Ramappa Temple: Location, How to Reach, Timings & History

Ramappa Temple Architecture

Regarded as the brightest star among medieval temples in the Deccan region, the Ramappa Temple is a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts and those who appreciate scenic beauty. Visitors reach the temple through what was once a royal garden, now a serene lawn lined with trees. The temple is constructed with bricks so light that they can float on water, a unique feature that adds to its architectural intrigue. Taking nearly 40 years to complete, the temple is adorned with elaborate carvings on its walls, pillars, and ceilings.

Approaching the temple through a lush green path, visitors find a structure built with floating bricks, standing strong on a 6-foot-high platform. The temple comprises a garbhagriha (sanctum), antarala (antechamber), and maha mandapam (main hall). The main entrance gate, now in ruins, necessitates entry through a smaller gate. The walls of the temple are intricately carved, and the ceilings feature scenes from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and Shiva Purana.

Temple Structure

The Ramappa Temple stands on a 6-foot-high platform designed in a cruciform layout. Its main chamber is crowned with a shikharam and surrounded by a pradakshinapatha (circumambulatory path). At the entrance, a Nandi mandapam houses an imposing statue of Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva.

How to Reach

From Warangal: The Ramappa Temple is situated in Palampet hamlet, approximately 19 miles from Mulugu Mandal, and 67 km from Warangal.

From Hyderabad: Tourists can reach Warangal from Hyderabad and take public buses to the temple or hire a private taxi for a more flexible journey.

Ramappa Temple History

Dedicated to Lord Ramalingeswara, the temple is notable for being the only temple in India named after its sculptor, Ramappa. Constructed during the reign of the Kakatiya kingdom, it is now managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. The temple offers a glimpse into the region’s glorious past under Kakatiya rule. Visitors can explore the temple and its surroundings at leisure, with nearby cottages and a restaurant provided by the tourism department for a relaxed stay.

Notable Features

• Pillars and Carvings: The temple’s pillars and walls are adorned with exquisite sculptures depicting mythological stories.
• Nandi Statue: The attentive posture of the Nandi statue, facing the Lord Shiva shrine, is a unique aspect of this temple.
• Shivalingam: Inside the temple, a Shivalingam is placed at a height of 9 feet in the garbhagriha.

Unique Aspects

• Floating Bricks: The lightweight bricks used in the temple’s construction float on water.
• Musical Pillars: Striking a pillar or stone produces musical sounds.
• Local Sculptures: The human features in the sculptures reflect local ethnic characteristics rather than idealized forms.

Construction Technology

• Foundation: Indigenous sandbox technology was used for earthquake resistance.
• Materials: The superstructure is made of lightweight porous floating bricks, with some parts restored using similar bricks. Dolerite was used for the massive columns, architrave beams, ceiling slabs, and sculptural art, while granite was used for load-bearing pillars. Pale pink sandstone was used for structural elements, giving the temple a distinctive pinkish appearance.

Sculpture Themes

• Depictions: Themes from Shiva Purana and Bhagavad Gita, with Shiva dancing at the center.
• Ethnic Features: Sculptures feature local ethnic characteristics.
• Madanikas and Gajavyala Figures: Elegant female dancers (Madanikas) in various poses and expressive Gajavyala figures representing Kakatiya valor.
• Dancing Sculptures: Approximately 600 sculptures depict various dance poses, ranging in height from 6 inches to 6 feet.

Temple Timings

• Timings: The temple is open for darshan from 6 AM to 6 PM.