Devunigutta Temple, Kothur

Greaves writes that the explorer Aravind Pakide found the site in 2012 while searching for unrecorded historic sites and reported it to local newspapers and the ASI. Wikipedia likewise dates the first record to 2012. Wider attention followed social media photographs in 2017, and in August 2017 an official of the Telangana archaeology department visited and recommended conservation.

Wessels-Mevissen visited in 2018, Greaves published an account in 2019, and Hardy and Wessels-Mevissen published a paper in Berlin Indological Studies (24, 2019). Wikipedia attributes construction probably to the Vakataka dynasty in about the 6th century; Greaves suggests a possible link with the Vishnukundin kings. Dating and patronage are therefore still debated.

Wikipedia reports that local volunteers cleared vegetation but that much had regrown by 2020, and that the ASI was reported in late 2019 to be ready to restore the temple pending local permission. Greaves describes the structure as in imminent danger of collapse.

Architecture and sacred features

Wikipedia describes a square sanctuary, about 6 m across inside and about 7 m high, under a tower of four tiers marked by relief-covered string courses and a low corbelled dome, with the original crowning element missing. A low wall around an entrance court is probably not original.

The temple is made of closely fitted sandstone blocks, with traces of mortar and reddish stucco that may once have been painted. Greaves notes that the reliefs were carved after the blocks were set in place. The sanctuary has no ceiling, so visitors can look up into the corbelled tower.

Reliefs cover almost every surface. Wikipedia reports Balarama defeating the asura Pralambasura on the north exterior wall, Ardhanarishvara with Ganesha and Nandi on the east wall, a Lakulisha group with disciples on the west wall, plus couples and small battle scenes.