An ancient temple’s transition over years of neglect

News: Kakati Devi temple has been converted into an abode of local Goddess ‘Balusulamma’ (Goddess Durga).

Facts:

• The temple was built by emperor Ganapati Deva, ruler of Kakatiya dynasty in 13^th Century. Ganapati Deva is the first king who introduced the worship of Kakati Devi into the coastal region of Andhra and outside the dominions of his kingdom.
• The temple is located in Dharanikota near present Andhra Pradesh capital Amaravathi.
• Features of Kakati Devi idol: Seated in Padmasanam with eight hands and possesses eight different special attributes never found in the contemporary shrines of the Kakatiya period.

Additional Information:

Kakatiya dynasty: Kakatiya dynasty (1163–1323) was a South Indian dynasty whose capital was Orugallu (Warangal). The Kakatiya rulers traced their ancestry to a legendary chief named Durjaya.