Ramappa Temple

Ramappa Temple is a Hindu temple in Palampet, Mulugu district, India, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021. The structure rests on a star-shaped platform and houses a main hall with carved black basalt pillars and sandstone reliefs covering outer and inner walls.

A general named Recharla Rudra under Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva commissioned the construction in 1213 and dedicated the building to the god Shiva. The temple originally carried the official name Rudreshwara but is called after its architect Ramappa, which remains rather uncommon in Indian temple building history.

The temple walls display numerous dancing figures, including the famous Madanikas, female sculptures frozen in different dance poses, each showing a distinct expression. These figures wear varied jewelry and clothing, allowing visitors to read how Kakatiya society presented itself in the 13th century through the relief work.

The site sits 66 kilometers (41 miles) from Warangal and remains open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM with no entrance fee. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes for walking, as the floor surfaces are made of stone and can be uneven.

The roof uses special porous bricks that float on water, made from volcanic rock to reduce the overall weight of the construction. This technique allowed the builders to work without additional supports in the interior space.