ASI Declares Historic Gollala Gudi in Mulugu a Monument of National Importance

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has notified Gollala Gudi, a historic Kakatiya-era temple located in Palampet village of Mulugu district, as a monument of national importance.

The designation strengthens formal heritage protection for the historic site, which is situated on the south-west side of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple.

Architecturally, Gollala Gudi is constructed as a 'Trikutalaya'. It consists of an east-facing mandapa surrounded by three 'garbhagrihas' (sanctum sanctorums). The temple's parapet is adorned with sculptures, while its entablature and doorways feature rows of carved hamsas with jali work, representing key architectural highlights of the structure.

The layout of the main temple includes a front portico leading to the central main hall, which connects to three shrines with anti-chambers positioned towards the north, south, and west. The walls contain various niches housing sculpted images of deities including Vishnu, Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Mahishasurmardini. The entire temple structure stands upon a high plinth decorated with animal figures and floral designs.

The complex also features two detached shrines situated directly in front of the main temple. These detached shrines are carved and adorned with figures of 'dvarapalas' (door guardians), accompanied by anti-chambers decorated with fine cornices and screens.

The official declaration was issued through ASI notification No. S.O. 4802(E) and published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (ii), according to an official press release.