Ramappa Temple has been declared as an UNESCO ‘World Heritage Site’ by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) in 2020. It is 39th UNESCO site of India.The decision was taken at the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO in held in China. India has total 40 such sites. Even though the temple has been declared World Heritage site in 2020, efforts has been made by the Telangana Goverment and the Kakatiya Heritage Trust since 2012.
Ramappa temple
Ramappa Temple – History
Ramappa Temple is also known as the Ramalingeswara Temple. It was built in 1213 A.D. by during the dynasty rule of Kakatiyas. According to an incription of the temple, it was built under a general Recherla Rudra during the reign of ruler Ganapati Deva. The temple was completed in about 40 years in South Indian Temple architecture style. Medieval traveller Marco Polo described the Temple as ” The Brightest Star in The Galaxy Of Medieval Temples of the Deccan “. This statement itself signifies the excellence of art in those times.
Criss cross platform with pradakshinapath.
Temple Architecture
As you enter the temple, you will encounter with a large Nandi mandapa. It is made up of black basalt. It is sitting in a posture of alertness. It is one of the two shrines on either side of the main temple – Kateshwar and Kameshwar. To reach the main temple, you have to walk down a path lined with trees on both the sides.
Nandi bull and decorative engravings.
The temple stands on a 6 feets high star-shaped platform. Ramappa Temple resides lord Shiva in linga form inside a garbhagriha, sanctum. The Kakatiyas wanted that the first rays should fall on the Shivalinga. Therefore the mains shrine faces east and the others faces South and West. The Nandi however is sitting facing East only.
Shiva-linga in sanctum.
The roof of the sanctum are made up of “floating bricks”. In front of the sanctum, many pillars have been carved out. These pillars depict many scenes of Ramayana and Mahabharat, oldest epiccs of India. At the corner of the ceilings there are 12 sculptures of “Madanikas” in different poses. These are present over all 3 entrances. Madanikas are the main attraction of the temple. It is alsio made up black granite, very similar to the ones found in Belur Chennakesava Temple. The main temple is surrounded by a pradakshinapath – a gallery around where you can take a circle .
Manfanikas in black granite stones.
The vimana of the temple is pyramidal in shape. It is made of “floating bricks”. These are called as such because the bricks are light and porous. The usage of such bricks is engineering marvel. They help reduce the weight of the roof. It is believed that saw-dust was used as an ingredient to make the bricks spongy. The ceiling is divided into eight compartments forming intricate patterns.These are called as “Ashtadigapalakulu” – protectors of the 8 directions. Depictions of Sagar Manthan, Satyabhama killing Narakasura etc are illustrated on the roof.
Vimana of temple.
The main structure is incorporates red sandstone using “Sandbox-Technique”. This technique ensures that the structure remains earthquake proof.
Pillars in the mandapa in front of the sanctum garbhagriha.
A historical tale says that the temple is first raised upon a platform that signifies its separation from the worldly activities. A unique thing about the temple is that it is named after the sculptor Ramappa, making it perhaps the only temple in India to be named after its craftsman.
You can see an Alexander Laurel Tree standing beside a dancing sculpture. Lord Krishna is playing flute on the top of this tree. It makes it an attraction point for tourists. Pecularity about it is that the sound from the flute comes from this tree only. If you knock the tree at different places, you can hear Seven Sound – the Saptaswar – Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni.
Open area around the temple.
Protector of door – Dwarpalika – are standing at the entrance. This is an architectural feature of Dravidian temples of southern India. There is also a sculpture of Lord Shiva in tandav posture. It is believed that the Kakatiyas used to dance before going to the warfare.
A unique pillar at the corner has erotic sculptures. Local guides tell that this pillar is the thinnest and you encounter it first while entering. Ramappa erected this pillar there to prevent the evil eyes. Remaining pillars have depictions of Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Engravings on the temple wall.
You can also see a peculiar sculpture carved on the inner east pillar which has only four legs for three people instead of having 6. The architecture has left it to the visitors imagine to depict the meaning. What makes it even more special is that if you cover one person’s body then you can see two complete people.
13 such holes are earthed around maybe indicating the 13th century whet the temple was built.
The temple has survived the wrath of successive Muslim attacks and various natural calamities. It is a protected monument under Archaelogical Survey of India. However same protection has not been extended to Kateshwar and Kameshwar Temples. If done so, the complex can attract even more tourist attraction.
How to Reach
The temples lies in Palampet village of Venkatapur Mandal. Ramappa Temple is located 77 kilometres from Warangal. It is about 209 km from Hyderabad, capital of Telangana. You can hire cabs or take a bus ride to reach there.
