Indian
States
Andhra Pradesh
Ramappa
Temple :
The Ramappa temple is located in a small village called Palampeta
and was built during Kakati Ganapatideva's reign in the year 1213
A.D. by his general Racharla Rudra. This probably is the only
temple in India known by the name of the sculptor who built it.
The head sculptor was Ramappa, after whom the temple is known
today, rather than after the presiding deity, Ramalingeswara,
as is the general norm. The Kakatiyas built many Shiva temples
during their time in and around Warangal or Orugallu (Ekasilanagaram)
as it was known during their rule. A fine example of medieval
deccan temple architecture is the famous Ramappa Temple at Palampet,
74km from Warangal. The special features of this temple include
12 breath- taking life size female fiququres of black basalt carved
with considerable skill. Characteristic of the Kakatiya Sculpture
is the Nandi carved out of a stone at the eastern portico of this
temple. The Ramappa temple is a superb example of their love for
art, music and dance. The temple is situated in a valley and is
built with bricks so light that they can float on water. Yet the
temple is so strong that it is still intact after numerous wars,
invasions and natural calamities. There was a major earthquake
during the 17th century which shook the Ramappa temple and the
other nearby temples. In the Ramappa temple many of the smaller
structures were neglected and are in ruins. There were even instances
of people carrying away the bricks, to be proudly exhibited that
they can float on water, before the Archeological Survey of India
(ASI) took charge of it. The main entrance gate in the outer wall
of the temple is ruined, so one can enter only through a small
west gate.
Pakhal
50km from Warangal, is situated amidst undulating forest- clad
hills and dales Pakhal Lake, a popular retreat, was completed
around 1213 AD by the Kakatiya dynasty. Set around the shores
of this lake is the Pakhal wildlife Sanctuary covering an area
of 900sq. km. Its dense forest shelter tiger, leopard animals
and birds. The best season to visit Pakhal is October- March.
Yadagirigutta
Yadagirigutta88km from Warangal and 69km. from Hyderbad, is known
for the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple.
Kalesai
: Known as Kashi of the South it is famous for Mukteshwara
temple whish has two ligams (Phallus)- one for Lord Shiva and
another for Lord Yarna, the God of Death, each guarded by an umbrella
of seven hooded stone cobras.
Palampet
: Here exists the glorious Ramappa shrines constructed in
1213 AD referred to as the brightest star in the galaxy of medieval
temples of Deccan. Constructed in pink sandstone the ornamented
bands, floral motifs and an array of dancers, musicians and goddess
in stone are unbelievably beautiful.
