Temple belonging to Kakatiya Dynasty converted

Temple belonging to Kakatiya Dynasty converted

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I – Art & Culture

In news

• A temple constructed by Emperor Ganapati Deva, a ruler of Kakatiya dynasty, in Dharanikota (Andhra Pradesh) has been converted into an abode of local goddess Balusulamma (Goddess Durga).
• The presiding deity at this 13th-century temple was Kakati Devi, the tutelary deity of Kakatiya rulers.
• Due to ravages of time and for no upkeep, the presiding deity got damaged. 
• The villagers of Dharanikota, who had no knowledge about the past of the temple, installed Balusulamma idol and started worshipping.

Important value additions 

Kakatiya Dynasty

• Kakatiyas is an Andhra dynasty that flourished in the 12th century CE. 
• The Kakatiya dynasty ruled from Warangal (Telangana) from CE 1083-1323.
• They were known for the construction of a network of tanks for irrigation and drinking water and thereby gave a big boost to the overall development of the region.
• Hundreds of Hindu temples were built under the patronage of Kakatiya kings like Ganapati Deva, Rudrama Devi and Prataparudra of Kakatiya dynasty. E.g.
• Examples: (1) Thousand Pillar Temple or Rudreshwara Swamy Temple, Telangana. It is a star-shaped, triple shrine (Trikutalayam) dedicated to Vishnu, Shiva and Surya. (2) Ramappa Temple, Warangal, Telangana; (3) Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, Telangana