Hanumakonda: Neglected 13th-century Kakatiya temple tank cries for attention

Warangal: Nestled in Pedda Kodepaka village in the Hanumakonda district, the 13th-century Kakatiya temple tank lies in a dilapidated state.

Sensing a big loss, heritage activists have sent SOS to the government seeking immediate restoration.

The discovery was made known by Aravind Arya, Secretary of TORCH, a heritage organization in Warangal, and S.S. Rangacharyulu, former Deputy Director of the Department of Heritage, Telangana. Based on the information, Dr. E. Sivanagireddy, an archaeologist and CEO of the Pleach India Foundation, on Monday visited the temple tank.

This temple tank was built during the reign of Kakatiya Ganapatideva in the 13th century CE. It was an important symbol of the vibrant cultural heritage of the Kakatiya dynasty and played a central role in the religious and community activities of that time.

Unfortunately, as time passed and the tank didn't receive proper care, it gradually fell into disrepair. Today, the tank stands in ruins, putting its preservation at risk.

During a recent visit to the local Triple Shrine, dedicated to Lord Siva, Dr. Reddy, and his team noticed a unique temple tank. It is made of finely crafted granite stones and measures 50 ft in length, 30 ft in width, and 30 ft in depth. Unfortunately, due to numerous renovations, the tank lost its original Kakatiya features and is now in a deteriorated condition.

Dr. Sivanagireddy explained, "What makes this Step Well special is the shrine within it, which houses Lord Ganesa. It's the only temple tank with a balcony surrounding it, allowing devotees to walk around the holy tank from inside while having a comfortable view of Lord Ganesa."

The Triple Shrine along with a collapsed Mandapa and the dilapidated temple tank represents the typical Kakatiya temple architectural style from the 13th century CE, during the reign of Kakatiya Ganapatideva.

Recognizing the historical significance, Dr. Reddy and his team emphasized the need for immediate restoration, using the scattered fallen temple stones. They also suggested developing the site as a tourist spot, offering visitors a chance to experience the rich heritage of the Kakatiya dynasty.

Continuing their exploration, Dr. Reddy and the team visited the Panchalaraya temple in Chinakodepaka Village. They discovered neglected sculptures depicting Surya, Mahishamardhini, Siva, and the Serpent goddess, all in need of care and attention.

The team urged local authorities and concerned organizations to take prompt action to preserve and restore these historical treasures. Dr. Sivanagireddy and his team believe that restoring the Kakatiya temple tank and other structures will not only protect the heritage but also contribute to the development of tourism in the region.