Blocked drainage threatens Ramappa temple foundation

WARANGAL: The historic Ramappa temple, which reflects the 800-year-old engineering marvels of the Kakatiya time, is facing problems because of a blockage formed in the drainage outlet – known as ‘Somasutra’ – from the temple’s sanctum sanctorum.

While a section of the media had recently said that Shiva Linga in the main temple is sinking due to water seeping into the foundation which is of sand, other reports said that due to this, the rituals during the holy ‘Karthika Masam’ were halted.

Responding to the reports, chief priest Harish Sharma told DC that the Shiva Linga was not sinking and that daily rituals are taking place as usual.

“The temple was renovated in 2000 after some portions sank due to ants and rats making burrows in the sand. The Shiva Linga also got displaced during that time. The archaeology department repaired the damage and the Shiva Linga was restored to its original position. Since then there is no problem with the Shiva Linga,” he said.

Around that time, some stones in the temple foundation also got misplaced and blocked the drainage outlet. However, the officials could not repair it as it is one of the foundation stones on which the temple is build.

Even though drilling a hole to clear the blockage is an option, it is fraught with risk as the temple is constructed using sandbox technology to make it earthquake resistant. One wrong move could damage the temple beyond repair. To avoid the risk, the blockage wasn’t cleared.

At present, wastage of milk, curd, ghee, honey and other material used for special prayers is being manually removed to stop it seeping into the foundation.

“This problem may not cause severe damage to the temple at present, but an alternative arrangement will avoid any such problem in the future,” says Bhujanga Rao, local archaeology officer.