Telangana: Warangal heritage restoration on cards

After the Ramappa Temple made it to the UNESCO World Heritage site, steps are afoot to restore the key heritage temples of the Warangal district in Telangana, considered to be architectural marvels of the Kakatiya period, including the iconic Thousand Pillars temple and Bhadrakali temple. The Union Ministry of Tourism and Culture has been approached to include the temples in its PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) Scheme and allocate Rs 185 crore for their restoration.

Following UNESCO’s recognition of Ramappa Temple as a heritage site, Warangal, which boasts several heritage temples that reflect the architectural grandeur of the Kakatiya dynasty, will transform into a major hub for cultural and religious tourism, once these temples are restored under the central scheme.

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Emphasising the historical and cultural significance of temples like the iconic Thousand Pillars Temple, Bhadrakali Temple, as well as 14 temples that are within the premises of the Kakatiya Fort in Warangal, the local MP Kadiyam Kavya approached Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Sekhawat.

The minister has reportedly agreed to the proposal of restoring these architectural marvels of the Kakatiya period. These temples are in a dilapidated state and require urgent conservation. The Thousand Pillar Temple in Hanamkonda is a 12th-century temple dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya, and a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). However, it requires urgent renovation to the tune of Rs 75 lakh, particularly for restoring its Kalyanam Mandapam and amenities for tourists and pilgrims, such as illumination, parking and sanitation. The Bhadrakali Temple, built by Pulekesin II in 625 AD, is one of the oldest Shakti temples and requires Rs 100 crore for its restoration, including rebuilding its Maha Mandapam in traditional Kakatiya style.

The temple of Sri Bugula Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Jangaon also requires another Rs 10 crore for the construction of pilgrim amenities. The ancient temples inside the Warangal Fort also require clearance from the ASI, as the state government has approved the installation of idols and their consecration ceremonies before the practice of daily rituals and worship can be restored. “Restoring these temples will not only revive our rich heritage but also create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the region,” said MP Kadiyam Kavya.