Śrī Ramakrishna Kongalla is an assistant professor of Indian Culture and Heritage at the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), Government of India (GOI), Gwalior. A member of the parliamentary committee of Arts for Central Vista, he is a photographer and photoshopper at heart, working for the Reclaim Temples movement.
His interests include photographing temples across India and digitally reconstructing the ruined temples to their original forms. His specialisation is Heritage Interpretation, and he has travelled extensively in Bhārata, training tour guides across the country. He is also one of the content writers for the IITFC online course by the Ministry of Tourism, GOI, along with serving as a mentor for the Ministry of Education Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) initiative under National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
He is active on social media and writes extensively on Temple Architecture and their Iconography with handles like lost_temples & @artist_rama.
This course will discuss the Śilpakalā on the temple walls, and study the techniques of identifying (despite their ransack/plunder during Islamic invasions) and interpreting the hidden message these past sculptures offer.
After the tremendous success of the first edition of Hindu Iconography by Śrī Ramakrishna Kongalla in 2023, we are delighted to bring to you the 2nd edition of Introduction to Hindu Iconography. This course will expound on the iconography on temple walls in detail and enable participants to glimpse into the cosmic symbolism of sanātana dharma.
Following the resounding success of two editions of Hindu Iconography by Śrī Ramakrishna Kongalla last 2 years, we bring the third edition of 'Introduction to Hindu Iconography 3.0'. Building on widespread interest and enthusiasm, this course will now be offered in two levels: a Beginner Edition Feb - Mar 2025 and an Advanced Level, tentatively scheduled for May 2025. The beginner level will introduce seekers to the major iconography on temple walls, and provide a glimpse into the cosmic symbolism of Sanātana Dharma. The advanced level will offer a deeper and a more comprehensive analysis of the philosophy, meaning, metaphors and symbolism of our deities, motifs and the creative expanse of our śilpakalā artists, their methods and worldviews.