Ramappa Temple - Brightest star in galaxy of temples

Our glorious history is itching to be told and to be heard by everyone & this motivates me to travel to far off places and visit some really amazing temples Bharat (I use Bharat instead of India) has to offer. Our ancestors were carving out master pieces when world didn't even knew which way to look. History can be distorted and presented to you, but if you look deeper its like a rabbits hole which brings surprises

So, how was this trip planned?

Erghh, this one seemed to be planned ;) and glad it was planned, though we couldn't complete the full circle (due to some emergency), the fun was unlimited nevertheless

Since a "road trip" was "planned", destination had to be carved out. After lot of checks on google about weather, roads and any other happenings, we decided it will be the famous "Ramappa Temple". An Unesco world heritage site, the temple is one of its kind in India named after its sculptor and dedicated to none other than Bhagwan Shiva

Ramappa Temple stands on a 6-foot (1.8 m) high star-shaped platform. The hall in front of the sanctum has numerous carved pillars that have been positioned to create an effect that combines light and space wonderfully. The temple is named after the sculptor Ramappa, who built it, making it the only temple in India to be named after its craftsman

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

The road trip (in car) started from Panvel in Maharashtra and via Solapur, Hyderabad, Warangal reaching Palampet, Mulug district. The roadways in our country are improving, while rest of India looks ahead, Maharashtra seems to be going in backward direction when it comes to maintaining Highways. Crossing Pune seemed to be a nightmare and it took us 4 hours to cross Pune city till Yavat. The stretch after Solapur all the way till border is marred with patchwork and shoddy road, its really frustrating to drive

Roads in Karnataka (yeah you heard it right, there is small patch of Karnataka which is nestled between Maharashtra and Telangana) & Telangana are amazing to drive for a 4 lane road

Toll cost specifically for a stretch maintained by L&T is way too costly for 4 lane road

We encountered rains from Solapur till Hyderabad continuously which slowed our speed but made for amazing landscape.

The interiors of the temple and the carvings are just amazing and make you think (like our other temples) how artistic & advanced our ancestors were. The fine details on the walls of the temple showcase intricate carvings. Even pillars and ceilings have been engraved beautifully. The sanctum, surrounded by pradakshina path is dotted with a shikhara. In front of the temple is consisted of many pillars with exquisite carvings. As you enter the temple, you will see a Nandi mandapam with Nandi, facing the Lord Shiva shrine. Although the mandapa is no in good condition, the majestic statue of Nandi, divine vehicle of Lord Shiva, is undamaged and presents an impressive sight

Bhagwan Nandi is amazingly preserved and in attentive position. The sculpting on Bhagwan Nandi is intricate and well preserved

The temple is located 168km from Hyderabad city and 55km from Warangal.

The bricks used in building the Ramalingeswara Temple are light weight. Unlike other stones, these bricks float in water instead of sinking

Another aspect to notice in this temple is the pillars. Each pillar of the temple depicts sculptures and stories from mythology. It is also said that if you hit a pillar or a stone of this temple, you can hear musical sounds.

Unlike most of the other Lord Shiva temple in the country, here Nandi is shown in an attentive posture, as if ready to take the command of the Lord and execute it

Below is the total cost (split by 2)

Enjoy the trip and please make sure you don't litter and maintain the sanctity of the temple complex. The temple is in a village so don't expect high end eateries or stays there. The area is still being developed. The temple is still being used and main deity is Bhagwan Shiva.

Har Har Mahadev

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