Neglected 900-Year-Old Temples and Sculptures Plead for Preservation at Polepalli Village
Dr. E. Sivanagireddy, archaeologist and CEO of Pleach India Foundation, discovered the alarming state of neglect of 900-year-old Chalukyan temples and sculptures during a survey and sensitization program named ‘Preserve Heritage for Posterity’ in Polepalli village, Jadcharla mandal, Mahaboobnagar district.
Four notable temples were identified – a Siva temple with a substantial Sivalinga and a beautiful Nandi, a Chennakesava temple (main idol missing), a collapsed Veerabhadra temple with an awaiting life-sized sculpture, and a triple shrine dedicated to Rudreswara, Kesavadeva, and Adityadeva on the village outskirts, dating back to July 18, 1099 CE.
Dr. Reddy observed the temples covered in vegetation, hindering the view of their exquisite architecture, and noted broken idols of Chennakesava Saptamatrika, Ganesa, Kartikeya, Hero stones, and Sivalingas, all vulnerable to vandalism. The neglect has allowed vegetation to thrive, further obscuring the historical gems.
During the sensitization program, Dr. Sivanagireddy enlightened villagers about the historical significance of the sculptures, inscriptions (some broken), and temples, representing the Kalyani Chalukyan and Kakatiya art and architecture. He urged the community to unite in preserving these cultural treasures for future generations. B. Venkata Reddy, Panay, and retired VRO, Bichchannagowd, actively participated in the program.
