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.
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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
