Ramappa Temple also known as Rudreswara Temple, is a Kakatiya-style Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Mulugu, Telangana, India. It is 15 kilometres from Mulugu, 66 from Warangal, and 209 from Hyderabad. Recherla Rudra, a general of Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva (r. 1199-1262), built the temple in 1213 CE, according to an inscription.

The Ramappa Temple complex, which consists of three temples and is located near Ramappa Lake, was built between 1212 and 1234 by Ramappa, the temple complex’s namesake. During his visit to the Kakatiya empire, Marco Polo supposedly referred to the temple as “the brightest star in the galaxy of temples”.

Overview of Ramappa Temple

The temple is named after Ramappa, the sculptor who created the statue of Lord Shiva. This is the only temple in India named after a craftsman. Despite many wars and natural disasters, the temple has remained intact.

The stunning Ramappa Temple, about 70km northeast of Warangal, was built in the early 13th century and is the outstanding gem of Kakatiya architecture. Constructed of sandstone and basalt, the temple rests on a base plinth shaped like a star. Its pillars are ornately carved and its eaves shelter fine statues of female forms. It’s urgently in need of restoration and stabilisation, with its wonky walls precariously upright.

History of Ramappa Temple

It is located in the foothills of a forested area, surrounded by agricultural fields, near the shores of Ramappa Cheruvu. The dharmic texts specify that temples should be built in a natural setting that includes hills, forests, springs, streams, and agricultural lands.

The magnificent Ramappa structure, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in the heart of Warangal, the ancient capital of the Kakatiya dynasty. The temple construction began in 1213 AD and was completed in 1253 AD. Rudra Samani, the chief commander, built the temple under the leadership of Kakatiya ruler Ganapathi Deva.

The Architecture of Ramappa Temple

Ramappa Temple is built on a 6-foot (1.8-meter) high star-shaped platform. The hall in front of the sanctum is lined with carved pillars that have been strategically placed to create a stunning combination of light and space. The temple is named after Ramappa, the sculptor who built it, making it the only temple in India named after its creator.

The main structure is reddish sandstone, but the columns around the outside have large brackets made of black basalt, which is high in iron, magnesium, and silica. These are carved as animals, female dancers, or musicians, and are “the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures, and elongated bodies and heads”. On July 25, 2021, the temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as “Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana”.

The temple is built with lightweight bricks that can float in water. The temple is divided into three areas: garbhagriha, maha mandapam, and antarala. The temple walls feature intricate carvings. Every pillar and ceiling is beautifully engraved. The three entrances feature 12 magnificently carved madanika sculptures in various poses.

There are carvings on the walls near the Garbhagriha entrance depicting various dance styles and musical instruments. The ceilings feature carvings depicting scenes from the Shiva Purana, Mahabharata, and Ramayana. The sculptures in the temple are sharply chiselled, which contributes to the work’s precision and beauty. The temple chamber is crowned with Shikharam and surrounded by pradakshinapatha.

Important Facts About Ramappa Temple

• Ramappa Temple is a historical temple located in Palampet village in Telangana’s Warangal district, about 15 kilometres from Mulugu, 65 kilometres from Warangal, 211 kilometres from Hyderabad, and 280 kilometres from Vijayawada.
• Ramappa Temple or Ramalingeshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built by General Recherla Rudra in 1213 AD during the reign of Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva.
• According to history, it took 40 years to build this temple. The temple was named after Ramappa, its chief sculptor.
• It’s probably the only temple in the country named after its sculptor, and it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Telangana.
• The temple, known for its splendid architecture and intricate carvings, has been on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2014 under the title ‘The Glorious Kakatiya Temples and Gateways’. And on July 25, 2021, it was designated as India’s 39th World Heritage Site.
• The Ramappa Temple is built in the South Indian architectural style. The sandstone temple stands on a 6-foot-high star-shaped platform, crowned with a grand sikhara and surrounded by a pradakshina path.
• The Ramalingeswara Temple is made up of a garbhagriha, a large ranga mandapa, and a mukha mandapa.
• The temple’s entrance features a large Nandi mandapa with an imposing 9-foot Nandi statue.
• The temple’s main attraction is a total of 12 magnificently carved madanika sculptures in various poses in the corners of the ceiling at all three entrances.
• The madanika figures, made of black granite with a metal-like finish, resemble the famous sculptures of Belur Chennakesava Temple.
• The hall in front of the sanctum is decorated with intricately carved pillars. The temple’s walls feature carvings depicting stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
• Aside from its architecture and elaborate carvings, Ramappa Temple is known for its architectural brilliance, which showcases technical innovations such as floating bricks, sandbox foundations, material selection, and masterful stone sculpting.
• The temple’s lower part is made of red sandstone, the foundation is built using the ‘sandbox technique’ to make it earthquake-resistant, and the pillars are made of basalt.
• The temple’s pyramidal vimana is made of lightweight porous bricks known as ‘floating bricks’, which reduces the weight of the roof structures.
• The bricks were thought to be made spongy with something like sawdust. It is one of the must-see Warangal tourist attractions.
• The temple compound is surrounded by high walls and contains several other ruined structures, including two smaller temples on either side of the main temple.
• The two structures dedicated to Lord Shiva are known as Kameswara and Kateswara. Every year, this temple hosts a grand Maha Shivaratri celebration lasting three days.

Best Time to Visit Ramappa Temple

This place is very heavenly and spiritual, and you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

Famous Festivals In Ramappa Temple

• Shravana: For happiness and wealth, many fasts, offerings, and mantras are performed during the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, known as Shravana.
• Mahashivaratri is a fasting ritual in the last week of February – March Begining. It is reminiscent of Lord Shiva bringing Goddess Parvati with him. Priests and the temple committee arrange a Grand Celebration.

How to Reach Ramappa Temple

Ramappa Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva which is located in Mulugu, Telangana, India.

By Air: The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, located approximately 238 kilometres from Ramappa, and is well connected to almost all major cities in India and abroad.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Warangal Railway Station, approximately 65 kilometres away from the Ramappa Temple.

By Road: Ramappa Temple is easily accessible via bus from Hanamkonda. To get to Ramappa Temple, one can hire an auto or a cab from Mulugu or Warangal.

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