Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/Bgz1LO3fsQk
Location: “Katakshapur kakatiya shivalayam, 3RX4+HWX, Telangana 506345”
Firstly, I would like to inform all my viewers, the
shivalayam is not immediately visible on entering the location as the
structures are under and behind bushes. There is first a small temple painted
white which is probably a temple for locals to perform pujas. Just ahead and
slightly on the left side, the Shivalayam is situated in shambles. If you do
not see the structures, do not immediately lose hope, just walk around and
search and there is ample amount of space too to park your vehicles there.
There are two structures, one completely under bushes, the first one in a
slightly better condition.
The two structures located are namely the
Ramalingeshwara swami temple and Chenna Kesava Swami temple. The temples are
just located around 33 KMs from Warangal and presently there is a board of ASI,
although there is no maintenance. The temples are believed to be built by
Kakatiya King Prataparudra in the 12th century using stones. Locals
refer to these also as kota gullu like the ones in Ghanpur.
According to local residents and priests, "There
are stone quarries located around the temples. Loud and powerful blasts from
these quarries are slowly damaging the temples’ structures." (Report The
New Indian Express)
From this medium I would like to state that the ASI
Telengana circle is least bothered about the temples, which otherwise could be
a great center of tourism. There is no proper connectivity and the situation of
the structures are quite shaky.
Architecture:
Talking about the architecture, the temples are 3, this
is a three sanctum Shiva temple, with three entrances. The entire temple was
built on a platform. It is also referred to as Kataksapura Shivalaya,
Kotagullu. It is near two other large temples, also in ruins. These are made
from gray granite and are in the same style as Palampet (Ramappa), Ghanpur and
Hanamakonda temples. The temple is likely from the 12th or 13th-century, based
on its iconography. Much artwork here is defaced and mutilated (chopped face,
limbs, etc). The temple remains show signs of deliberate damage, broken stone
panels scattered randomly. The structure was likely pulled down and injured.
The villagers have attempted to put parts of the temple back and resume
services. Items
from this temple have also been moved to local area museums.
The temple can be used as a brilliant case study for
History lovers too.
How
to Reach:
By
Road: The temple is situated around 200 meters on the left
of NH 163 (Warangal-Eturnagaram road). So one should just get down at the
location shown in the map asking from Katakshpur after the Indian Oil Petro
Pump if coming from Warangal.
By
Rail: Nearest railway station is Warangal around 33 KMs.
Anyone can catch a bus plying from Railway station on NH163 can reach the
destination. Or can hire a local auto or taxi.
By
Air: The
nearest airport is Hyderabad around 199 KMs
Timing:
Looking at the situation of the temple and location,
there is no fixed timing, just avoid visiting after 6 pm, as the temples are
inside a remote around on the side of the highway.
Parking
and Photography:
There is no issue with parking once you find the
temples. It’s all farm lands around and one can park the vehicle in the narrow
roads in the fields.
Photography is not restricted. There is a caretaker
who is normally not available but might come if he watches someone. Drones can
be used.