An ancient historic Gollala Gudi Temple in the village of Palampet in Mulugu district of Telangana state has been designated as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The Kakatiya era temple is located near the World Heritage site of Kakatiya Rudreshwara Temple, which is also popular as the Ramappa Temple. With the notification issued in the Gazette of India dated 31st August 2026, the lesser known heritage site will come under more stringent protection and conservation measures that can preserve its unique architecture and improve accessibility.
ASI Designates National Importance
ASI has designated the Gollala Gudi temple as a monument of national importance by a notification issued in the Gazette S.O. 4802(E).
The temple is located to the south-west of the UNESCO heritage listed Ramappa Temple.
The significance of the declaration lies in the fact that national monuments carry higher status regarding preservation and conservation.
Why is Gollala Gudi Special?
Gollala Gudi is a Trikutalaya, which is a temple that has three sanctums. The mandapa of this temple, which is facing east, is attached to three garbhagrihas.
A Shiva Linga is there in the central sanctum, while the external parts of this temple have elaborate workmanship of the Kakatiya style.
Its parapet has sculptures, whereas the entablature as well as the doorways have rows of hamsa carvings along with jali. Some of the architectural features of this temple include the above-mentioned elements.
Statues and Architectural Features of Gollala Gudi
There are two detached shrines in front of this temple. They are decorated with sculptures of dvarapalas, antechambers, cornices and screens.
Also, there are some niches on the walls of the temple which have sculptures of Hindu gods like Vishnu, Lakshmi, Ganesha and Mahishasuramardini, an incarnation of Goddess Durga.
This temple is raised on a high plinth which has animal figures and floral designs on it.
Conservation Projects for Gollala Gudi
The ASI intends to perform conservation work on Gollala Gudi. Some of the projects proposed include roof repairs, ground leveling, and floor restoration.
In addition, the projects aim at making the heritage site accessible to visitors.
Gollala Gudi and the Kakatiya Heritage
The temple is a part of the Kakatiya period where the Telugu-speaking Kakatiya dynasty ruled the eastern Deccan region from the 12th century until the 14th century.
Architectural works of the Kakatiya dynasty are especially evident in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states.
The neighboring Ramappa Temple built in the Kakatiya period received the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.
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