Ramappa Temple
- Destination: Warangal
Histoty
The temple is more popularly known as Ramappa Temple due to the astounding fact that Ramappa is neither the name of the king nor the deity worshipped, but the architect of the temple. It is probably the only temple in India which is known by the architect who made it. Inscriptions dated way back to 1213 serves proof of the temple having been built under the reign of King Kakati Ganapathi Deva by his chief commander Recherla Rudra Samani at Ranakude in the province of Atukuru.The temple has also been tagged as the “Brightest star in the galaxy of medieval temples in the Deccan”. The temple was built in 40 years.Its presiding deity is Ramalingeswara, one of the many forms of Lord Shiva and a personal God of Lord Vishnu’s incarnation, Ram.Construction
The temple stands on a 6feet high star shaped platform elevated above its surroundings with Garbagriha, an Antarla and Maha Mandapa with lateral porched entrances on three sides. The main sanctum is surrounded by a pradakshinapatha and is crowned with a shikhara. The hall in front of the sanctum is engraved by exquisite carved pillars that combine light and space so as to complement the magnificent walls and ceilings. Rich and beautiful carvings adorn the walls and pillars of this wonderful temple. The most prominent of them all are the sculptures of Hindu mythology that covers the temple from its base all the way to its ceilings and wall panels. The entire complex is enclosed within a compound wall. There are two subsidiary shrines on either side of the main temple, which are in good condition apart from the other votive shrines present in the temple. The temple houses a Shivalingam that is over 9 feet tall. A ruined Nandi Mandapam at the entrance of the temple with an imposing 9 feet high Nandi is still intact. Kakatiyan’s temples have the Nandi in an alert position which seems to be waiting for an order of Lord Shiva, unlike the other temples of India where Nandi are placed straight to deity. There is an additional entrance from the north which leads to Navaranga Mandapam in front of the sanctum. The ceilings are carved with exquisite patterns and divided into compartments by columns from the bottom. The temple signifies many facets of the Shiva like the Himalaya Mountains, his royal residence and his in habitation of the sacred space beyond the mortal realm.The entire temple is spread over an area of 5 acres. The main entrance gate facing east in the outer wall of temple is now ruined, so one can enter through small west gate only. The temple is approached through a lawn with a tree lined path. The most exceptional thing about the temple isthat the bricks of the temple are so light that they can float on water. Hence, the temple is also known as “Temple of Floating Bricks”. The temple is still so intact after natural calamities, numerous wars and invasions over the years. There were even instances of local people carrying away the bricks to see that they float in water, before the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) took charge of it.
Best Time To Visit
October to MarchThe temple celebrates the festival of Mahashivratri in a grand manner and thousand of devotees during this time flock here to take blessings from Lord.
Temple Timings
Temple remains open for public from 6AM to 6PM every day.Transportation
By Air
Hyderabad is the nearest airport which is around 230 km away from the temple and is connected with major cities of India and abroad.By Train
There are no trains to Palampet. Nearest railhead is Warangal; one should get down there and reach down Ramappa Temple by a bus or taxi.
