Biccavolu is a village situated in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. It is situated at an average altitude of 12 meters. The place houses a number of significant temples belonging to the Chalukya period which were built by different rulers. The name of the place was derived from Turupu Chalakya Vamsam who ruled during the period of 849 to 892 AD. Among all, two of the temples namely Sri Chandrasekhara Swamyvari Temple and Sri Raja Rajeswari Vari Temple are quite famed owing to their `Silpakala nypunyam` which is the name for special sculpturing styles. Biccavolu village was developed and glorified by King Kamineni Kama Reddy belonging to Kamma Cummunity. The village is known for its magnificent monuments and exquisite sculptures.
Sri Golingeswara Swamy Temple
Sri Golingeswara Swamy temple is a beautiful shrine having iconographic elements all around and 33 lines of `sasanam` illustrated on the door. Two beautiful sculptures are enshrined in the `Mukhamandapam` of the temple exhibiting Eastern Chalukya sculpture. One of the sculptures represents Lord Shiva and Parvati in the form of `Alingana Chandra Sekhara Murthy` while the other one represents a seated figure of Lord Ganesha.
Sri Rajaraja Temple
Sri Rajaraja temple is another important temple of Biccavolu which houses three niches on three sides of the temple. The first niche is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the second one to Lord Kartikeya on Peacock and the third one to Mahishamardini. A Shiva lingam is enshrined in the temple as its presiding deity along with Goddess Rajarajeswari.
Sri Chandrasekhara Swamy Temple
Sri Chandrasekhara Swamy temple is another significant temple having gorgeous sculptures on all four sides of the temple. The presiding deities of the temple are Balathripurasundari and Siva - styled Chandrasekhara swamy.
Monolithic Ganesha
Biccavolu houses a large sculpture of Lord Ganesha having a height of 11 feet. In the history of Eastern Chalukyan sculpture, the idol has been notified as the biggest. Before the reign of Ganesh Vijaditya, the sculpture had a single pair of hands while another pair was added during his time. This sculpture can also be witnessed on one side of a seal of Gunaga Vijayaditya while on the other side, am image of Goddess Lakshmi can be seen. The seal is presently placed in the Chennai Government Museum. This sculpture attracts numerous devotees and tourists from far off regions.
Siva Temple-I
It is located at the out skirts of Biccavolu village. On the three sides of the temple, `makara` decoration can be seen, along with various figurines. A striking sculpture among the decoration is the sculpture of Lord Shiva dancing in his Nataraja from.
Siva Temple-II
This temple has a simple architecture and stands on the fields of the village. The temple is absolutely devoid of any figurine sculpture and even the niches are bare. On the doors of the temple, carvings of `dvarapalas` can be found whereas the sculptures of Goddess Lakshmi can be seen on the lintels. Architecture of the temple is quite impressive which follows Eastern Chalukya temple structure, inspired to some extent by other styles. Some of the features closely resemble Pallava type of architecture.
Siva Temple-III
It is another temple exhibiting a unique doorway which showcases River Goddesses Ganga and Yamuna on either side. Iconography and different motifs can be seen above it which includes figures of Vishnu and Surya.
Festivals of Biccavolu
There are two major festivals which are celebrated in the village with great religious fervour. Subramanyeswara Swamy Shashti is observed every year during Margasira Sudda Shashti day in the month of December. Vinayaka Chaviti is celebrated annually during Bhadra Pada Sudda Chaviti Day during the month of September.
