In a remote village in Telangana's Mulugu district, archaeologists have unearthed a Kakatiya-dynasty temple that features an unprecedented hydraulic system. The temple’s courtyard contains a polished granite basin connected to a series of underground siphons. Historical records and site analysis suggest that the basin was designed to remain filled with water at a constant level, creating a 'floating' effect for a central lotus-shaped stone platform used during Maha Shivaratri celebrations.
The engineering of the water channels utilizes sand-box technology and pressure-regulating valves made of stone, showcasing the advanced hydraulic knowledge of the Kakatiya engineers. This discovery is distinct from other regional temples as it demonstrates how water was used not just for aesthetics or ablution, but as a dynamic, moving component of the temple's sacred architecture and ritual performance.