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Restoring The Faith

Restoring The Faith

Author: Amarnath K. Menon
Publication: India Today
Date: January 15, 2007

Introduction: The Archaeological Survey of India is set to give a new lease of life to a marvel of Kakatiya architecture built in the 12th century

Retrieval and restoration of old temples is a daunting task, more so if it is a throwback to nearly 1,000 years. But that has not deterred the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) from taking up the restoration and conservation of the Rudraeswara Swamy Temple, popularly known as the Thousand Pillared Temple, in Warangal, about 140 km from Hyderabad, in Andhra Pradesh.

Though the popular reference to the temple suggests it had a thousand pillars, records do not support a figure beyond 300. The monument is a classic example of the architectural brilliance of the Kakatiya kings who ruled the region between the 12th and 14th centuries. Built in 1163, the star shaped, triple-shrined temple is dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. There are perforated stone screens, richly carved icons, meticulously designed pillars and rock-cut elephants.

In the front is an exquisitely polished Nandi (bull figure). There used to be a kalyana mandapa (bridal podium) beyond the Nandi, which was damaged five years ago due to the sinking of some parts of the temple's foundation. With the help of traditional sculptors from Tamil Nadu, the ASI has dismantled the mandapa and also 119 of the 132 pillars, in order to strengthen the foundation. The entire structure, as also the 13 pillars that have gone missing, will be re-erected. The entire project will cost about Rs 3.5 crore and will be completed only in 2008.

"The temple was built with granite but without any binding material. As such, the stones that were interlocked with one another have displaced with time," says D. Jithendra Das, superintending archaeologist, ASI, on the difficulties of restoration.

The Kakatiya temples reveal in their construction a happy blending of the styles of North and South India. The reign of the Kakatiya dynasty is regarded as one of the brightest periods of Telugu history. "The dynasty expressed itself best through religious art. Their art preserved the balance between architecture and sculpture," says V.V. Krishna Sastry, former director of archaeology and museums, Andhra Pradesh.

What makes this conservation tricky is the fact that the unique edifice is also a live temple to which the faithful flock every day. It is packed for several hours on the night of the Kartika Poornima when it is lit fully with oil lamps. Regular games of footfall within the premises have also contributed to the defacing.

The Kakatiya culture has inspired many present-day artistes like dance guru Nataraja Ramakrishna who recreated the vibrant martial dance form Perini Sivatandavam, originally performed by male dancers during the Kakatiya days. Once the Rudraeswara Swamy Temple regains its lost glory, it should be the turn of other Kakatiyan architectural marvels like the sinking Ramalingeswara temple at Palampet and the ruins of the Warangal Fort.


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