Thousand Pillar Temple

4.5

Location: 2H3F+FVQ, Hyderabad – Warangal Hwy, Raganna Darwaja, Rd, Brahmanawada, Hanamkonda, Telangana 506001, India.

Visiting Time: 1-2 hours.

Located in the town of Hanamkonda, Telangana State, India, the Thousand Pillar Temple or Rudreshwara Swamy Temple is a historic Hindu temple. To Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya, the temple is dedicated. To the tentative list of World Heritage sites recognized by UNESCO, Thousand Pillar Temple, along with Warangal Fort, Kakatiya Kala Thoranam, and Ramappa Temple were added. Into the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites Ramappa Temple was inscribed in July 2021.

Attraction

The Thousand Pillar Temple lies near the Hanamkonda-Warangal Highway with its ruins in Telangana State, at a distance of 150 kilometers from the city of Hyderabad. One of the fine and earliest available examples of Kakatiya art, architecture, and sculpture is Rudreshwar Temple locally known as Veyyi Stambala Gudi. By Rudra Deva, it was built and named after him as Sri Rudreshwara Swamy temple with the presiding deity as Rudreswara, in the style of later Chalukyan and early Kakatiya Architecture, in 1163 AD, star-shaped and triple shrined which is called Trikutalaya. With One thousand pillars, the temple is a fine specimen of architecture and sculpture.

History

Thousand Pillar Temple

Under the patronage of Ganapati Deva, Rudrama Devi, and Prataparudra, many Hindu temples were developed, which were of the Kakatiya dynasty. During the period between 1175–1244 CE, the Thousand Pillar Temple was believed to be constructed by the order of the king, Rudra Deva. It achieved major heights in terms of architectural skills by the ancient Kakatiya Vishwakarma Sthapathis and stands out to be a masterpiece. P. Venugopal is the executive officer of the subject temple. By the Tughlaq dynasty, it was desecrated, during their invasion of the Deccan. In this temple, only the Shiva shrine is worshiped, as the Vishnu and Surya shrines were devoid of idols that are missing.

Inside/Outside Views

Thousand Pillar Temple

The skill of Kakatiya sculptors is manifest in adroit craftsmanship and flawless ivory carving technique in their art, strengthening foundations like sandbox technique. An amazing temple with both inside and outside carvings and decorations.

Opening Hours

Friday 6 AM–8 PM

Saturday 6 AM–8 PM

Sunday 6 AM–8 PM

Monday 6 AM–8 PM

Tuesday 6 AM–8 PM

Wednesday 6 AM–8 PM

Thursday 6 AM–8 PM

Entry & Others Fees

No entry fee is needed .

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By Air: To other major cities of the country, Warangal is not well connected via regular flights. At a distance of 132 km, the nearest airport is Begumpet Airport located in Hyderabad. From the airport, you can hire a cab or rickshaw to reach your destination.

By rail: From other major cities of the country, you can easily get regular trains to Warangal. The nearest railway station is Warangal railway station.

By road: From the bus stand, regular services of state roadways and privately owned buses of the city are available. With important cities and states, roads are also well connected. To reach your desired destination, you can also hire rented cars or taxis.

Tips for Travellers

Don’t harm any structures there. Don’t make any kind of noise that may disturb other visitors.
As it is a religious place you must maintain your courtesy.
Don’t forget to leave your shoes outside the temple.
Keep silence inside the temple.
Respect the religious sentiments and rituals.
Wear decent dresses.