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Excursions
Ramappa
Temple: The Ramappa temple is located in a small village called Palampeta and was built during Kakati Ganapatideva's reign in the year 1213 A.D. by his general Racharla Rudra. This probably is the only temple in India known by the name of the sculptor who built it. The head sculptor was Ramappa, after whom the temple is known today, rather than after the presiding deity, Ramalingeswara, as is the general norm. The Kakatiyas built many Shiva temples during their time in and around Warangal or Orugallu (Ekasilanagaram) as it was known during their rule. A fine example of medieval deccan temple architecture is the famous Ramappa
Temple at Palampet, 74km from Warangal. The special features of this temple
include 12 breath- taking life size female fiququres of black basalt carved with
considerable skill. Characteristic of the Kakatiya Sculpture is the Nandi carved
out of a stone at the eastern portico of this temple. The Ramappa temple is a superb example of their love for art,
music and dance. The temple is situated in a valley and is built with bricks so light that they can float on water. Yet the temple is so strong that it is still intact after numerous wars, invasions and natural calamities. There was a major earthquake during the 17th century which shook the Ramappa temple and the other nearby temples. In the Ramappa temple many of the smaller structures were neglected and are in ruins. There were even instances of people carrying away the bricks, to be proudly exhibited that they can float on water, before the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) took charge of it. The main entrance gate in the outer wall of the temple is ruined, so one can enter only through a small west gate.
Pakhal 50km from Warangal, is situated amidst undulating forest- clad hills and dales
Pakhal Lake, a popular retreat, was completed around 1213 AD by the Kakatiya
dynasty. Set around the shores of this lake is the Pakhal wildlife Sanctuary
covering an area of 900sq. km. Its dense forest shelter tiger, leopard animals
and birds. The best season to visit Pakhal is October- March.
Yadagirigutta Yadagirigutta88km from Warangal and 69km. from Hyderbad, is known for the
Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple.
Kalesai: Known
as Kashi of the South it is famous for Mukteshwara temple whish has two ligams
(Phallus)- one for Lord Shiva and another for Lord Yarna, the God of Death, each
guarded by an umbrella of seven hooded stone cobras.
Palampet: Here
exists the glorious Ramappa shrines constructed in 1213 AD referred to as the
brightest star in the galaxy of medieval temples of Deccan. Constructed in pink
sandstone the ornamented bands, floral motifs and an array of dancers, musicians
and goddess in stone are unbelievably beautiful.
History:Andhra Pardesh was once a major Buddhist centre and part of Ashoka's
empire until it broke apart. Traces of early still remain in several places,
particularly Amaravathi. the Sanchi of Andhra Pardesh. Later, in the 7th
century, the chalukyas held power, but they in turn fell to the Chola kingdom of
the south around the 10th century. It was this dynasty that built the vast and
almost impregnable stone fortress of Golconda - one of India's most impressive
monuments . The near by tombs of the rulers of this Muslim dynasty rival those
of the Delhi sultans and the early Mughals in size and splendor. The general's
successors, the Nizams of Hyderabad, ruled the state right through to
Independence.
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History:Andhra Pardesh was once a major Buddhist centre and part of Ashoka's
empire until it broke apart. Traces of early still remain in several places,
particularly Amaravathi. the Sanchi of Andhra Pardesh. Later, in the 7th
century, the chalukyas held power, but they in turn fell to the Chola kingdom of
the south around the 10th century. It was this dynasty that built the vast and
almost impregnable stone fortress of Golconda - one of India's most impressive
monuments . The near by tombs of the rulers of this Muslim dynasty rival those
of the Delhi sultans and the early Mughals in size and splendor. The general's
successors, the Nizams of Hyderabad, ruled the state right through to
Independence.
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History:Andhra Pardesh was once a major Buddhist centre and part of Ashoka's
empire until it broke apart. Traces of early still remain in several places,
particularly Amaravathi. the Sanchi of Andhra Pardesh. Later, in the 7th
century, the chalukyas held power, but they in turn fell to the Chola kingdom of
the south around the 10th century. It was this dynasty that built the vast and
almost impregnable stone fortress of Golconda - one of India's most impressive
monuments . The near by tombs of the rulers of this Muslim dynasty rival those
of the Delhi sultans and the early Mughals in size and splendor. The general's
successors, the Nizams of Hyderabad, ruled the state right through to
Independence.
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History:Andhra Pardesh was once a major Buddhist centre and part of Ashoka's
empire until it broke apart. Traces of early still remain in several places,
particularly Amaravathi. the Sanchi of Andhra Pardesh. Later, in the 7th
century, the chalukyas held power, but they in turn fell to the Chola kingdom of
the south around the 10th century. It was this dynasty that built the vast and
almost impregnable stone fortress of Golconda - one of India's most impressive
monuments . The near by tombs of the rulers of this Muslim dynasty rival those
of the Delhi sultans and the early Mughals in size and splendor. The general's
successors, the Nizams of Hyderabad, ruled the state right through to
Independence.
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History:Andhra Pardesh was once a major Buddhist centre and part of Ashoka's
empire until it broke apart. Traces of early still remain in several places,
particularly Amaravathi. the Sanchi of Andhra Pardesh. Later, in the 7th
century, the chalukyas held power, but they in turn fell to the Chola kingdom of
the south around the 10th century. It was this dynasty that built the vast and
almost impregnable stone fortress of Golconda - one of India's most impressive
monuments . The near by tombs of the rulers of this Muslim dynasty rival those
of the Delhi sultans and the early Mughals in size and splendor. The general's
successors, the Nizams of Hyderabad, ruled the state right through to
Independence.
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