Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Hanamkonda temple of thousand Pillars(1163 AD)


 

This is the first time for me to see Kakatiya art in an intact temple, my previous exposure is only through  printed reproductions  and loose sculptures at the museums. The complexity of architectural skills by kakatiyas beats out their forerunner- structural temples of Pallavas. There are intricately carved lathe- turned stone  pillars.(basalt?)
The sculptures on the vantage points of the temples have been mutilated probably during the  medieval times by the invasions of  Delhi sultanate. In few places Arabic graffiti can be seen.
There are three sanctums  in this monument which are under worship. This temple also has a stepped pushkarini, now an artificial breeding ground for tortoises.
Seen lots of uninitiated people halt in this monument like young couples, students and several old people on pilgrimage whose heritage quotient is challenged .
This monument  is situated 8 km from Warangal city. This historic site is under the jurisdiction of Archaeological Survey of India . Photography is not allowed in the inner precincts. Local food/snacks/refreshments are available in the eateries near the temple complex.
The famous Ramappa temple and Warangal fort are in proximity to Hanamkonda and they are in pipeline for my next visit.
Some Photographs taken with my Mobile phone: