The temple, as the name enunciates, is decorated with one thousand pillars. This famous historic monument was built in 1163 A.D. by a Kakatiyan ruler, Rudradev and was named after him as Sri Rudreshwara Swamy Temple. The temple is built in unique "Trikootalaya" style of Kakatiyas, the presiding deity in the main "Sanctum Sanctorum" is Rudreshwar and the other two are dedicated to "Lord Surya" and "Lord Vishnu" the temple is on a satellite plan with the three shrines connected to a square Rung Mandap in the centre. A beautifully carved giant "Nandi" as in Lepakshi is seen on the platform connecting the shrines in the mandap. The exterior wall of the temple, the celling slabs and the four central pillars of the navarangal mandap are decorated with finely carved sculptures of the deities. The sculptures of Indra with Airavata craftsmanship of the Kakatiya Dynasty.
The Thousand Pillars Temple is located in Hanamkonda part of the Warangal City. It is about 6 kms away from, Warangal Railway Station & Bus Station 9 kms away from Kazipet Rly.Junction and is well connected by city bus service.
The Temple is being maintained by Archaeological Survey on India, who have adopted it as one of the protected monuments. The temple is in good condition and there are lawns around the temple. Drinking water facility is also available in the temple and a bore well with motor has recently been provided.
The Thousand Pillar Temple with its ruins lies near the Hanamkonda-Warangal Highway in Telangana State, about 150 kilometres (93 mi) from the city of Hyderabad.
The temple is star-shaped with several shrines and lingams. There are three shrines inside the temple called the Trikutalayam, dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya. The temple is surrounded by a big garden in which many small lingam shrines can be seen. There is a carving of a Nandi bull in the form of a highly polished black basalt monolith.
The Thousand Pillar Temple is constructed on a platform that is raised to a height of 1 metre (3.3 ft) from ground level. Rock-cut elephants and perforated screens in the temple are characteristic of the then prevailing dynasty. Many pilgrims visit. It is also a popular location for shooting films. The Kakatiya festival is held here.
The temple was renovated in 2004 by the Government of India. |
