Old ancient jain temples near Andhra Pradesh
Here are some important old Jain places in and around Andhra Pradesh. I’ll keep them grouped so it’s easier to plan a visit.
--------------------------------
- Within Andhra Pradesh
--------------------------------
1) Ambapuram Jain Cave Temple (near Vijayawada, Krishna District) ( en.wikipedia.org)
- Rock‑cut Jain cave temple, often called Nedumbi Basadi.
- Dates back to around the 7th century CE (Eastern Chalukya period).
- Dedicated mainly to Bhagwan Mahavir.
- You can still see old Jain images inside the cave.
2) Danavulapadu Jain Temple (Kadapa District) ( en.wikipedia.org)
- Located in Danavulapadu village, near Jammalamadugu in Kadapa.
- Ancient Digambar Jain centre, from about 8th century CE (Rashtrakuta period).
- Main deity: Bhagwan Parshvanath.
- Inscriptions mention Sallekhana practiced by Jain acharyas here.
3) Undavalli Caves (near Vijayawada, Guntur District) ( en.wikipedia.org)
- Very old rock‑cut caves (4th–5th century CE).
- Historically, they were originally a Jain abode; later used by Buddhists and then became Hindu‑oriented.
- Architecturally very impressive; important for understanding how early Jain monks lived in caves.
--------------------------------
- Nearby in Telangana (just across the border)
--------------------------------
4) Bommalagutta / Siddhula Gutta (near Karimnagar, Telangana) ( en.wikipedia.org)
- Hill with beautiful Jain rock carvings and inscriptions (around 10th century CE).
- Images of Chakreshvari Devi, Bahubali, and several Tirthankars.
- Close to the famous Jain site Kulpakji (Kolunapaka).
5) Padmakshi Hill (Hanamkonda, Warangal, Telangana) ( en.wikipedia.org)
- Today mainly known as a Hindu temple, but the hill has old Jain Tirthankar images carved in rock.
- A Jain shrine existed here around 12th century CE.
6) Anantagiri Jain Caves (Vikarabad District, Telangana) ( timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
- Cluster of 9th‑century Jain rock‑cut caves, used by Jain monks.
- Caves have rock‑cut beds and niches for lamps; linked with Sallekhana vrata practice.
--------------------------------
- How to use this list
--------------------------------
- If you are in Vijayawada / Guntur side:
- If you are in Rayalaseema / Kadapa side:
- If you can go slightly outside Andhra:
These places are mainly archaeological / heritage sites, so facilities may be simple. If you plan a yatra, it is good to contact local Jain sangh (if any nearby) for guidance and current condition of the places.