Caption Ramappa Temple Warangal Telangana India.
Caption Nandi Ramappa Temple Warangal Telangana India.
The Kakatiya rulers were the patrons of architecture, art, dance, music and Lord Shiva remain their favored God. During their reign, many Shiva temples and many temples of Shakti Devi were built. One of these ancient temples is the Ramappa or Ramalingeswara Temple. Which is world famous for its unique architecture and craftsmanship. Architecture and other arts were appreciated, and this beauty is evident in all the temples.
It was built in 1213 AD by Rachela Rudra was a General of Ganpati Deva’s Army who was a great Kakatiya ruler. It’s situated about 60 Kms from Warangal. It was designed by the renowned architect of that period Ramappa. Black polished granite and sand stone or brown unpolished granite was used in its construction. Architectural style is a fusion of Western India’s popular Bhumija style and Kadamba style. It’s built on a raised platform which is starshape. This temple complex has lost its main entrance and Kameswara a subsidiary temple turned to ruins. Where as another subsidiary temple Kateswara is partly damaged. It’s an East facing temple. It has three porches, Rang Mandapa or Dance Floor just Infront of the Sanctum Sanctorum. Shiva Lingam is placed on a raised platform. Except main entrance there is no other way for light to ingress but internal structure is so designed that light reflected in Garbhgrah and remain illuminated. Main doorjamb is exquisitely sculpted and decorated. Visitors may notice Krishna’s flute on left vertical is a master work once you strike at the finger hole or key note it produces the same. Dance floor and surrounding pillars, beams and ceiling are quite spectacular having sophisticated sculptures and decorative elements. Engravers or Sculpture artists narrated the Natraja and his famous Tandav means Dance of destruction mythological tales brilliantly. It has many remarkable features as it’s tower was built by Floating bricks. Whole roof is supported by pillars and stone hang outs are resting on polished granites lively sculptures in the form of brackets. Which are of musicians, dancers etc and specially two sculptures are very much spectacular of Ragni and Nagini who are quite fashionable. Nandi the doorkeeper and ride of Shiva sitting in a roofless pavilion and his one eye and ear are attentive to the Shiva.
Nizam also contributed to protect this temple as rectangular stone pillars can be noticed. Now Archeological survey of India is taking care and may be included in the World Heritage list as it’s proposed.
The best time to visit this divinely temple during the Shivratri as many classical dances are performed. It can be accessed from Hyderabad as well as from Warangal. Opt for the guide who
will be able to assist you you to understand the many notable features. Photography is permitted except of Sanctorum. Kakatiyas were having good trade relations with Egypt hence some panels are having the depiction of Pherone including the various Gods and Goddesses.
It’s a major attraction among the history buffs wanderers soulseekers heritage art sculpture architecture lovers.
