Pilgrimage tourism in the Warangal district is an enriching experience as there are a number of ancient temples found here. The Bhadrakali temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, the giant mother Goddess, with fierce looking eyes and face. The main attraction of the temple is the stone image of the deity in human form, in sitting posture, wearing a crown and having eight hands holding various weapons. The deity which measures 2.7 meters in height and the width is believed to be worshipped by the historic ruler Pulakeshin-II of Chalukya Dynasty in the year 625 A.D. after his win over the "vengi" region of Andhra Desh. Later "Hari" a Minister of Kakatiyan Ruler Ganapathi Dev, constructed the approach road and huge tank near the temple. The temple is located in the City of Warangal. It is about 5 Kms away from the Warangal Railway Station and Bus Station and is well connected by city bus service. Ghanpur Group of Temples Ghanpur group of temples, comprising of 22 temples constructed within a double walled stone enclosure contains a veritable museum of Kakatiya art and architecture. Among the group of temples, the main temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, is most attractive. The main attraction is of the Sabhamandapa porches. Apart from these, mythical figure brackets such as Gaja-Kesari, Half human-Lion form riding on elephant, Horse-head Lion back on elephant are also arranged under the eves in eastern and southern side porticos. To the North of the main temple is another Shiva temple which is an exact replica of the main temple. To the south of the main temple is a pillared mandap. Moreover nineteen subsidiary shrines consisting of garbhgriha and antarala are placed around the temple. Though not exactly known, it is presumed that these temples were built sometime during the time of Ganpathidev Maharaj in early 13 the Century A.D. Thousand Pillar Temple The Thousand Pillar Temple, as the name enunciates, is decorated with one thousand pillars. This famous historic monument was built in 1163 A.D. by a Kakatiyan ruler, Rudradev and was named after him as Sri Rudreshwara Swamy Temple. The temple is built in unique "Trikootalaya" style of Kakatiyas, the presiding deity in the main Sanctum Sanctorum is Rudreshwar and the other two are dedicated to Lord Surya and Lord Vishnu. A beautifully carved giant Nandi as in Lepakshi is seen on the platform. Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Devasthanam Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Devasthanam is a temple dedicated to Lord Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy, along with Kethamma and Medalamma on either side. The Mallikarjuna temple is located in a cave on a small hillock at a distance of 110 Kms from Warangal. Lakhs of pilgrims congregate on the eve of Makara Sankranthi as Brahmotsavam starts and the pedda patnam celebrated on Mahashivratri. The clay moulded deity of Lord Mallikarjuna swamy is believed to be made 500 years ago. Sri Sammakka Saralamma Yatra Sri Sammakka Saralamma Jatra is famous tribal Jatra in the midst of dense forest. Lakhs of pilgrims pour into this spot biennially to have the blessings of mother Goddesses Sri Sammakka and Saralamma who have attained 'Martydom' at this sacred place in the battle held with the forces of Kakatiyas ruler Prathaparudra. Since then the Jathra is being celebrated biennially. The Government of Andhra Pradesh declared this holy jathra as State Festival. Sri Veera Bhadra Swamy Devasthanam Temple Sri Veera Bhadra Swamy Devasthanam Temple is believed to be constructed by the famous ruler 'Bheema Raju' of Vengi Chalukya Dynasty and renovated by the Kakatiya ruler 'Betharaju-I. The presiding deity is Lord Veerabhadra swamy, a fierce looking deity with three eyes and ten hands. The annual jathra and Brahmotsavam will be celebrated during the Mahashivarathri Festival. Sri Swayambhu Temple The Sri Swayambhu Temple is a historic temple in fort Warangal in which Lord Swayambhu was worshipped by the famous Kakatiya Ruler 'Prataparudra' every day during his life time. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva called swayambhu. The temple is adjacent to the ruins of Kakatiya Capital at Fort Warangal. There is a constant flow of pilgrims, tourists during all seasons from all over India and abroad to witness the ruins of Kakatiya Dynasty. Ramappa Temple Ramappa temple was built in the year 1213 AD by Recherla Rudraiah. The aesthetic sense which scaled innumerable heights in Kakatiya sculpture is clearly evident in these twelve postures of the deva narthakis. The temple stands for the highest levels of Kakatiyan sculpture. This historical temple attracts tourist from India and abroad as it is known for its architectural and sculptural beauty. Sri Someswara Laxminasasimha Swamy Temple Located at a distance of 50 kms from Warangal is the Sri Someswara Laxminasasimha Swamy Temple. It is a historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu who are said to have incarnated in two adjacent caves on the hillock. A dilapidated Surya temple and Koneru can also be seen here. The temple is a famous pilgrimage site, particularly for the followers of the Veera Saiva sect of Hinduism. Sri Ramachandra Swamy Temple Sri Ramachandra Swamy temple is an ancient located at a distance of 10 kms from Jangoan. It is believed that Lord Rama visited this temple on his way to Lanka. "Jeedigundam" and "Palagundam" are the two pushkarinis for the holy dip of the pilgrims. |