HYDERABAD: A
temple built during the
Kakatiya period and renovated later by
Vijayanagara kings now lies in utter neglect in
Suryapet.
Dr E Sivanagireddy, an archaeologist who visited the temple which is in shambles on Tuesday, said the temple consists of ‘garbhagriha’, ‘arthamandapa’, ‘mahamandapa’ and a ‘rangamandapa’ supported by 48 pillars.
It has a pillared cloister (pradakshinapatha), depitcing the Kakatiya and post Kakatiya temple architecture.
“Superstructure on the sanctum sanctorum is missing.
The entablature (eve slabs) all around, a span of the pillared mandap on the north-west corner and the wall on the rear side have collapsed due to lack of maintenance. Even the inside and surroundings of the heritage structure is littered with debris and spoiling its aesthetics,” he added.
He appealed to the department of heritage and the district administration to look into the matter, restore the past glory of the monument and preserve it for posterity.
The temple could be made presentable to tourists by clearing away debris and restore the dilapidated portion under the guidance of heritage conservation experts.