The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Hyderabad Circle, has commenced another phase of conservation works at the Kakatiya-era Thousand Pillar Temple in Hanumkonda, taking up restoration of the remaining southern portico, repair of damaged stone sculptures and landscaping of the temple complex at an estimated cost of ₹1 crore.
The works include reconstruction of the unfinished southern portico, restoration of damaged Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) sculptures and landscaping to improve the temple surroundings while retaining the site’s heritage character. ASI Superintending Archaeologist Nihil Das, Deputy Superintending Archaeological Engineer K. Krishna Chaitanya, heritage conservation expert and former NIT Warangal professor Pandu Ranga Rao, and a Sthapati from Chennai inspected the site and reviewed the proposed conservation plan.
The latest phase follows the completion of the restoration of the temple’s 12th-century Kalyana Mandapam earlier this year, bringing to a close one of the country’s longest heritage conservation projects. The pavilion, which had gradually subsided due to foundation failure, was dismantled stone by stone, with every architectural member documented before being reassembled using traditional Kakatiya construction techniques. Missing or damaged elements were replaced with matching stone only where necessary.
The ASI had also restored the temple’s iconic monolithic Nandi by reconstructing its damaged portions after detailed studies of Kakatiya sculptural traditions. The restored Kalyana Mandapam, supported by 132 intricately carved pillars, was reopened to the public in 2024 after years of meticulous conservation.
Built in 1163 CE by Kakatiya ruler Rudra Deva, the Thousand Pillar Temple, also known as the Rudreshwara Temple, is among Telangana’s finest examples of Kakatiya architecture and remains one of the State’s most important protected monuments and pilgrimage centres.
ASI begins final phase of conservation at Thousand Pillar Temple in Hanumkonda; southern portico restoration and landscaping underway.
When stone remembers its past, heritage rises again.
