Palampet Shiva Temple Gets National Monument Status

HYDERABAD, JULY 7: The Shiva temple at Palampet in Mulugu district, standing near the Unesco world heritage Ramappa temple, has been accorded national monument status, with the Union culture ministry (Archaeological Survey of India, ASI) issuing a gazette notification. With this, the number of ASI‑protected monuments in Telangana has risen to nine.

Earlier, the ASI issued preliminary notifications in February to declare two historic temples at Palampet — the Shiva temple and Gollala Gudi — for Central protection under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. As no objections were received within the stipulated period, the Centre declared the Shiva temple to be of national importance.

Officials added that the gazette notification for Gollala Gudi would be issued shortly.

The Palampet Shiva temple is in a dilapidated state. ASI superintending archaeologist, Hyderabad circle, Dr Nikhil Das said restoration works would begin immediately. “We have prepared a detailed project report, which has to be approved by the Director-General, ASI. The temple has suffered damage from its foundation to the top of the shikhara,” he said.

Scaffolding has been erected to prevent further damage. The Mulugu district administration has handed over around two acres of land, which has been demarcated and fenced. Since the temple is non‑living, it will be protected as per ASI norms.

With the Shiva temple declared a monument of national importance, the Central government will now be responsible for its conservation, structural stability and maintenance. ASI officials said the decision on ticketing would be taken later, based on footfall.

The Shiva temple is a single shrine dating back to the 13th century, probably built during the reign of Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva.

Historian Aravind Arya noted that Kakatiya temples usually have sub‑shrines around the main temple, as seen at the Ghanpur group of temples, the Thousand Pillar Temple and Ramappa Temple. He said the Palampet Shiva temple was also built as a sub‑temple of Ramappa, allowing various traditions, castes and sects to worship, and was mostly constructed by common people.

Welcoming the move, historians and heritage activists urged the State government to extend support for protecting more monuments under ASI. Prof. Panduranga Rao, trustee of Kakatiya Heritage Trust, said they were happy with the announcement as the temple was part of the Ramappa UNESCO site without any protection.

“With the new announcement, the prohibited area will start from the Shivalayam and the entire protected boundary will change,” he added.