1.

Sri Someswara Laxminarasimha Swamy Temple

It is located at a distance of 50 km from Warangal on a hillock in the out skirts of Palakurthi Mandal
head quarters. It is also the birthplace of famous poet Palakurthi Somanadha Kavi of 12 the century.
His samadhi can be seen here. This historic temple is dedicated to Lord Siva and Vishnu who
incarnated in two adjacent caves at a height of 120 meters on the hillock. The 'Pradakshina Path'
encircling the two caves is quite natural. There is a dilapidated 'Surya' Temple and Koneru can also
be witnessed at this place. This place once flourished which the adherents of 'Veera Saiva' sect of
Hinduism has lost prominence in course of time presently it is a famous pilgrimage centre in warangal
district. Pilgrims mostly from Karnataka and Maharashtra. Mainly the Veera Saivas will certainly make
a visit once in year to have the blessings of presiding deities and Somanadhakavi.

Palakurthi, named after the famous Telugu poet Palkuriki Somanathudu, is a famous seat of
Veerashaivisim. The cult of Veerashaivism, a 6000 year old faith that flourished primarily in the
southern states of Telangana and Karnataka and the western state of Maharashtra, is one of the most
liberal sects of Hinduism. It is progressive in its teachings and has risen above the barriers of caste
and class. Palakuriki embraced this sect and wrote Basava Puranam on the life of Basava, a great
teacher of the Veerashaivism faith in poetry form. This helped to popularize poetry among common
people and raised the standards of Somnathudus place of birth. Palakurthi soon came to be revered
as Palakurikis birthplace and was consequently named after him. Palakurthi therefore draws huge
devotees of the Veerashaiva sect who wish to be blessed both by the spirit of the great poet as well
as by the presiding deities of the Sri Someshwara Lakshmi Narsimha Swamy Temple.
The temple assumes great focus during the Maha Shiv Ratri festival. This is a Hindu festival which is
celebrated with much pomp and gaiety. Every year on the 13th or 14th day of the month of Magh
(mid-February in the Gregorian calendar) devotees are seen thronging the temple premises with Bael
(stone apple or wood apple) leaves and flowers to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The place comes alive
with chants of Om Namah Shivaya the principal component of the Panchakshara mantra. Devotees
are also seen performing penances to attain boons and blessings from the lord.

VEMULAWADA
This temple of Lord Siva in the form of Raja Rajeshwara Swami is very famous in this part of the
region. The presiding deity of the temple is Sri Raja Rajeswara Swamy who is locally popular as
Rajanna who is adorned on both the sides by the idol of Sri Raja Rajeswari Devi on the right side and
to the left is the idol of Sri Laxmi Sahitha Siddi Vinayaka.This place has a lot of Historical and religious
significance and so is also called as Dakhshina Kasi, Southern Banaras as it is, as important as Kashi
(Banaras) is in the North for the temple of Lord Shiva. Vemulawada is a town near Karimnagar,
Andhra Pradesh, India.
Vemulawada Rajarajeswra temple is situated 38 km from karimnagar, at Vemulawada. This famous
temple dedicated to Lord Rajarajeswra Swamy, draws pilgrims in large numbers. Rajarajeswra
Temple of Vemulawada was built by Chalukya kings between the 750 A.D and 973 A.D., houses
numerous temples dedicated to Lord Sri Rama, Lakshmana, Goddess Lakshmi, Ganapathy and Lord
Padmanabha Swamy. Interestingly there is a Muslim mosque inside the temple complex where all
devotees offer prayers, irrespective of caste and creed.
Vemulawada Rajarajeswra temple comprises Mirror Gallery (Addala Mantap) and gallery of Shiva
idols. Pilgrims have divine bath in a holy tank, Dharma Gundam, before proceeding for darshan and
these holy waters are believed to have medicinal properties. Every year at the time of Maha Shiva
Rathri, devotees in large numbers flock to Vemulawada, to offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
Other temples in the area include:
Anantha Padmanabha Swami
Bhimeshwara Swami
Kodanda RamaSwami
Nageshwara swamy
Baddhi pocchamma
Kedareshwara swamy
Legend says that Bhavishyothara Purana mentions that the Sun-God [Surya Bhagavan] recovered
from disability by praying at the shrine here and so this shrine is termed Bhaskara Kshethram. And,
Indra- the King of Astadikpalaka by devoutly worshipping Lord Sri Raja Rajeshwara-the presiding
deity of the shrine, purified himself from Brahmahatya Dosham.
Further, It is said that during 750 to 973 AD this temple was built by Raja Narendra-the grandson of
Parikshit who in turn the grandson of Arjuna, was not only cured of Leprosy by which he was afflicted
by virtue of killing Muniputra accidentally, by taking bath in Dharmagundam [Pushkarni] but also seen
Lord Sri Raja Rajeshwara and Goddess Sri Raja Rajehwari Devi in a vision and received blessings
with directions to build a temple and install Siva Lingam which was lying in the bed of the Pushkarni.

Vemulawada is a Mandal head quarters on the western part in Karimnagar district. It is located on the banks of
Mulavagu Rivulet. The distance between Karimnagar town and Vemulawada is 35 Kilometers. Vemulawada was
a capital city of Vemulawada Chalukyas dynasty between A.D 750-973. The remnants of the temples and statues
show that Chalukyas were great architects. The greatness of Vemulawada can be inferred from ten inscriptions
from the various temples41. In those inscriptions it is named as Lemulavatika, Lembulavade, Lembulavada. After
the changes it is transformed into Lemulavada, Yemulada, Vemulavada. The oldest temples are located in
Vemulawada in Karimnagar district.
ANJANEYA SWAMY TEMPLE
Kondagattu is a temple about 35 km from Karimnagar, dedicated to Lord Anjaneya Swamy. According to the
folklore, the temple was constructed by a cowherd some 300 years ago. The present day temple has been built
160 years ago by Krishna Rao Deshmukh. It is believed that if a woman offers puja for 40 days at this temple
then she will be blessed with a child. It is about 30 km from vemulavada, another well known temple in
Karimnagar. There is a Ghatroad from hilltop to base station.
A story in this region is as follows, 300 years back a shepherd named Singala Swamy ji had found the statue of
Lord Sri Anjaneya and he built a temple for the Lord with the help of other shepherds. 165 years back it was
owned by Krishnarao Deshmukh of Kodimyala and renovated in its present form. Three Sanctorums on the back
side of the 16 pillared porches have statues of Lord Sri Venkateshwara, Lord Sri Anjaneya, Goddess
Lakshmidevi. Signs of hill valley fort, caves and horse skeletons are seen near the temple. The newly built
parapet wall around the Sri Anjaneya temple has porch constructions inside it.
This temple of Kondagattu Anjaneya is famous in Malyala mandal. A story in this region is as follows, 300 years
back a shepherd named Singala Swamy ji had found the statue of Lord Sri Anjaneya and he built a temple for the
Lord with the help of other shepherds. 165 years back it was owned by Krishnarao Deshmukh of Kodimyala and
renovated in its present form. Three Sanctorums on the back side of the 16 pillared porches have statues of Lord
Sri Venkateshwara, Lord Sri Anjaneya, Goddess Lakshmidevi. Signs of hill valley fort, caves and horse skeletons
are seen near the temple. The newly built parapet wall around the Sri Anjaneya temple has porch constructions
inside it.
Sri Laxmi Narsimha Swamy Temple at Dharmapuri
Dharmapuri, historically a pilgrim center once adorned with great poets, philosophers, Music, Art and Dance. It is
one of the nine Narsimha Kshetras of the Telangana region of A.P.
Dharmapuri was called so after King Dharamavarma, (Who was a staunch devotee of Lord Narasimha), it was
known earlier as Dhamaraya, Dharmapuram, Dharmmanpuram, Dhammanvuru, Dharmavura and Dharmapuram.
It is famous for temples and artists, located on the banks of holy river Godavari. It is called Dhakshin Kashi. It is
nearly 80 km from the district headquarters.
There are two temples (Pata and Kotta) of Lord Sri Laxmi Narasimha Swamy. In the 14th and 15th centuries after
the fall of Bahamanis and Qutb Shahis, the next phase of anti-Hinduism started under Aurangazeb. His
subordinates also followed in his footsteps. Rustumdilkhan, the Subedar of Hyderabad, converted the temple of
Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy into a mosque96. In 1448 AD, near to the mosque a new temple was erected with
sixty pillars and this temple came to be called as old Narasimha Swamy temple97. In 1725 A.D., an icon of lord
Narasimha was found in the vicinity of Dharmapuri village

Dharmapuri attained religious importance owing to the existence of the shrine dedicated to Narasimha Swamy,
an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Siva With Dakshinamurthy, Vinayaka and Sapitha Mathrukas carved on a
single slab of stone and Mahishasuramardhani, the sixty pillared temple, Mahalakshmi temple, Akkapalle
Rajanna. An over five hundred year old Sri Sita Rama Swami temple are the other temples of importance that
heighten the sanctity of this The Ramalingeswara Temple which is of about 1000 years old, is in the proximity of
the Narsimha Swamy Temple. It is said among local inhabitants that the Shiv Lingam installed in this temple was
installed by Lord Rama during his exile and on way to Lanka in search of Sitha Maatha.
Dharmapuri, historically a pilgrim center once adorned with great poets, philosophers, Music, Art and Dance. It
is one of the nine Narasimha Kshetras of the Telangana region of A.P.
Dharmapuri was called so after King Dharamavarma, (Who was a staunch evotee of Lord Narasimha), it was
known earlier as Dhamaraya, Dharmapuram, Dharmmanpuram, Dhammanvuru, Dharmavura and
Dharmapuram80. It is famous for temples and artists, located on the banks of holy river Godavari. It is called
Dhakshin Kashi. It is nearly 80 km from the district headquarters81.
The name of this place as Dharmapuri and Dharmapuram in the two Sthalapuranas both titled
Dharmapuri Kshetra Mahatyam, dated 928 A.D82 and 1767 A.D.83 Historically we find the name of this place
in an inscription of Arikesari-II (930-955 A.D) of Chalukyas of Vemulavada, at Kurikyala of Gangadhara Mandal.
This place was known as Dhammanvura,84 Dhammampuram85. Further, we see the name of this place
as Dharmapuri and Dharmapura in an inscription of Vikramaditya IV (1076-1126 A.D) of Chalukyas of kalyani on
the stone in the Rameswara temple at Dharmapuri. It records the gifts to the Rameswara86. Malki Singana87
mentioned is this place as Dharmapuram in his Uttara Khanda of Padma Purana (1420 A.D)88. The great
Telugu poet Bammera Potana (1400-1470 A.D) mentioned this place as Dharmapuri in his Narayana
Satakam89. Again, this place is also mentioned by Korai Goparaju (1430-1490 AD) in his
Simhasanadwatrinshika90. This place as Dharmapuri was mentioned in Kalapurnodayam91 by renewed
Telugu poet Pingali Surana(1560 AD)92. Thus, In 19th Century Sheshappa (1800 AD)93 wrote a Satakam on
Narasimha of Dharmapuri and Narasimhadasu wrote Rohilala pata in 185894, In which the sorrows of the
victims of Rohillas at Dharmapuri are described. In the modern period this place was mentioned in
Dharmanagada Charitra which is also known as Pamupata by Puri Narayana Raju, wherein the importance of
river Godavari at Dharmapuri is given and mentioning Dharmapuri, a sacred place95.
There are two temples (Pata and Kotta) of Lord Sri Laxmi Narasimha Swamy. In the 14th and 15th centuries
after the fall of Bahamanis and Qutb Shahis, the next phase of anti-Hinduism started under Aurangazeb. His
subordinates also followed in his footsteps. Rustumdilkhan, the Subedar of Hyderabad, converted the temple of
Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy into a mosque96. In 1448 AD, near to the mosque a new temple was erected with
sixty pillars and this temple came to be called as old Narasimha Swamy temple97. In 1725 A.D., an icon of lord
Narasimha was found in the vicinity of Dharmapuri village. There are two temples of Narasimha in the village
popularly called as Pata (old) Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple and kotta (new) Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy
temple.
This temple has two Simha Dwarams (main entrances). In these two Simha Dwarams one is known as Pedda
Gopuram or Pedda Devalaya Simhadwaram. This is the main entrance of the temple complex, At the entrance
(Simha Dwaram) of the temple to the right, there is an image of Yama, Prasannanjaneya Swamy Temple is a
newly constructed one located in front of the main Temple (old). The old Narasimha Swamy temple was built by
the villagers of Dharmapuri during 1724-1750 A.D98. Sri Laxmi Narasimha Swamy (pata) temple has its own
Prakaara (Compound) in the temple complex. Inside the Prakaara was an image of Bhakta Anjaneya was set up
before the god Narasimha, Seven images of Anjaneya were also established on the other seven sides of the
temple.
Inside the Prakaara and before the Mukha Mantapa there is a four-pillared pavilion (Kalyana mandapam). The
pavilion may be dated from the 13th century of Kakatiyas, perhaps as a Garuda Mandapa. The four dark and
polished pillars are notable for the ornamental including the figures of the incarnation of Vishnu on the Jangha
and of Puranic and epic episodes on a few Jangha faces as well as nicely carved Ganapathi and his vehicle,
Mushika, and dancing women in different pastures. The sculptures on the pillars is a feast to the students of art
and history. These reflect the highly developed sculptural art of the Kakatiyas.

Inside the Prakaara, there another Mantapam is known as Homa Mantapam (hall of sacrifice) to the south east
of the Mukha Mantapam (temple). On the walls of the Homa Mantapam, the poems of Narasimha Shatakam
translated into Sanskrit were inscribed on 25th July, 1974 by Sriman Gudimella Varadachary.
In side the Prakaara, there is another Mantapam known as Homa Mantapam (half of sacrifice) to the south east
of the Mukha Mantapam (temple). The Mukhamantapa is approximately 31 X 25 consisting of forty-four
stone pillars. The inside roof of the central four pillars, in the second row, facing the Lord is star shaped and the
pillars have no sculptures at all. The Sanctum is of 7 X 12 feet. Pillars supporting the roof of the sanctum are
not similar to each other. The inside roof of the sanctum is star-shaped.
The Kotta Narasimha Swamy temple is also an important one in Dharmapuri Kshetram also called as Sri Ugra
Narasimha Swamy Temple located in the temple complex and very near to the right side of the Pata Narasimha
Swamy temple (south side of the temple). It was built by Panatula Narayana Deekshitulu in S.1725 ( A.D. 1803)
and the image of Yogananda Lakshmi Narasimha was consecrated in it, 100 This temple is also extremely
popular with the pilgrims.
Facing Lord Narasimha at the Dhwaja Stambha, Jambavanta is standing. Vinayaka, Indra, Agni and Garuda are
standing to the north east, west, southeast and to the north respectively. A wall partition of the sanctum, is 3
high. The front portion is Antarala and the back portion is the sanctum of the Lord.
The sanctum and Antarala are equal in size. The inside roof of the sanctum is star-shaped. There is a
circumambulatory passage around the sanctum of the Lord in the temple. On either side of Antaraal, Anjaneya
in Anjali Mudra is standing face to face. The front portion of Mukhamantapa has sixteen stone pillars and nine
pillars on other sides of the sanctum. The area of the Mukha Mandapa is 16 X 3 . The inside roof over the
central four pillars is star-shaped and a flower is engraved in the center. The rituals and festivals are similar to
those of the old (pata) Narasimha Swamy temple and twelve hereditary priests, in turn, perform worship in the
two temples.101
There is an interesting and significant piece of information available about the iconography of Narasimha Swamy,
which is Girija Narasimha (Girija Means Mountain). The conception underlying the name of Girija Narasimha is
that the lion comes out of a mountain-Cave.
Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple is located in front of 2nd Simhadwara in the premises of the Narasimha Swamy
temple complex, and the Gopala Swamy temple is situated on the west of Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in
the same premises.
GUDEM GUTTA LAXMI NARAYAN TEMPLE
Located on the hillocks abutting the shores of picturesque river Godavari, Sri Satyanarayana Swamy
Devasthanams in Gudem village of Adilabad district is popularly known as Annavaram of Telangana region.
Built in 1964 rudhinama samvastharam govardhana thirumana swamy built it frm then onwards chathrathha sri
vyshanava acharam tho ne pujalu jaruguthay

KALESHWARAM
It is the site of a temple of the Hindu god Lord Shiva. The temple is significant because of the two
Shiva Lingas that are found on a single pedestal. These Linga are named Lord Shiva and Lord Yama.
Collectively, they known as Kaleshwara Mukteswara Swamy. Kaleshwaram is one of three Shiva
temples mentioned in Trilinga Desham "Land of Three Lingas."
The holy place draws tourists during the Karthika Month of the Indian Calendar, 16 November 15
December. Holy baths are held during 6 to 17 December. People who bathe here first visit Lord
Ganesha, then pray to Lord Yama and then to Lord Shiva. The temple is open from 4:00 a.m.-1:00
p.m. and 3:30-9:00 p.m.
Kaleswaram (Telugu: ) is the site of the famous Shiva temple called
"Kaleswara muktheswara swamy", in the border of the Indian states of
Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Kaleswaram village is in Mahadevpur
mandal of Karimnagar district. It is 277 kilometers from Hyderabad, 125
kilometers from the town of Karimnagar, 115 kilometers from Warangal, and
60 kilometers from Manthani. Kaleswaram is located exactly at the merging
point of the River Pranahita (tributary of Godavari) with the Godavari River
.
Significance of Mukteshwara Swamy Temple: This ancient temple holds a
unique significance as two Shiva Lingas found on a single pedestal,one is Lord
Shiva and Lord Yama, collectively known as Kaleswara Mukteswara Swamy.
Kaleswaram, is one of the places of the three Shiva temples mentioned in
Trilinga Desham (Land of Three Lingams), another name for Telugu
speaking region, the Andhra Pradesh, the other two being Draksharamam
and Srishailam. This place is also called Dakshina Triveni Sangamam, as two
rivers meet here along with third illusionary flow of Antarvaahini. It is
said[by whom?] that a long time back one Vaishya has performed abhisheka
to Kaleswara Mukteswara with hundreds of milk pots and the milk evolved at
the sangamam of Godavari and Pranahita. Hence the name Dakshina
Gangotri (other being Allahabad, or Prayaga)
Large numbers of tourists arrive during the Karthika Month of the Indian
Calendar and Maha Shiva Ratri.
Regular bus services from both Warangal, Karimnagar and Manthani are
available provided by APSRTC. Buses leave from Hanamkonda every 30
minutes from 4:30 AM to 8:00 PM. The bus from Kaleswaram to
Hanamkonda runs on a similar schedule.
There are also bus routes from Manthani (which is at a distance of 32 km),
Godavarikhani, and Peddapalli.
The ticket price for Abhishekam of Kaleswara+Mukthiswara is Rs.300/-
(Three Hundred only). If anybody wishes for Laksha Bilwapatri pooja then
the Dewasthanam persons should be intimated at least a month in advance.
The timings of the temple is from 4 AM till 1 PM and again from 3:30 PM to 9
PM. The temple will be locked from all the sides between 1 PM and 3:30 PM.
There are two types of Prasadams available inside the temple:
1) Pulihora (Tamarind rice) - Rs.5/- 2) Laddu (Sweet) - Rs.20/- (2 No.s)
Attractions
Pranahita Pushkaralu : "Pushkaralu" evolved from sanskrit word
Pushkara(12 years). River Pranahita along River Vynya, River Saraswati
merge in River Godavari, where holy baths are held during Dec 6th to Dec
17th (Karthika masamam). People who took baths here during Pushkar the
first visits Lord ganesha. Then pray to the 1st Linga Lord Yama and then to
2nd Lord shiva. These two linga's are on same pedestal.
Mukteshwara Swami Temple.

The place is considered to be sacred not only on account of it being a confluence but also due to the existence of
many ancient temples. Kaleshwaram has many ruined temples, same of them prominent. Among these temples,
the one dedicated to "Mukteswara Swamy is the most important. Special significance is attached to this shrine
owing to the existence of two Sivalingams (shiva-Kala) on one Panavattam. The Sivalingam here is considered to
be one of the three Jyothirlingas of Lord Siva which constituted the three corners of the Andhra Desha, the other
two being at Srisailam in Kurnool and in Draksharama in East Godavari districts144. It is at this place borders of
three states - Andhra, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh converge. Its legendary importance too is exceedingly
great. Skanda purana eulogises its glory elaborately. Sri Rama is said to have visited this place. There are
certain oddities in this Aalayam.
Andhra Pradesh government in 1976-82 has constructed a new temple replacing the old one in the same place
without disturbing the Kaleshwara-Mukteshwara Lingams in the Garbhagriha. The shikara of old temple was in
the form of stepped pyram facing east. It had pillared mantapa with plain terrace having parapet wall. On the top
of this shikara there was a Nandi idol. To the north of the old temple there was a small temple with
Annapurnadevi idol and on south there was a Prouda Saraswathi temple. At the entrance there existed a flat
roofed gateway to enter the premises. Still we can find the ruins of old compound wall on both sides of entrance.
There are some points for the claim importance of this temple. First, two Sivalingas - Kaleswaralinga and
Mukteeswaralinga are installed on the same Panavatta which is a rare feature. Second, there are two holes on
the Mukteeswaralinga that could never be filled with whatever quantity of water poured into them third, there are
some signs of Buddhist traditions in this Sivalaya and finally it is believed that there is an underground passage
that takes the water to Godavari. Kaleeswaralinga receives poojas regularly. Above all, this temple houses many
rare images, like Surya, Matsya and Brahma. Saivagama puja is offered regularly. Enshrining such unique
features, this ancient Kshetra is luring a steady stream of devotees throughout the year.
It is a famous Tirtha Khetra abounding in many holy temples dedicated to both Vaishnavate and Saivates gods,
like Venkateswara Aalayam, Bindu Madhavaswamy Aalayam, Chandrasekhara Aalayam, Someswara Aalayam,
Saraswati Aalayam, Adi Muktiswara Aalayam; Annapurna Aalayam and Balarajeswara Aalayam.
RAMESHWARAM:
Ramappa Temple also known as the Ramalingeswara temple, is located 77 km from Warangal, the ancient
capital of the Kakatiya dynasty, 157 km fromHyderabad in the state of Andhra Pradesh in southern India. It lies in
a valley at Palampet village of Venkatapur Mandal, in erstwhile Mulug Taluq of Warangal district, a tiny village
long past its days of glory in the 13th and 14th centuries. The medieval Deccan Ramappa Temple dating back to
1213 AD, built by the 7th Kakatiya king Rudra Senani, is the right choice for architectural lovers with a panoramic
view of scenic beauty. Situated at Palamet village 64 kms from Warangal, the Temple has several idols in
dancing postures. It documents the glory and grandeur of the Kakatiya kingdom with rich intricate culture on
walls. The pillars, ceilings brackets and ceilings will captivate you. The main attraction of this temple are the
floating bricks and a warrior queen.
This medieval temple is a Shivalaya (where Shiva is worshipped) and named after the sculptor
Ramappa. It is the only temple in the world named after its sculptor/architect. Its presiding deity,
Ramalingeswara, is the form of Shiva and a personal god of the Avatar of Vishnu,Rama. The history
says that it took 40 years to build this temple.
This beautiful temple, an example of brilliant Kakatiya dynasty art, Planned and sculpted by
Ramappa, the temple was built on the classical pattern of being lifted above the world on a high star-
shaped platform. Intricate carvings line the walls and cover the pillars and ceilings. Starting at its base
to its wall panels, pillars and ceiling are sculpted figures drawn from Hindu mythology.
[2]
The roof
(garbhalayam) of the temple is built with bricks, which are so light that they are able to float on
water.
[3]

The hall in front of the sanctum is filled with exquisitely carved pillars that are placed as to combine
light and space wonderfully with the finely chiselled walls and ceiling. There are two small
Shiva shrines on either side of the main temple. The enormous Nandi within, facing the shrine of
Shiva, remains in good condition. In most of the shiva temples, the Nandi was strait to deity but in the
temples built by KAKATIYAS the nandi is in an alert position and waiting for the order of lord shiva.
Acharya Nataraja Ramakrishna revived Perini Shivatandavam (Perini Dance), by seeing the
sculptures in this temple. The dance poses written in NRITTA RATHNAVALI by JAYAPA SENAANI
also appears in these sculptures. The temple built area is 5 acres and a twenty acres of land was
developed by the greenery around the temple. A total of 25 km radious found historic temples in the
district.
Also similar architectural features can be identified in Ghanpur group of temples.
he city of Warangal is 157 km from Hyderabad. It was the ancient capital city of the Kakatiya kingdom. Warangal
means "history". Its massive fortress has withstood continuous attacks from the Delhi Sultans in the 13th and
14th centuries AD. In the 19th century AD, it was the hunting ground of the nobles. It is noted for its beautiful
lakes, magnificent temples, mud-brick forts and wildlife sanctuaries. Warangal today is an important tourist
destination.
Palampet is located at a distance of 77 km from Warangal, the ancient capital of the Kakatiyas. It is home to
brilliant Kakatiya art as seen in the Ramappa temple. The Ramappa temple is near the ancient engineering
marvel of the 13th century AD Ramappa tank. The ancient Ramappa tank can be dated back to the period of
Kakatiyas. It is a well-conceived tank where a 2000 ft long earthen dam connects a semi circular chain of hills to
form a lake.
The Ramalingeswara Temple is popularly known as the Ramappa temple because the chief sculptor was
Ramappa. It is probably the only temple in India to be known by the name of the sculptor who builds it. It was
built under the patronage of the King Kakati Ganapathi Deva by his Chief Commander Rudra Samani at
Ranakude in the province of Atukuru. The temple has been described as the "brightest star in the galaxy of
medieval temples in the Deccan". The temple is approached thorough a royal garden, now just a lawn with tree
lined path. The temple is situated in a valley and is built with bricks so light that they can float on water. Yet the
temple is so strong that it is still intact after numerous wars, invasions and natural calamities.
The Ramappa temple stands on a 6 ft high platform on a cruciform plan. The sanctum is crowned with a shikhara
and is surrounded by a pradakshinapatha. Rich and intricate carvings adorn the walls, pillars and ceilings of this
wonderful building. The hall in front of the sanctum has numerous beautifully carved pillars that have been placed
to create an effect that combines light and space wonderfully. There are many votive shrines within the temple.
There are two subsidiary shrines on either side of the main temple, which are in a good condition.
The entire temple complex is enclosed with a compound wall. At the entrance to the temple is a ruined Nandi
mandapam, with an imposing 9 ft high Nandi, which is still intact. The Shivalingam in the sanctum also rises to a
height of 9 ft. The east-facing sanctum is surrounded with pilasters crowned with Dravidian and Nagara shikharas
in an alternating fashion. There is an additional entrance from the north also leading to the Navaranga
mandapam in front of the sanctum. The ceiling is divided into compartments by columns from the bottom and is
carved with intricate patterns. There is a richness of carvings
in this temple on dark rock with a smooth finish, portraying an
amazing range of themes from the Puranas and various Indian
mythological stories.
The temple signifies many facets of Shiva, his royal residence,
the Himalaya Mountains and his inhabiting a sacred space
beyond the mortal realm. The temple is built upon the classical
pattern of being first raised upon a platform that separates its
sacred functions from the taint of the everyday. This 'sacred
mountain' mindset was characteristic of the temple builders in
all the cultures. It represented a powerful symbolic
representation of a perfect building, an intersection in midair of
the spheres of heaven and earth. The platform lifts it above the
normal, transcends the profane, declaring with uncompromising firmness that it is a place for un-common
activities dedicated to a god.
Maha Shiva Ratri is celebrated for a period of three days in this temple Many of the smaller structures are
neglected and are in ruins in the Ramappa temple. There were even instances of people carrying away the
bricks, to be proudly exhibited that they can float on water, before the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) took
charge of it. The main entrance gate in the outer wall of the temple is ruined, so one can enter only through a
small west gate.