Padugula Labyrinth Cave (Andhra Pradesh)

Discovered in a cave in Andhra Pradesh's Prakasam district, the Padugula circular labyrinth dates to approximately the 6th century CE and represents a rare cave-based labyrinth in the Indian subcontinent. Cave labyrinths are exceptional worldwide — most labyrinths are carved on open rock faces or constructed on the ground. The choice of a subterranean setting connects the labyrinth to the Hindu and Buddhist tradition of cave temples (Ajanta, Ellora, Badami) as spaces of spiritual transformation. At 97.00° Giza bearing, Padugula lies on the eastern Indian alignment corridor. Andhra Pradesh's laterite and limestone geology creates extensive natural cave systems, and the labyrinth's placement within one suggests the cave itself was recognized as a natural labyrinth before the carved design was added.