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| Ramappa temple, Palampet, Telengana. en.wikipedia.org |
The highly inspiring Ramappa temple of Telengana, is a living example to prove that ''man's imagination is sky high,'' Richly ornamented, this small temple will certainly mesmerize the visitors .
Located 15 km (9.3 mi) at Palampet in Mulugu district of Telangana, and 66 km (41 mi) from Warangal, Ramappa Temple, is a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site (conferred on 5 August 2021) built in 1213 CE by Recharla Senapati Rudra - a General of the Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva 1199–1262 of Warangal. He commissioned the temple and the lake near-by. The construction work took 40 long years to complete it in the 13 th century. Detailed decorative works of the stone all around the temple would have taken much of the time to complete the project . Kakatiyas, got away from the control of Chalukya rulers who ruled much of central India, right up to the east coast between the 12th and 14th centuries. They were a force to reckon with in this part in those days.
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| front view Ramappa temple, Palampet, Telengana. en.wikipedia.org |
It is a complex comprising three temples constructed between 1212 and 1234. The architect was Ramappa after whom the complex is named. This being the only temple in India named after the person who designed it with meticulous care paying detailed attention to every aspect of this temple complex - Shivalayam. There is a lake near-by called Ramappa lake that supplies water to the areas around.
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| ornate pillar. Ramappa temple, Palampet, Telengana. en.wikipedia.org |
Standing atop a 6-foot (1.8 m) high star-shaped platform, the structure is made of reddish sandstone whereas the nice ornate pillars outside with large brackets are made of black basaltic rock (volcanic rock quite common in the Deccan region of India). The hall in front of the sanctum carries numerous ornamental pillars
From the temple’s eastern entrance, one can see sculptures of dancing girls on both sides. Bordering the entrance arch there are well-made 30 medallions carved in black basalt, showing women in dance poses and playing musical instruments. It is a time consuming work for the workers to delicately carve out fine decorative features in hard rock, particularly carving matching brackets with exquisite fingers needs lots of experience and patience.
In contrast to basaltic rocks and reddish sandstone in the base and main part of the temple, the tower - gopuram is made of light brick to reduce the weight exerted by overlying structure on the base. The ingenuity of the architect is highlighted by the way the carved blocks of sculptures are made. They could be reassembled on site in a particular fashion without mortar.
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| Ramappa temple, Palampet, Telengana. en.wikipedia.org |
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| Ramappa temple, Palampet, Telengana. en.wikipedia.org |
01. The presiding deity is Ramalingeswara Swamy. Shiva's mount Nadi (bull) is near the entrance as usual, facing the shrine.
02. It is said the light bricks used in the temple tower are so light they can float in the water. It seems they have good absorbing power and is said to have been made spongy stuff something like saw-dust.
03. The hallmark of the Kakatiya style of design is the base of the platform - a 6-feet high star-shaped platform.
04. The intricate carvings like mythical animals, female dancers in the Basaltic rock are typical artistic expressions of Kakatiya art.
05. Because of its unique design, the temple had survived a severe tremor during the 17th century.
