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Here’s why AP temples’ architecture is extremely diverse in nature 

Andhra Pradesh is an illustration of the diverse styles of temple building in the Indian subcontinent. The Chalukyan, Dravidian, Nagara and the Orissa idiom are seen in the construction of temples in this southern state. Tirupati is the best known of the temples of Andhra Pradesh, attracting millions of pilgrims throughout the year.

The oldest temples in the State, Tirupati Venkateswara Temple and the Kalahasteeswara Temple, dating back to the pre-Christian times. Different periods of rule by different kingdoms brought in numerous styles, traditions and thereby, temples to Andhra Pradesh. 

The Satavahanas of the 1st century CE left behind many works of art, the remains of which are seen at Amaravati near Guntur. Meanwhile, The Ikshvakus succeeded the Satavahanas and the monuments left behind by them were discovered at excavations at Nagarjunakonda.Some of the best known Buddhist monuments of Andhra Pradesh such as the Mahastupa and some Hindu temples were found in these excavations.

Later, the Chalukyas of Badami (Karnataka) of about the 6th century built the Alampur Bhrama temples.These are excellent examples of Chalukyan art and sculpture. The Vengi Chalukyas ruled coastal Andhra Pradesh from the 7th to the 11th centuries.

The Badami Chalukyas of Deccan were succeeded by the Rashtrakutas and the later Chalukyas. The Kakatiyas who succeeded the later Chalukyas and ruled from Warangal (11th – 14th century CE) constructed several beautiful temples that show a profuse display of sculptural work.

The North Eastern region of Andhra Pradesh was under the rule of the Ganga Kings of Orissa and the temples of this region show influences of the Orissa style of architecture (as in Mukhalingam and Simhachalam).

The Vijayanagar Empire caused a number of monuments to be built and patronized in the State. Mention must be made of the Sree Sailam temple and the ornate Lepakshi temples. The flat stuccoed granite ceilings of the Vijayanagar Empire provided a suitable background for frescoes as seen at Lepakshi.

Thus, the temples that line the length and breadth of the State stand in silent acknowledgement of centuries of history and the patronage of various kingdoms such as the Cholas and Pallavas of Tamilnadu, the Chalukyas of Deccan , the Eastern Gangas and the Vijayanagar Kings. 

ome of these temples have been visited and sung by the Alwar (Vaishnavite) (Tirupati and Ahobilam) and the Nayanmar (Saivite) Saints   (Sree Sailam, Sree Kalahasti) of Tamilnadu.

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Tejaswini Pagadala

Communications Consultant: TEJASWINI PAGADALA is an independent communications consultant. She has previously worked with the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office as the Communications Officer where she has written English speeches for the CM, managed English media communication from the CMO and handled social media accounts of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and the Government.
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