India’s 39th World Heritage Site

India’s nomination of Rudreswara Temple, (also known as the Ramappa Temple), Telangana has been inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list. It was the only nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage site tag for the year 2019.

Context

India’s nomination of Rudreswara Temple, (also known as the Ramappa Temple), Telangana has been inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list. It was the only nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage site tag for the year 2019.

A brief description ofRudreswara (Ramappa)Temple

• The Rudreswara temple was constructed in 1213 AD.
• It is also known as ‘Thousand Pillar Temple’.
• It was constructed under the reign of the Kakatiya Empire by RecharlaRudra, a general of Kakatiya king Ganapati Deva.
• The Ramappa temple is named after its architect, Ramappa who executed the work in the temple for 40 years.
  
• The presiding deity here is RamalingeswaraSwamy.
• The triple shrine (Trikutalayam) is dedicated to Vishnu, Shiva, and Surya.
• The temple stands on a 6 feet high star-shaped platform.
• The walls, pillars, and ceilings adorned with intricate carvings attest to the unique skill of the Kakatiyan sculptors.
• The temple was called the "brightest star in the galaxy of medieval temples of the Deccan" by European travelers.