Ramappa temple, Palampet, Telengana - mind-boggling UNESCO World Heritage Site

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. 


 

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. 


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.   


Ramappa temple, Palampet, Telengana. en.wikipedia.org


Ramappa temple, Palampet, Telengana. en.wikipedia.org

Above images: Ramappa temple in Palampet,  Telengana:  Dancing girls  served  in basaltic rock supporting the bracket below the beam. look at the rich ornamentation in the ceiling.  ........


On top of this  humble looking temple,  one can see a  shinning dome  illuminating the space in the the sky like bright sun that lights up the sky. No  doubt,  Marco Polo, a great traveler   described the temple,  the "brightest star in the galaxy of medieval temples of the Deccan",  No doubt. Ramappa will light up the life of the visitors to this site by creating  positive energy in them  . 

Tit-Bits: 

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.


06. The decision to award   UNESCO World Heritage site tag was taken at the 44th session  and Ramappa temple was India's only nomination for the UNESCO  award  for the year 2019. It is the  39th World Heritage Site of India.