Ramappa Temple: The Temple Named after its Sculptor

Pratiksha Hemasagar Sahu

Ramappa Temple: The Temple Named after its Sculptor

The Ramalingeswara Temple, also referred to as the Ramappa Temple, was built in 1213 AD. It was constructed under the Kakatiya Kingdom's rule. It is believed to be the only temple in the nation that is known by the name of its sculptor, Ramappa, who created the temple, which is dedicated to Lord Ramalingeswara.

Ramappa Temple Source: Wikipedia

Have you ever heard of a temple that, when exposed to sunlight, produces an amazing display of lights and, when lightly touched, produces melodic notes? You read that correctly. I'm referring to the Ramappa Temple in Telangana state. The temple was constructed in 1213 AD, under the Kakatiyan Dynasty. The architect Ramappa, after whom the temple complex is named, created the Ramappa Temple Complex, which consists of three temples, between 1212 AD and 1234 AD.

The temple is constructed in a Kakatiyan manner. However, the temple's sculptor's name, Ramappa, came to be associated with it. One of the best of South India's mediaeval temples, this temple has been named the ‘brightest star in the network of medieval temples’ in the Deccan region.

The temple was constructed with water-floating bricks, and it is still standing today. It was constructed using the sandbox technique, and as a consequence, basalt rock, one of the hardest rocks to work with, has been transformed into a work of exquisite craftsmanship. The garbhagriha, antarala, and maha-mandapam-adorned temple is perched on a six-foot-high pedestal. The temple's main gate, which is attached to the exterior wall, is now completely destroyed. The main temple is surrounded by walls.

Surprisingly, the temple's carved pillars are placed so that when the sun shines on them, they produce an amazing play of light that illuminates the entire structure. There is a carving of Lord Krishna on one of the pillars. The pillar emits musical sounds when lightly struck. Even the design's 'flaws' are intriguing and, it seems, deliberate. On one of the main temple pillars, Ramappa purposefully included faulty motifs to fend off the evil eye. Last but not least, one of the pillars has 13 exquisitely carved holes that amaze everyone because they are only slightly wider than a thread or a needle, demonstrating extraordinary talent and an architectural marvel of the time.

The temple is renowned for both its outstanding architecture and historical wealth. The temple is worth visiting because of the surrounding area's breathtaking scenery. If this is your first time visiting, you might want to understand a little more about this temple, which is a testament to the architect's talent, superior engineering, and inventiveness. Definitely, it is a landmark worthy of appreciation.

The temple's walls are decorated with elaborate carvings. A pradakshina path encloses the sanctum and has shikara(s) around it. There are numerous pillars with beautiful sculptures in front of the temple. As one approaches the Lord Shiva shrine at the temple, one will witness a Nandi mandapam with Nandi. Even though the mandapa is in poor shape, the magnificent figure of Nandi, Lord Shiva's holy vehicle, is uninjured and makes for an outstanding sight.

A nine-foot Shivalingam has been positioned in the garbhagriha of the temple. Wall sculptures depicting diverse dancing styles and musical instruments can be observed in its entryway. Its ceiling is covered in carvings that represent scenes from the Hindu epics Shiva Purana and sculptures depicting diverse dancing styles and musical instruments can be observed at the entryway of the garbhagriha. Its ceiling is covered in carvings that represent scenes from the Hindu epics Shiva Purana and Ramayana, as well as other ancient writings.