About Thousand Pillar Temple

Introduction:

The Thousand Pillar Temple, one of the oldest temples in South India, is located in Hanamakonda, Telangana. This temple exemplifies the architectural brilliance of the ancient artisans. The Thousand Pillar Temple, also known as the Sri Rudreshwara Swamy Temple, is dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Surya (Sun God). 

History:

Constructed in 1163 AD by the revered Kakatiya ruler, Rudra Deva, the temple features a thousand pillars. The construction spanned approximately 72 years. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Surya, this architectural marvel was unfortunately damaged during Mughal invasions.

Architecture:

Designed in a star-shaped configuration, the temple houses three major shrines collectively known as "Trikutalayam." Visitors can view deities from any point within the temple. At the entrance of the Lord Shiva shrine, a prominently carved giant bull, Nandi, is displayed. Additionally, numerous rock-cut monuments enhance the temple's allure.

Temple Timings:

Devotees can visit the temple daily from 5 AM to 9 PM to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Surya.

Other Deities:

Other significant deities housed in the temple include:

• Lord Indra, the god of lightning, storms, and thunder
• Lord Narasimha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu with the body of a human and the face of a lion
• Garuda, featuring the body of a human and the face of an eagle

Festivals:

The temple celebrates various festivals, including:

• Maha Shivaratri
• Kunkuma Puja
• Kartika Pournami
• Bonalu Festival
• Nagula Chaturthi

How to Reach the Thousand Pillar Temple

The temple is situated 8 km from Warangal in Hanamakonda.

• By Road: Well-connected roads make the 6.1 km journey from Warangal to Hanamakonda straightforward.
• By Train: The nearest train station is in Warangal, just 4 km away.
• By Flight: The closest airport is in Hyderabad, approximately two hours by flight from Hanamakonda.