- Built
- 1163
- Built by
- Kakatiya king Rudra Deva
- Deities
- Shiva, Vishnu and Surya
- Timings
- 5 am to 9 pm
- Best time
- October to February
- Nearest railway station
- Warangal
History
Rudra Deva, one of the early Kakatiya rulers, built the temple in the 12th century when Hanamkonda was an important centre of the kingdom. The temple suffered damage during invasions from the north in the early 14th century, and parts of it, especially the pillared hall, have undergone long restoration work.
What to see
The temple is a trikutalayam, with three shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Surya, arranged around a central hall on a star-shaped platform. The many pillars, which give the temple its name, are carved in fine detail. In front of the Shiva shrine sits a large Nandi carved from a single block of black stone. Also look for images of Narasimha, Garuda and Indra. The surrounding gardens are pleasant for a short walk, and the site is compact enough to see properly in about an hour.
Festivals
The temple is busiest during:
- Maha Shivaratri
- Karthika Pournami
- Bonalu
- Nagula Chaturthi
- Kumkuma puja
Timings and tips
Visiting hours are 5 am–9 pm every day. Mornings are cooler and better for photographs of the carving. Remove footwear before entering, and dress modestly. October to February is the most comfortable time to visit.
How to reach
The temple is in Hanamkonda, about 6–8 km from Warangal town. Warangal railway station, on the main Delhi–Chennai line, is the nearest railhead, and autos and buses connect it to the temple. Hyderabad's airport is the nearest, a road journey of a few hours. We can plan a Kakatiya heritage day covering this temple, Warangal Fort and Ramappa.
Also nearby
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