Inscription at temple generates curiosity

​Mahabubabad: Around 800 years may have gone by now since the end of the Kakatiya dynasty, but the remnants of its sculptural and architectural property spread all over the region especially, erstwhile district of Warangal, continue to generate curiosity among the people.

An inscription believed to date back to the Kakatiya dynasty in Raja Rajeshwara Swamy temple at Gudi Thanda under Kothaguda mandal (now in Mahabubabad district), 55 km east of Kakatiya’s seat of power, Warangal, lying unnoticed for a long has come to the light recently, courtesy the zealousness of local history enthusiasts, whose yeoman service it might well be called as the ‘lifeline’ in the conservation of yesteryears’ culture and heritage.

But for the rituals conducted by the locals during Maha Shivaratri festival, the star-shaped triple shrine temple, Trikutalayam in archaeology parlance, believed to have built by Kakatiya king Ganapati Deva (1199-1262 AD), is a picture of neglect. The main temple consists of the Garbhagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum), Antaralayam (Vestibule) and Mukhamandapam (Pillared Pavilion).

The doorways leading to the antaralayam have Shaiva dwarapalakas along with female chowri-bearers. The door jambs of the Garbhagriha have kalashams sculpted on them. The Sopanashila (threshold) facing the Garbhagriha is huge. There is an idol of Lord Vinayaka in the antaralayam. The temple has 16 pillars covering Rangamandapam and Ardhamandapam. The west-facing temple has a lake on its east.

Aravind Arya Pakide, archaeology enthusiast, told The Hans India, “The inscription says that it is Siva-Ramanatha temple. However, the inscription is undated, most of the content is similar to those found in Gundala, Palampet, Hanamkonda, Parkala and Ghanpur inscriptions of the king Ganapati Deva times.”
Aravind is a member of the Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam headed by Sriramoju Haragopal.

One of the phrases in the inscription etched in Telugu-Sanskrit states– “Panditaradhya Dasa of Machirajupalli is seeking the shelter of 'Bondalapati Somu.” Interestingly, the same phrase has been inscribed in above mentioned five inscriptions.

The inscription further states that two persons- Kachaboyadu and Mallaboyadu, who happened to be the personal security guards of the presiding deity Siva Ramanatha, have made offerings towards the Aruvanamu (vessel storing milk) and ghee for lighting lamps.

Aravind who toiled to clean the inscription fixed to a pillar in the Ranga Mandapam said locals unmindful of its significance resorting to white wash it. He said this phenomenon is quite common as people lacks awareness about them.

Apart from two imposing Siva Lingas, the temple also has beautifully sculpted idols of Lord Veerabhadra, Lord Anjaneya and Lord Venkateshwara.

The temple can be accessed by road from Narsampet in Warangal Rural district and to those visiting Pakhal its’ not far away.