Telangana’s Ramappa Temple – The New UNESCO World Heritage Site in India

On July 25th 2021, 44th session of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO declared Ramappa Temple of Telangana in Mulugu district as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it the 39th world heritage site in India. Ramappa Temple was the only nomination for UNESCO World Heritage Site tag for the year 2019. It is now a crowning glory of Telangana Tourism.

Our honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged everyone to visit and see the grandeur of the Royal past of Ramappa Temple and get the first-hand experience of its grandness. Ramappa temple as a UNESCO World Heritage Site has got recognition for its medieval architecture and it will boost the tourism of the religious tourist destination of Telangana.

Also Read: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

Things to know & some interesting facts about Ramappa Temple of Telangana

• Ramalingeswara (Ramappa) Temple is also known as Rudreshwara Temple. It stands in pride, showcasing the artwork of royal Kakatiyas.
• The ancient Ramalingeswara Temple is one of the most popular divine destinations in Telangana.
• Ramalingeswara Temple is dedicated to Ramalingeswara Swamy.
• The temple was named after its chief sculptor Ramappa, making it the only temple in the country to be named by its sculptor according to the Telangana government.
• The Ramappa Temple was built in 1213 AD under the rule of Kakati Ganapathi Deva under the authority of its chief commander Rudra Samani.
• The location of the temple is Palampet village of the Venkatapur Mandal, it is in the Mulugu District of Warangal.
• The most interesting fact about Ramappa Temple is that it is Built with bricks which are light in weight and can float in water.
• “On the top of the temples of this (god), shines distinctly a golden cupola, illuminating the space of the sky, always having the brilliance of a vast sun’s orb standing on the lofty peak of the eastern mountain” This inscription was issued by Recharla Rudradeva.
• Ramappa Temple stands on a 6 ft high star-shaped platform.
• It took 40 years to build Ramappa Temple. Getting recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a tribute to the chief sculptor Recharla Rudradeva.
• The temple survived a major earthquake in the 17th century (on June 16, 1819) because of the sandbox technique of construction.
• The black pillars in the mandapa of this temple still shine and haven’t lost their grace.
• The temple is a fine example of Kakatiya artwork. There are sculptures of nayikas Nagini and Madanika, sculptures of women with a clothing of lace embroidery, sculptures of Natya Ganapati, Gopika-Vastrapaharana showcases sensuality. The carvings on the temple pillars are a fine example of Andhra Natya or Perini.

Temple Timings

• All Days of the Week
• Monday – Sunday: 6.00 AM – 6.00 PM

There is no dearth of religious destinations in Telangana but the beauty and universal value of Ramappa Temple is even praised by European merchants and travelers. One such traveler has said that the temple of Ramappa is the “brightest star in the galaxy of medieval temples of the Deccan” according to PIB release. Now that Ramappa Temple has got world heritage site status, it will keep on glorifying the tourism of Telangana and India. If you are planning a trip to Telangana then don’t forget to visit Ramappa Temple.

Other Interesting Blogs to Read

• 7 More Sites Added to The World Heritage List by UNESCO
• Gwalior & Orchha in Madhya Pradesh included in UNESCO World Heritage Cities List
• Jaipur Receives World Heritage City Certificate from UNESCO
• 30 Popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
• Top 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rajasthan