Neglected Jain shrine at Palampet awaits ASI care

Heritage experts have called upon the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to take steps for the protection of an ancient Jain shrine located near the historic Ramappa (Rudreswara) Temple at Palampet in Venkatapur mandal of Mulugu district. The shrine, which lies close to the UNESCO World Heritage site, is presently surrounded by thick vegetation and remains without proper conservation despite its historical importance.

The appeal was made by noted archaeologist and heritage conservationist Dr. E. Sivanagi Reddy, Chief Executive Officer of Pleach India Foundation, and Arvind Arya, Secretary of the Warangal-based Team of Research on Culture and Heritage (TORCH). The two heritage enthusiasts visited the site recently and expressed concern over the neglected condition of the shrine.

Dr. Sivanagi Reddy said the monument is an important example of the architectural and religious diversity that flourished during the Kakatiya period. “The presence of a Jain shrine in the vicinity of the Ramappa temple reflects the spirit of religious harmony that existed during the Kakatiya era. Such monuments deserve proper protection and conservation,” he said.

According to the heritage experts, the shrine consists of a garbhagriha and an arthamandapa and is crowned with a stepped pyramidal Kadamba Nagara style sikara with a sukanasa projecting from the front. Though small in size, the structure stands on a simple adhisthana and displays plain exterior walls with perforated stone jalis at the entrance. The lintel is decorated with a row of miniature sikharas carved in the typical Kakatiya style of the 13th century CE.

Inside the sanctum, a pedestal adorned with lion sculptures can be seen. The lion motif represents the lanchana or symbol of Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, indicating that the shrine was originally dedicated to Mahavira. However, the idol that once occupied the sanctum is no longer present.

Dr. Sivanagi Reddy and Arvind Arya appreciated the efforts of the ASI Hyderabad Circle in protecting two other temples at Palampet and urged the authorities to include the Jain shrine in the list of protected monuments so that proper conservation and maintenance can be ensured.