is a fine example of this style of architecture. Legend has it that, Biccavolu, which in the days of yore was known as Birudankinavolu, was named after its ruler King Gunaga Vijayaditya III who belonged to the Turupu Chalakya Vamsam. During their reign, these temples received great royal patronage.
Bikkavolu, located in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, stands witness to a group of six fine temples. Three temples located on the outskirts of the Bikkavolu village form the early group, with cognate architectural features and the other temples located within the village belong to a later group and they all are very prominent with great Silpakala nypunyam (sculpting skills).
This temple of Lord Shiva is situated on the out skirts of Biccavolu village. It has the typical Eastern Chalukyan looks with similar features as seen in their temples but the temple is more famous for its Shiva Lingam and the architecture. It features similar central niches on the three sides and also has a very good sculpture of Makara and other figurines on it. One such prominent feature here in this temple is the Nataraja sculpture dancing in the Chatura pose. This temple has resemblance of the Orissan style of sculpture because it follows the Lakulisas style of sculpting.
The temple of Lord Shiva built by the Eastern Chalukyas in the fields of Biccavolu village. The sculptures, iconographic the motifs and the figurines in this temple make this one of the best temples to visit. The sculptures of Gods like Mithuna, Surya and Vishnu are among the excellent workmanship. The latter two images resemble the one in Golingeshwara Swami Temple. One distinctive feature in the architecture of this temple is the images of Ganga and Yamuna- the two River Goddesses, on either sides of the doorway of this temple. To preserve the rich grandeur of these silent testaments of bygone era, the Archaeological Survey of India has undertaken the maintenance of this temple.
As it was built in 10the century by Eastern Chalukyas nearly it having 2000years history and it was built by rocks and having a great architecture.
Surrounding with fields around the temple, atmosphere looks cool and you will find beautiful views around the temple.
This temple will remains closed throughout the year and they open the temple only on the maha festive eve of "Lord Shiva" on "MAHA SHIVARATHRI" held in the month of February every year.
You can visit the temple, but you are not allowed to go in to the temple during the normal days.
There is more enough to know about this temple, will update soon.
Here are some photos of the old famous historic temple shot on my mobile phone 📸
Pictures by : Vazeer Ishaan 📸
