Chitradurga (Karnataka):About three kilometre away from Karnataka's Chitradurga district, there lies an ancient wonder. Chandravalli is an 80-feet deep cave temple within the picturesque Chandravalli garden of Ankali math.
The Archaeological Survey of India-protected cave is located in the midst of three hills, Chitradurga, Cholagudda and Kirubana Kallu. A lake adds to the charm of this scenic cave temple.
Located between two giant monolithic rocks, the cave is also known as Ankali Mutt. Legend has it that saints and sages from the nearby Ankalagi and Belgaum areas would come here to meditate.
Apart from its scenic beauty, the cave temple has a historical significance as well. It is believed that Mayurasharma, the founder of the Kadamba Kingdom of Banavasi would use the ancient cave as a protective shelter in times of war. The Kadamba Kingdom was the earliest native kingdom to rule over what is today the state of Karnataka.
After the destruction of the Kadamba kingdom, the cave would provide shelter to the local shepherds, who would use it for taking rest.
The cave also served as a centre for meditation. Paradeshappa Swamiji, a high-ranking priest of the Ankali Mutt, who came to the present day Karnataka to preach Hindu religion, took shelter in the same cave and breathed his last in here. Swamiji's grave can also be found within the cave.
Nothing short of a treasure trove, the cave has three main doors - Nandi Gate, Gaja Gate and Simha Gate. It also consists of Paradeshappa Swamiji's gadduge (worshipping spot), a Shiva Linga, a bathing pool, secret roads, a bedroom, and a treasury room, among other historic things.
There is an inexplicable magical aura surrounding the caves, with its carvings of Hindu and Buddhist symbols and remnants of pre-historic paintings in vegetable colours.
Withstanding the test of time, the mysterious caves of Chandravalli attracts tourists from all over the country.
