Ramappa Temple

Ramappa Temple, also known as Ramalingeswara Temple, is located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, a southern state of India. It is situated 77 kilometers from the city of Warangal, which was Kakatiya kingdom's ancient capital, and 157 kilometers from Hyderabad. It is located in a valley in Venkatapur Mandal's Palampet hamlet. Mulug Taluq is a little village in Warangal district that has had its glory days, long back in the 13^th and 14^th century. According to an inscription in the temple, the temple was established in 1213 A.D by General Recherla Rudra during the reign of Kakatiya monarch Ganapati Deva.

History of Ramappa Temple

According to the inscription, the Ramappa temple was established in 1213 A.D. This temple was constructed during the reign of Kakatiya King Ganapati Deva under the leadership of Chief Commander Recherla Rudra. The temple became famous as Ramappa after its sculptor.

This temple is regarded as one of the best among South India's medieval temples. Despite being decades old and having witnessed several invasions and conflicts throughout its history, Ramappa Temple still stands gloriously, captivating every visitor.

Things to Notice that at Ramappa Temple / Ramalingeswara Temple

Ramappa temple is known for a few unique aspects, its religious significance, historical relevance, and architectural brilliance. The Ramalingeswara Temple was built using lightweight bricks. These bricks, unlike ordinary stones, float rather than sink in water.

The pillars are another striking feature of this temple that grabs attention. Sculptures and mythological legends are depicted on each of the temple's pillars. It is also stated that musical melodies will be heard if you strike a stone on the pillar of this temple.

Unlike most other temples of Lord Shiva across the country, Nandi is shown in an alert stance, as if he is ready to receive the Lord's instruction and carry it out.

The architecture of Ramappa Temple

The path to Ramappa Temple, formerly a royal garden, is lush green and lined with trees. Although being built of floatable bricks, this temple is still standing strong. It is constructed on a 6-foot-high pedestal. A garbhagriha, antarala, and maha mandapam make up the structure. The main entry gate, constructed on the temple's outer wall, now exists in ruins. Some walls surround the main temple, and you will enter through the little gate.

Beautiful sculptures are to be found on the temple's walls. Even the pillars and ceilings have been adorned with intricate carvings. Many pillars with excellent carvings stand in front of the temple. A shikhara adorns the sanctuary, which is flanked by a pradakshina walkway. You'll notice a Nandi mandapam with Nandi facing the Lord Shiva shrine as you enter the temple. Although the mandapa is in poor condition, the magnificent figure of Nandi, Lord Shiva's holy chariot, is uninjured and makes for a striking sight.

The main tower of the Ramappa temple is placed on an elevated platform to distinguish it from the rest of the temple, which is designed in a classical style. Within the temple, Shivalingam has been put at 9 feet in the garbhagriha. Carvings on the walls of Garbhagriha's entryway showcase diverse dance styles and musical instruments. Carvings represent themes from the Hindu epics Ramayana, Shiva Purana, and other ancient writings on the ceiling. The temple has sub-shrines on both sides. The two shrines established here are Kameswara and Koteswara; the Kameswara Temple is currently in ruins.