Jain shrine near Ramappa temple awaits protection; heritage experts urge ASI action

A Jain temple near the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ramappa Temple, famous for its Kakatiya period architecture, needs urgent protection and conservation, heritage activists said.

Archaeologist E. Sivanagi Reddy, who is also the CEO of Pleach India Foundation, and Arvind Arya, secretary of the Warangal-based Research Team for Culture and Heritage (TORCH), said the temple is covered with vegetation and needs to be protected urgently. Expressing gratitude to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Hyderabad Circle for initiating conservation measures for two nearby temples in Palampet, they urged the ASI to include the Jain temple in the list of protected monuments to ensure proper care and maintenance.

The damaged part of the Jain temple at Palamapet in Mulugu district. | Photo Credit: By Edit

According to heritage enthusiasts, the temple is small but aesthetically important. garbagriha (sanctum sanctorum) and Ardhamandapa (semi-open hall) and crowned with stepped pyramidal Kadamba Nagara style sikhara (tower) a projected Sukanasa at the front (protruding ornamental feature above the temple entrance). Built on a simple foundation adisthana (base), the tomb has smooth walls and perforated features jaali (mesh screen) at the entrance. The lintel is decorated with a series of miniatures. sikhara It reflects the typical 13th century Kakatiya architectural style.

The pedestal inside the sacred place bears lion statues, lanchana (symbol) It is associated with Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankara, and suggests that the temple was originally dedicated to Mahavira, although the idol is no longer present in the sanctum.

Meanwhile, ASI recently issued preliminary notifications to declare two historic temples in Palampet – Shiva Temple and Gollala Gudi as monuments of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Ruins Act, 1958.

Both temples are located close to Ramappa Temple. Officials said the Gollala Gudi temple was structurally sound but required repairs, while the Shiva temple was in dilapidated condition and was secured with scaffolding. Conservation works will begin after the final notification stating that the structures are protected works is published.