Siddarameshwara Temple in Bhiknoor is an ancient Shiva temple in Kamareddy district, Telangana. It is known across the region for one unusual feature, the Shiva lingam here faces south instead of the usual north. This makes it one of the rare Shiva temples of its kind in South India.

History and Legend

The temple is believed to date back to the 15th century. According to local legend, two saints named Siddagiri and Ramagiri were meditating in this area when they noticed a cow releasing milk at the same spot every day. Curious about this, they kept watch and found nothing unusual on the surface.

Shiva then appeared to them in a dream. He told them the cow was pouring milk over a lingam buried under the earth at that spot, and asked them to build a temple there.

The saints did as he asked. Shiva was pleased with their devotion and told them their names would be linked with his forever. This is why the temple carries a combined name drawn from Siddagiri and Ramagiri.

The Reverse Shiva Lingam

The main deity is worshipped as a swayambhu lingam, meaning it is believed to have appeared on its own rather than being installed. What sets it apart is its direction, it faces south, while most Shiva lingams in temples face north or east. Devotees associate this southward orientation with Shiva’s form as a teacher and ascetic, known as Dakshinamurthy.

This reverse positioning is the main reason the temple draws visitors from across Telangana.

Temple Architecture

The temple follows Dravidian style architecture. It has a seven-tier Rajagopuram, the tower structure at the entrance, topped with seven kalasas (pot-shaped finials). Inside, there is a mukhamandapa, a pillared hall leading to the sanctum, with carved pillars.

A large bell hangs in the temple and is one of the things visitors notice first. There is also a well near the temple that is said to have water throughout the year.

Festivals Celebrated

• Maha Shivaratri: The temple’s most important festival, drawing large crowds of devotees.
• Brahmotsavam: An annual celebration observed with rituals and processions at the temple.

At a distance of 90 km from Secunderabad, 15 km from Kamareddy, 10 km from Ramayampet Sri Sidha Rameshwara Swamy temple (Siddirameshwara Temple) is located in Bhiknoor village, the temple is very near to NH-44 (Previously NH-7) and easily accessible.

By road: The temple is about 20 km from Kamareddy bus stand, and around 90 km from Hyderabad along National Highway 44.

By rail: Bhiknoor Railway Station is the closest, about 5 km away. Passenger trains run between Secunderabad and Bhiknoor, and between Nizamabad and Bhiknoor via Kamareddy.

By air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad is the nearest airport, about 148–150 km away.

Best Time to Visit

The recommended months to visit are September to February, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for travel and darshan. Summers in the region can get very hot, with daytime temperatures crossing 40°C between April and May, sometimes till mid of the June.