1000 Pillars Temple Hanamakonda Telangana

Visiting the 1000 pillars temple Hanamkonda, a 1163 AD temple, was the main purpose of making the trip to Warangal from Hyderabad. Situated 157 km from Hyderabad in a small town of Hanumakonda, this temple is a major attraction for its unique construction. It was built by King Rudra Deva of Kakatiya dynasty. Hence another name of this temple is the Rudreshwara Swamy Temple.

Hanumakonda (now known by the name – Hanamkonda) was the older capital of the Kakatiya kings before they actually shifted the new capital to Warangal during the reign of Ganapati Deva.

The Thousand Pillar Temple of Warangal is built in the form of a star with one thousand ornately carved pillars, and reflects the splendour of the Chalukya kings and the architect was none other than King Rudra Deva in 1163 A.D.

Why the name 1000 Pillars Temple for Hanumakonda Temple?

The temple is indeed constructed with the support of 1000 pillars. Many of the pillars are connected together, forming a thick wall. They are made of granite and has intricate carvings on them.

3 Presiding Deities in Hanumakonda Temple

Normally temples in south of India are dedicated to one deity, but here there are 3 deities; Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Lord Surya (Sun God).

Another interesting fact is Lord Brahma who is one of the 3 supreme deity of Hindus is not worshiped here. Since Kakatiya dynasty are believers of Lord Surya they dedicated this temple to Him.

12th century temple near Warangal

Construction and Destruction of 1000 Pillars Temple

1000 pillar temple of Hanumakonda was built in the period between the years 1175–1324AD during the rule of King Rudra Deva.

It was partially destroyed by rulers of Tughlaq dynasty during 14th century. Observe carefully to see the broken leg of Nandi’s left leg. A portion of broken temple there had just the feet, rest of the statue broken.

1000 pillars temple hanumakonda

The temple is dedicated to the three Lords, Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. The shrines are around the ranga mandapa, a central hall, where probably dancers gave performances during festivals. Only the Shiva Linga exists and prayers are offered there, the other two deities are missing. There is a huge monolithic seated Nandi, the bull which Shiva rides, facing the main shrine.

1000 pillars Temple Dimensions

  • Measures 31×25 m, stands on platform at a height of 1 m from ground
  • As many as 2,560 sculptures were used for the mandapa which stands at a height of 9.5 m

Hanamkonda Temple

Highlights of the Temple

If you are not sure what to see in 1000 pillars temple of Hanamkonda, you can take this blog as a 1000 pillars temple guide. I have prepared the complete list of must see features of the temple that has made it so famous

  1. Pillars of the temple richly carved with sculptures and patterns
  2. Rectangular stepped Pushkarni
  3. Thorana Entrance in the east
  4. Pillared Mandapa at western wing
  5. Carved Elephants
  6. Inscription mentioning the construction done by King Rudra I of Kakatiya Dynasty
  7. Three shrines dedicated to Gods Shiva, Vishnu and Surya arranged around a central hall
  8. Massive Nandi (though damaged)
Nandi

Nandi

Location of 1000 Pillars Temple of Hanamkonda Telangana

1000 pillars temple lies near the Hanamkonda-Warangal Highway in Telangana State, about 150 km from Hyderabad city.

How to Reach 1000 Pillars Temple in Hanumakonda

By Air: The nearest airport is at Hyderabad , 157 km away.
By Rail: It is 6 km from Warangal railway station. Warangal is well connected by rail to important cities of India.
By Road: APSTRC and Private buses connect Warangal with Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Karimnagar, Khammam and some other districts
Self Drive or Taxi from bus stations and railway stations

Open Timings of Hanamkonda Temple

It is open 6 AM to 8 PM every day.

What is the dress code for 1000 pillars temple?

For men the dress code is Shirt, Trouser, Dhoti, Pyjamas with upper cloth. For women the preferred dress code is saree or half-saree with blouse or kurti with churidar or salwar and upper cloth.

What is the best time to visit the Rudreshwara Swamy Temple?

You can visit anytime through out the year.

What is the height of 1000 Pillar Temple?

As many as 2,560 sculptures were used for the mandapa which stands at a height of 9.5meters. The foundations go as deep as six meters in sand.

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