Explore India and one aspect that you are sure to notice is its engineering prowess. Be it the Sun Temple at Konark, or the Ajanta and Ellora caves and the multitude of forts dotting every state, every piece of ancient architecture establishes even more firmly the scientific thinking of the people of the times. But going beyond all these engineering marvels is one crescent shaped underground quarter in the Chandravalli Caves.

    Nestled between the three hills of Chitradurga, Kirubanakallu and Cholagudda, a visitor here is so bewitched by the beauty of the Chandravalli Lake that you hardly ever notice a tiny entrance in the rocks that opens up a maze of mystery, wonder and amazement. The steep climb up the hillock adjoining the Chandravalli Lake leads you to what looks like something common in the ancient fort city of Chitradurga in Karnataka – a cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and a resting ground made of solid granite pillars holding....