The Ramappa Temple– India is a country famous around the world for its temples and its ancient temple architecture. One among such marvels is the Ramappa Temple. Whenever I visit ancient temples, one thing that attracts me besides devotion towards god and the tasty prasad is the ancient Indian architecture and ancient Indian science.
We are proud of our developing technology. But little we know when compared to the knowledge our ancestors had. The best example of this is the Ramappa temple.
This architectural marvel is located in the picturesque valley of Palampet village. Nature lovers who are planning on exploring places surrounding Hyderabad can visit this amazing place and get themself lost in nature.
How to reach this place?
From Warangal town, it takes around 67 km or one and half hours via car. If looking for public transport, you need to consult local travels/government service for details. Due to Covid, the timings may vary.
If you are planning on traveling by car from Hyderabad, it takes around 4 hours. If you are planning on visiting by public transport, catch a direct bus from Hanamkonda to Ramappa temple.
History of Ramappa temple
In ancient times, India had numerous kingdoms and dynasties. However, among these famous dynasties, one of the popular dynasties was Kakatiya Rulers.
Among the rulers of the Kakatiya dynasty, one prominent Monarch known to all through our history is Rani Rudrama Devi, few among female monarchs in India.
These rulers ruled present-day Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, an eastern region of Karnataka, and the southern region of Odisha from the 12th century to the 14th century. King Ganapati Deva started the expansion of this great dynasty and his successor is Rani Rudrama Devi.
During the King Ganapati Deva period, this marvel took birth, during Kakatiya’s king rule, Warangal was the capital city. As per King’s command under the watch of Chief Commander Rudra Samani.
An extraordinary architect, Ramappa constructed this temple in the picturesque valley near the capital city in 1213 AD. The temple construction took around 40 years for its detailed carving on the temple walls, temple pillars, and ceiling.
What made this temple special and nominate for UNSECO?
Here the main deity is Ramalingeswara, a form of Lord Shiva, however, the temple got the name of the architect who constructed it as an honor for his intelligence and efforts.
It is the first-ever temple in India that got the name of an architect than the main deity name. The technology used in the construction of this temple made this a standing temple among other temples in the Deccan states.
Floating bricks
When I heard about bricks that can float in the water without sinking for their weight, the first thought I got is the Rama Sethu bridge that used floating stones. However both are different structures, can you believe it?.
Another interesting fact about the brick they used in the temple construction is the weight of the brick is around 1/3 or 1/4 of the actual brick weight of its size.
A common question is the usage of such bricks when they are constructing the temple on normal land. This technique is called ACC/ALC in modern terms which came into use in the 1920s.
But Ramappa used this technique much before that in the 12th century. What is the use of this? This light weighing brick prevents the destruction of the temple during a natural disaster like an earthquake.
Since the bricks are weighed less, the load on temple pillars will reduce and helps them to stand strong during a disaster.
Sandbox technology
Using lightweight brick alone doesn’t make this temple earth quark-resistant architecture. Before laying the foundation they used a different technique called Sandbox technology.
For this, they dig earth 3 m in depth and filled it will Sand, granite powder, Jiggery powder, and Haritaki. This Sandbox controls any kind of vibration it receives from any direction.
You may question what about high magnitude quakes? For this, they made few holes on walls, roofs, and pillars which are filled with melted iron. These iron dowels along with sandbox technology and floating bricks make this earthquake-resistant temple.
Nandi Idol
As we are all aware, in all Lord Shiva temples his vahana(vehicle) will be in the front of the temple respectably facing the lord in a sitting pose. Similarly, here they have a big Nandi statue.
But specialty here is the eye of Nandi is made in such a way in whatever direction you stand and watch it you will feel like it is watching you. If you don’t believe me then visit this amazing temple and checkout yourself.
Music from metal carving
Another amazing feature about the temple is in the entrance of the main temple sanctum where there are beautiful metal carvings. If you touch those carvings with your hand, you can hear a pleasant melody of flute music along with the basic and starting words in the Indian music SA Ri Ga Ma. If you don’t believe it, visit this amazing temple and checkout yourself.
How this technology work to date
The Ramappa temple has witnessed many wars, attacks, and natural disasters to date since its construction in the 12th century. It faced its biggest challenge in the 17th century and stood intact.
In the 17th century, this place was hit by a very massive earthquake of 7.7-8.2 magnitude on the Richter scale. In fact, during the quake, the entire Earth’s surface rocked even the temple floor but the sandbox technology made it stay intact.
Temple timings and other details
The Ramappa temple generally opens from 6 am to 6 Pm, you can plan your visit during this time.
When it comes to dressing code here pilgrims should wear only traditional wear both men and women. Modern outfits are not allowed.
For men, it’s formal dress, Kurta Pyjamas or dhoti, whereas for women saree, half saree or salwar with dupatta.
The best time to visit this temple is during the winter season that from September to February.
Do’s and Don’ts at the temple
- Pilgrims should take bath before entering the temple
- Should wear only traditional wear
- Cooperate with temple management and respect fellow pilgrims
- Smoking and drinking near the temple vicinity are prohibited
- Using any kind of tobacco products inside temple premises is strictly not allowed.
Places to visit near the Ramappa temple
Ramappa Lake
The beautiful lake is surrounded by greenery which gives a pleasant and refreshing experience to the visitors. This lake is originally constructed by the Kakatiya rulers.
In recent times this place became a most visited place for the tourists for its amazing scenery was fully surrounded by the greenery and hills and clear waters of the lake.
For the visitors who are looking for water activities, a boating facility is available. The fee for boating- children rupees 10 whereas for adult rupees 15.
Lakanvaram Cheruvu
A man-made marvel, where you get lost in nature. This lake has 13 small islands and a suspending bridge. The walk on the bridge which is in the midst of hills covered with greenery is a moment to enjoy by forgetting all the worries.
Numerous boat actives are available here in the lake. Along with this, you can go from one island to another which is such a great experience. To enjoy even more book a resort or cottages in the lake.
Here resorts are surrounded by the water from all sides. The only way to reach the resorts is through the ferries. Amazing right? But remember if you want to spend your weekend in an island resort you have to book in advance.
Warangal Fort
The capital city of the Kakatiya dynasty, this place reminds me of the movie ‘Varasham’ starring Prabhas and Trisha. Especially the songs which became good hit were shot in this place bringing the nostalgia of the movie.
Besides movies and shooting, it is one of the best places to explore the Kakatiya architectural marvels. Most of the site is ruined but one can have a good photoshoot here for social media profile. If you are a historian then this place is for you.
Thousand Pillar temple
Another popular tourist attraction in Warangal is the Thousand Pillar temple. Here daily more than 1000 pilgrims visit. The pillars in the temple are constructed in such a way it forms a wall for the temple.
The temple is constructed in star architecture. Besides this, there is a huge Nandi which is a built-in black Basalt stone.
Pakhal Lake
Another man-made lake but it is built by Ganapati Deva in the 12th century for farming purposes. Strangely even today it is providing water to 3 Lakh acres of farming land. The beautiful lake is located in the midst of forests and hills.
When you visit this Pakhal lake, you will be able to witness the nearby flora and fauna of the sanctuary. Go for a boat ride and enjoy nature here. The boat ride costs around 300 rupees. Boat ride time varies from 15 minutes to 90 minutes.
Plan a trip to Warangal, the capital city of the Kakatiya dynasty, and enjoy the architectural marvels. Make sure you visit Ramappa temple, a unique kind of temple in Deccan states.
https://telanganatourism.gov.in
Further Reading– If you are interested in spiritual topics, I have another article and travel guide dedicated to Lord Nataraja Swamy, please check out the Chidambaram travel guide.
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Amazing article. Will visit this place soon…