Ensure speedy completion of Thousand Pillar temple: Warangal MLC to Centre 

“The Thousand Pillar temple is one of the important monuments under Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which was added once to the tentative list of World Heritage sites by UNESCO," he said

Warangal Urban: MLC Pochampally Srinivas Reddy has urged Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Prahlad Singh Patel to take steps for the speedy completion of the Thousand Pillar Temple, Warangal, works taken up by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). He also urged him to take up restoration of some temples at Palampet in the Mulugu district.

In a letter addressed to the Union Minister on Saturday, Reddy said: “The Thousand Pillar temple is one of the important monuments under Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which was added once to the tentative list of World Heritage sites by UNESCO. The temple is situated in the heart of Warangal, the erstwhile capital of the region during the Kakatiya dynasty. According to historical evidence, Thousand Pillar Temple was constructed between 1175–1324 AD. It is considered a masterpiece and had achieved magnificent glory for its architectural works. The foundation of the Thousand Pillar Temple was established using the sandbox technique,” he said.

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The work of Kakatiya sculptors has manifested in the craftsmanship as well as the flawless carving techniques in their art, the MLC said. Though the temple was intact even after more than 800 years, the ‘Natya Mandapam’ towards the south of the temple had to be dismantled by the ASI in 2005 for reconstruction. The restoration works have been going at a discouragingly slow pace. It was planned to complete within 18 months but even after a decade, it is yet to be completed,” he added.

Urging the Minister for comprehensive development of Ramappa temple complex at Palampet village of Mulugu district, he said that The Temple is included in the proposed UNESCO World Heritage Site “The Glorious Kakatiya Temples and Gateways”, in 2019 on the “tentative list”. “The famous traveller, Marco Polo during his visit to the Kakatiya Empire, called the temple “the brightest star in the galaxy of temples”. Ramappa Temple stands majestically on a 6 feet high star-shaped platform. The hall in front of the sanctum has numerous carved pillars that have been positioned to create an effect that combines light and space wonderfully. The temple is named after the sculptor Ramappa, who built it, and is perhaps the only temple in India to be named after a craftsman who built it. “Many of the smaller structures were neglected and are in ruins. Kameswara temple located on the right side was dismantled and the ASI is trying to restoring it. The main entrance gate in the outer wall of the temple is also ruined.

“We request your kind support in timely completion of restoration works in Thousand Pillar Temple and Comprehensive Development of Ramappa as a Heritage Destination,” Reddy added.

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