




Ramappa Temple also known as the Ramalingeswara temple, is located 77 km from Warangal, the ancient capital of the Kakatiya dynasty, 157 km from Hyderabad in the state of Andhra Pradesh in southern India. It lies in a valley at Palampet village of Venkatapur Mandal, in erstwhile Mulug Taluq of Warangal district, a tiny village long past its days of glory in the 13th and 14th centuries.[1] An inscription in the temple dates it to the year 1213 and said to have been built by a General Recherla Rudra, during the period of the Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva.
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This medieval temple is a Shivalaya (where Shiva is worshipped) and named after the sculptor Ramappa, a Vishwakarma Brahmin Sthapathi of Karnataka State, who built it rather that after its presiding deity, Ramalingeswara, perhaps to accent Shiva's importance as the personal god of the avatar of Vishnu, Rama. The history says that it was taken 40 years to built this temple.
This beautiful temple, an example of brilliant Kakatiya dynasty art,Planned and sculpted by Vishwakarma Brahmin Sthapathis was built on the classical pattern of being lifted above the world on a high star-shaped platform. Intricate carvings line the walls and cover the pillars and ceilings. Starting at its base to its wall panels, pillars and ceiling are sculpted figures drawn from Hindu mythology.[2] The roof (garbhalayam) of the temple is built with bricks, which are so light that they are able to float on water.[3]
The hall in front of the sanctum is filled with exquisitely carved pillars that are placed as to combine light and space wonderfully with the finely chiselled walls and ceiling. There are two small Shiva shrines on either side of the main temple that are completely ruined. The enormous Nandi within, facing the shrine of Shiva, remains in good condition. In most of the shiva temples, the Nandi was strait to deity but in the temples built by KAKATIYAS the nandi is in a alert position and waiting for the order of lord shiva.
The temple had remained intact after repeated wars, invasions and natural disasters. There was a major earthquake during the 17th century which caused some damage.
In the Ramappa temple, many of the smaller structures were neglected and are in ruins. The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) had taken charge of it. The main entrance gate in the outer wall of the temple is ruined.[4]
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Warangal was the capital of a Hindu Shaivite kingdom[citation needed] ruled by the Kakatiya dynasty from the 12th to the 14th centuries. The old name of this newly formed city is Orugallu. 'Oru' means one and 'Kallu' means stone. The entire city was carved in a single rock, hence the name Orukallu meaning 'one rock'. The city was also called Ekasila nagaram. The Kakatiyas left many monuments, including an impressive fortress, four massive stone gateways, the Swayambhu temple dedicated to Shiva, and the Ramappa temple situated near Ramappa Lake. The cultural and administrative distinction of the Kakatiyas was mentioned by the famous traveller Marco Polo. Famous or well-known rulers included Ganapathi Deva, Prathapa Rudra, and Rani (queen) Rudramma Devi. After the defeat of Prataparadura, the Musunuri Nayaks united seventy two Nayak chieftains and captured Warangal from Delhi sultanate and ruled for fifty years. Jealousy and mutual rivalry between Nayaks ultimately led to the downfall of Hindus in 1370 A.D. and success of Bahmanis. Bahmani Sultanate later broke up into several smaller sultanates, of which the Golconda sultanate ruled Warangal. The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb conquered Golconda in 1687, and it remained part of the Mughal empire until the southern provinces of the empire split away to become the state of Hyderabad in 1724 which included the Telangana region and some parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka. Hyderabad was annexed to India in 1948, and became an Indian state. In 1956 Hyderabad was partitioned as part of the States Reorganization Act, and Telangana, the Telugu-speaking region of Hyderabad state which includes Warangal, was joined to Andhra Pradesh.
The Warangal has developed both under the political and historical influences of successive great kings. The Historical events and development occurred in Warangal District. These are:-
1. Kakatiya Stage 1260 - 1422
2. Transmission Stage 1422 - 1725
3. Asaf Jahi Stage 1725 - 1948
4. Modern Stage 1948 - Onwards.
Warangal is located at 18°00′N 79°35′E / 18, 79.58.[1] It has an average elevation of 302 metres (990 feet).
Warangal's economy is predominantly agricultural. It has a large grain market in Enamamula. This is a rice-growing region and most farmers grow rice for both subsistence and the market. Cotton has also been a major cash crop since the early 1990s; however the cotton sector has been troubled in recent years, and there was a well-publicized rash of suicides by cotton farmers in 1997-1998.
Industry has been neglected in the region by successive governments. Some industries existing during the Nizam's rule, like Azam Jahi Cloth Mills, have been closed; unemployment in the region may help feed the Naxalite (Peoples War Group) movement. Warangal has several small to medium scale industries but no large scale ones.
A STPI (Software technology parks of India) has been set up at National Institute of Technology, Warangal with the intention of taking the benefits of the Information Technology revolution to second tier cities. Warangal makes an excellent location for this because of its proximity to Hyderabad, the student pool from some of the best institutes in the country, good transportation facilities, infrastructure, lower traffic problems etc.
Warangal city is the headquarters of Warangal district. Warangal district contributes total of twelve seats (city has two that of Warangal East and Warangal West) in the lower house of state legislature and two seats (Warangal and Mahabubabad) in lower house of Indian Paliament.
Warangal witnessed a bloody chapter in its history in 1969, called the "Mulki" (locals) agitation. In 1969, the people of Telangana raised their voice asking for a separate state. They felt discriminated in the Unified State of Andhra Pradesh and wanted to revert the unification, to exist separately as was the case before 1956. Warangal was the brewing ground of the movement and lead it from the front. Students, peasants, government employees all joined their forces. More than 400 Telangana students lost their lives in the struggle. In the early 2000s the movement for a separate Telangana was again started under the leadership of K Chandrasekhar Rao who established the political party 'Telangana Rashtra Samiti'(TRS). The party allied with the Indira Congress in the state elections. The alliance won majority, and Chandrasekhar Rao became a Union Minister. In 2006, as the Congress party was against separationism, Chandrasekhar Rao resigned his ministry and his Membership of the Parliament.
As of 2001[update] India census,[2] Warangal had a population of 1,128,570. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Warangal has an average literacy rate of 73%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 81%, and female literacy is 64%. In Warangal, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.
The people of Warangal speak Telugu as main language. Both traditional attire like Saree, Lungi and Dhoti and modern dress styles are worn. The poets of this place include the ancient poets Potana and Palkuriki Somana to present day poets like Kaloji Narayana Rao, B Rama Raju, Pervaram Jagannatham, Kovela Sampatkumara, KOVELA SUPRASANNA, Ampasayya Naveen, RANGANATH MIDDELA Varavara Raoand Anwar have contributed to Telugu literature.
Sarangapani was a famous folk singer, Nerella Venu Madhav is a mimicry artist who received accolades country wide. And also the famous music director Chakri is also from warangal dist.
Hindu festivals such as Dasara, Deepavali, Sankranti( Pongal ) are celebrated here.In addition, the district currently hosts the Samakka sarakka Jatara or congregation. Every two years(bi-annually) approximately 6 million people converge over three days around the small village of Medaram and its adjacent stream/rivulet, Jampanna Vagu, 90 km from Warangal city. This fair is said to be the largest repeating aggregation of tribal communities in the whole world and commemorates the valiant fight put up by a mother-daughter combination (Samakka and Sarakka)with the reigning rulers over an unjust law. Bonalu, Bathukamma festivals symbolic of the Telangana region are celebrated here (Bathukamma is clebrated particularly by women).
Fatima Feast is celebrated every year on February 12th and 13th by Catholic Christians at their Warangal Diocesian Head Quarters of Catherdral Church in Fatima Nagar,Kazipet.
The fort was destroyed by invaders and only the ruins can now be seen. The fort had three layers of protection, remnants of which can still be seen today. The first layer is a mud wall, currently up to about 20 feet high and several kilometers in circumference, encircling the fort. The second layer is a wall up of granite rock. The fort has famous stone gateways, about 30 feet high and still standing, a masterpiece carved from a single rock. They are called Kirti Toranas (The gateways of glory) of Kakatiyas. They have become a widely replicated symbol for Andhra Pradesh tourism.
Situated on a hilltop between Hanamkonda and Warangal, it is noted for its stone image of the Goddess Kali. The temple is located on the banks of the "Bhadrakali" lake (Cheruvu).
The fair starts on first week of January and lasts until "Ugadi" every year. On the last week of fair devotees walk on fire, a ritual called "Aggi Gundalu".
Sunny day The climate in Warangal City is very tropical in nature, but there are dry spells especially during the winter season, Current Temperature@City. The average temperature is warm to hot throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from approximately 16C to 46C (60F to 116F). The summer season (especially during May/June) has the highest temperatures, but these are usually followed by monsoon rains in that season. The winter season (from October to February) is the most enjoyable with a pleasant climate. Summer clothing suffices throughout the year.Warangal is located above the sea-level and is one of the safest place in world.
Main Market Warangal City is famous for the food items such as mirchi bajji (mirapakaya bajji), aavakaaya pickle, gongura pickle, with traditional spicy style meals and common breakfast items such as Idli, pesara/ravva/ dosa, and puri. [22] There are many hotels that offer varieties of food items (from several regions of India). The common masala stands, jilebi push-carts, sugar cane juice sellers can be noticed in every corner of the city. There are also fast food and pizza outlets. The city has many lodgings, inns and hotels in every corner.
Warangal has the biggest grain market. This market is the Asia's second biggest market. Mirchi(Red chilli),Cotton are the main crops.
Supermarket
There are numerous markets selling vegetables, fruits, flowers and other commodities throughout the city. Also, many super markets are opening due to an increasingly expanding middle class. The traditional method of selling vegetables, flowers and other consumer goods using push-carts is still very common and effective. There are special Rythu-Bazars[23] in every corner of the city to sell fresh produce. Locally famous fruits and vegetables include the oval shaped - (unique honey taste) - sapota, mango, Seethaphal, and Dosakai (cucumber). Biggest Chain markets like Reliance fresh,MORE,Subhiksha etc., have opened most of their outlets in the city.
Warangal is the 4th largest city in Andhra Pradesh, and is known for important educational institutions like "National Institute of Technology". Established in 1959, as the first of "Regional Engineering College"s in the country it grew into an important national level institute for engineering education.
Kakatiya Institute of Technology and Sciences (KITS-Wgl)
Cricket and football are the most watched and played games. Most played local games are badminton, volleyball, kabaddi and Gilli Danda.
Getting There
Air: The nearest airports are Hyderabad and Vijayawada, about 157 kms and 249 kms respectively.
Rail: Warangal has a railhead that is well connected to every city in the country.
Bus: Warangal is connected by state buses from hyderabad, Vijayawada, Karimnagar, Khammam, etc.
Local Transport
Buses, taxis, autorickshaws and cyclerickshows are available.
Star Hotels in Warangal
Other Hotels
What to See in Warangal
Bhadrakali temple, Musical Garden, Padmakshi Temple, Ghanpur temples and Eturnagaram Sanctuary.
Places to see En Route to Warangal from Hyderabad
Places to See in and around Warangal
Thousand Pillar Temple
Catch a glimpse of the finest specimen of Kakatiya architecture and sculpture. Built by Rudra Deva in 1163 AD in Chalukyan style, the temple with three shrines is dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. One thousand richly carved pillars, perforated screens, exquisite icons, rock cut elephants and the monolithic black basalt Nandi will take you back down the ages!
Ramappa Temple
The medieval Deccan Ramappa Temple dating back to 1213 AD, is the right choice for architecture lovers. It documents the glory and grandeur of the Kakatiya Kingdom. Rich, intricate sculpture on walls, pillars, brackets and ceilings will captivate you! The picturesque Ramappa Lake close by, is another blessing.
Distance: 74 kms from Warangal.
Getting There
State buses and taxis from Warangal and Hyderabad.
Accommodation
Tourist Guest House and cottages on the bank of Ramappa Lake.
Pakhal
Listen to the call of the wild! Around the tranquil manmade Pakhal Lake, discover a wildlife sanctuary stretching across 860 sq kms. Dense forests, the sounds of the tiger, leopard, bear, hyena, deer... what more could you ask for? The best season to visit Pakhal is between October and March.
Distance: 50 kms from Warangal.
Getting There
State buses, taxis from Warangal and Hyderabad.
Accommodation
Sarovihar Tourist Rest House and Forest Guest House.
Warangal Fort
Enter the impressive Warangal Fort through four huge Sanchi-type gateways. The Warangal Fort was built in the 13th century by a Kakatiya King - Ganapathi Deva and his daughter, Rani Rudrama. You will spot exquisite pieces of sculpture too.
Sheet Metal Art
Pembarthi sheet metal art flourished during the reign of the Kakatiyas. Now it finds expression in articles used for home decoration - pandas (boxes for carrying betal nut), Ithar pots (scent containers), etc.