Khilla Ramalayam - Dichpally

          The Dichpally Ramalayam is located in the Nizamabad District and is dedicated to Lord Rama. The road to Nizamabad is a 4 lane drive making the 174 kms of journey pleasant.  

As one walks toward the temple a huge gateway or Torana greets visitors. The torana is representative of the Kakaitya architecture with its intricate carvings of mythical creatures, inverted lotuses and a giant yazhi in the center of the archway. 
















The archway like much of the temple is carved in black basalt. The temple is situated on a small hillock and there are steps to reach the temple which towers majestically.  A board at the entrance mentions that this is a protected monument.

The temple is said to have been built in the 14th century by the Kakatiya rulers and is also called the Indur Khajuraho because of the similarity in the carvings found at the temple. As you walk up the steps fortification is visible making one wonder if this is the reason for the temple to be called Khilla Ramalayam.

The temple is constructed out of white and black basalt and is beautifully carved. Every surface of the temple is carved with intricate sculptures of dancing women, mythical creatures, and goddesses. One can see erotic sculptures all around the temple bringing the realisation that the temporal world exists along with the spiritual.








The temple faces a large water body with a small mandapa in the middle. We were told that the temple tank fills with water after the monsoon. 

A thought that struck us was that the mandapa was in a state of disrepair and could do with maintenance. The temple is well maintained and Rama Navami is the most important festival that attracts visitors from neighbouring villages and towns. 

The idol in the temple was not installed until 1940 making one wonder why the temple was left incomplete.  According to locals the temple is connected through a tunnel to the Raghunadha Temple located in Nizamabad in what was once the jail which now houses the idol of Lord Rama and Seeta.

Take time to visit the majestic temple atop the hillock. What gets the attention is that the temple premises are well maintained and there are two watch towers where one can climb to get a view of the adjoining areas.  






The temple closes around mid-day and opens again at 4 in the evening. Time your visit to have a darshan of the Lord while soaking in the vibrant architecture of the temple. A treasure in Nizamabad is waiting for more footfalls of visitors who can admire the cultural heritage of a bygone era.