77 kilometers away from the famous Varangal Fort, in the tiny village of Palampet Venkatapur Mandal in southern India, stands another famous temple called the Ramappa Temple, also known as the Ramalingeshwara Temple.
The inscription in the temple dates back to the year 1213 CE and states that it was built by General Recherla Rudra Reddy during the reign of the Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva. Interestingly, the temple was named after its architect, making it perhaps the only temple in India bearing the name of its master creator. Among all the temples from the same period, the Ramappa Temple has been remarkably well-preserved.
In 2019, the temple, along with the Varangal Fort and the Thousand Pillar Temple, was included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Ramappa Temple stands majestically on a star-shaped platform, reaching a height of 1.8 meters.
The main structure of the temple is built from reddish sandstone, while the columns along the outer perimeter are adorned with large black basalt inserts. Carved on these inserts are mythical creatures, dancers, and musicians, showcasing the exquisite artistry of the Kakatiya period known for its intricate carvings and elegance.
