Visiting Shivalaya at Shanigaram, district Warangal Telengana...............by K J S Chatrath

Continuing my self propelled endeavour to visit & photograph some lesser known broken/dilapidated heritage Hindu temples across India, I visited the Shivalaya at Shanigram , district Warangal in Telengana on 6th August 2026. 

The Shivalaya at Shanigaram is a little-known surviving remnant of the Kakatiya architectural tradition of medieval Telangana. Situated on the outskirts of Shanigaram village in Nallabelli mandal, the temple is understood to be around 700 years old. Recent heritage investigations have associated its architectural character particularly with the period of Kakatiya ruler Ganapatideva (r. c. 1199–1262 CE).

The temple follows a traditional Shaiva plan, comprising a garbhagriha (sanctum), ardha-mandapa and a 16-pillared mahamandapa, raised on an elevated stone base. Ornamental doorframes, mouldings and carved stone members display features characteristic of Kakatiya-period temple craftsmanship.

The site appears to have suffered prolonged neglect. Collapsed doorways, fallen roof slabs, displaced pillars and damage to the staircase have compromised the structural integrity of the monument. Dense vegetation has further obscured portions of the remains.

It is crying for care. Should we build more temples or give a fresh lease of life to old heritage temples built by our ancestors which need repair and restoration? 

My self-propelled endeavour to visit & photograph some lesser known broken/dilapidated heritage Hindu temples across India........by K J S Chatrath

 I made a trip to Warangal and some adjoining districts last week on my self-propelled endeavour to visit & photograph some lesser known old half broken/dilapidated heritage Hindu temples across India........

 

Chatrath's Photo Album: A look at awesome Ajmer................by K J S Chatrath

 

                 All photos by K.J.S.Chatrath. Photos of the holy Ajmer Sharif Dargah would follow. 

Visiting lesser known heritage Hindu temples in half broken condition.................K J S Chatrath

 Chatrath's Photo Album.... 

 Visiting lesser known heritage Hindu temples in half broken condition crying for care, I visited the Menal Group of temples (11th-12th CE) in Rajasthan a few months ago. Here are a photos to give you an idea of what I saw.

Sun Temple at Jhalarpatan, district Jhalwar, Rajasthan..........................by K J S Chatrath

 

How colourful is my India!.......................says K J S Chatrath after visiting Pushkar in Rajasthan

 I visited Pushkar a few years back as a part of a conducted tour. Pushkar is a small holy town in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan, India, known for its sacred lake and many temples. It sits on the edge of the Thar Desert and is especially famous for the Brahma Temple, one of the few major temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world. The town’s ghats around Pushkar Lake are used for daily rituals and pilgrimages, attracting devotees throughout the year.

Pushkar is also popular for its lively annual Camel Fair, which draws tourists, traders, and performers with camel races, cultural shows, and local crafts. Narrow winding streets, colorful bazaars selling textiles and handicrafts, and a relaxed, spiritual atmosphere make Pushkar a unique blend of religious significance and rural Rajasthani culture.

Here are a few photos that I took:  

 

 

 

 

                             

                                 Indian Thali vegetarian meal in a restaurant in Pushkar, Rajasthan. 

All photos by K.J.S.Chatrath