Thousand Pillar Temple Warangal Overview
Kakathiya king Rudra Deva built the temple in 12th century which is located at the base of Hanamkonda hill and it’s the most popular visiting place in Warangal.
The other name of the temple is Rudreshwara Swamy temple as it is built by King Rudra Deva which is commited to Lord Shiva.
At the moment, the temple is under maintenance of Archaeological Survey of India and was declared as protected monument.
History of Thousand Pillar Temple Warangal
The temple is treated as the wonder of vishwakarma sthapathis during the rule of King Rudra deva in 1163 AD built in an architectural style of Chalukyan temples.
Thousand Pillar Temple Architecture
Beautifully carved elephant sculptures are on either side of the door as you enter the temple, welcoming you. The temple’s external walls and ceilings also have captivating carvings.
These black stone temple pillars include elaborately carved geometric three-quarter reliefs that are so narrow that just the tiniest hairbreadth can fit between the holes of the finely carved stone bracelet.
The temple was built with the special method called sandbox technique.
Large pit that is filled with sand and supported by enormous rock beams has been extracted for securing the foundation.
After raising the enormous columns on this rock platform, the primary structure was created.
Which makes this technique eternal and the excellent workmanship and perfect ivory carving method used in their works of art also demonstrate the talent of Kakatiya sculptors.
The temples built by the kakathiya’s are the best examples of Architecture, Sulptural and structural innovation which displays a creative masterpiece.
They serve as a unique illustration of how throughout many years of Indian art history, evolved cultural qualities have continued to alter due to the blending of different cultural values.
Even though the two priceless Panchaloha (five metal alloys) statues of Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya have been lost, the Trikutalaya temple’s architectural splendour still persists and attracts people to it.
1000 complex carved pillars that support this beautiful temple completely beautify it.
All of the pillars are designed such that they do not block the view of the shrine and the magnificent carvings and rock-cut elephants are particularly worth observing.
Important Shrines of The Temple
The three main shrines of the deities Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya are there in the temple known as Trikutalayam, as the kakatiya’s worshipped Lord Surya but not Lord Bramha.
A square-shaped mandapam connects the temple of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Surya to the main Shiva shrine.
South facing temple
This temple faces south, unlike other temples that face east, because the Kakathiyas, the worshippers of Lord Shiva, wanted the first rays of the sun to fall directly on the Shiva Lingam.
So the shrine of Lord shiva faces east and Lord Vishnu, Lord Surya face south and west.
Nandi
Huge shape of Nandi around 6 feet, sacred bull of lord shiva which is on 4th side of the temple.
Carved out of single rock is the another attraction of the temple and it gives us the glimpse of lovely art of earlier times.
Generally, the statue of Nandi faces West but in this temple it is facing in east direction.
Star shape Archirecture
The temple’s structure is in star shape, supported by complex carved pillars, and the walls stunning sculptures further enhance their beauty.
Surrounded by Lingam
The well-maintained scenery that surrounds the 1000 Pillar Temple enhances its glory with many lingams in the garden.
Tughlaq Dynasty destroyed the temple
The 1000-pillar temple was severely damaged during the attack of the Tughlaq dynasty.
Festivals celebrated in the Temple
The most well-known festivals observed at this temple are Maha Shivratri, Karthika Pournami, Nagula Chaviti, Kunkuma Puja, Ugadi, Ganesha Festival.
In addition, the Bathukamma Festival, the Bonalu Festival, and the Saralamma Yatra, also known as Samakka, are celebrated here every two years.
How to Reach Warangal Thousand Pillar Temple
One can reach the temple by bus which is 150 km away from Hyderabad.
Buses are available from all the major towns of Telangana to Hanamkonda.
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