Explore the artistry of this Shiva Temple

The Ramappa Temple serves as one of the most revered centres for the worship of Lord Shiva. It stands on a platform that is 6 feet high and features a shikharam (meaning mountain peak, referring to its roof) and is surrounded by a path that circles the stupa. The construction of this sandstone temple commenced in 1213 CE and is estimated to have taken around 40 years to complete.

What sets the Ramappa Temple apart are its adorned beams and pillars made from carved granite and dolerite, along with a unique pyramidal Vimana (stepped tower). This tower is made of lightweight porous bricks known as ‘floating bricks’, which help alleviate the load on the roof structures. This construction style makes it one of India's most unique and acclaimed architectural marvels today.

The sculptures within the temple, showcasing regional dance customs and Kakatiyan culture, are of exceptional artistic quality. The Ramappa Temple is situated at the foothills of a wooded area and amidst agricultural fields, near the banks of the Ramappa Cheruvu, a reservoir constructed during the Kakatiyan reign. Its location was strategically chosen in adherence to the ideology and practice prescribed in dharmic texts. According to these texts, a temple was considered holier if integrated into its surrounding hills, forests, and overall natural environment.

A UNESCO World Heritage site

Ramappa Temple earned worldwide acclaim when it was inscribed onto UNESCO's World Heritage list due to its remarkable construction technique. It showcases the engineers' brilliance even 800 years ago and has contributed to the evolution of modern architectural principles too. Its cupola (gopuram) also used remarkable light bricks that appeared miraculously from an ancient foundation pit while unveiling surrounding delights with each aspect of this incredible structure.