Telangana's second largest city, Warangal, has a storied past with its ancient temples and stunning monuments. With its rich history and trove of historical structures, Warangal and its nearby attractions are an ideal travel destination for art lovers and design enthusiasts. One such historical gem near the city is the Thousand Pillar Temple.
This temple is located at the base of the Hanamkonda hill near Warangal in Telangana. The Thousand Pillars Temple is a fine specimen of Kakatiya architecture built in the 12th century by Kakatiya ruler Rudradeva in 1163 AD. The temple is made using dolomitic rock and black granite and took 72 years to complete, with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) spending INR 9.90 crore on the restoration.
The Thousand Pillars Temple is a historical structure with beautiful architecture and one of the most popular tourist attractions when people visit Warangal. The temple was built in 1163 and comprises a thousand pillars, hence the name. It is perched on Hanamkonda Hill, which is nearly 400 m from the Hanamkonda crossroads.
This temple is primarily dedicated to three significant deities worshipped by Hindus: Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya. The Thousand Pillars Temple, also known as Sri Rudreshwara Swamy Temple, has three shrines dedicated to each deity.
In terms of design, the temple is star-shaped, and the pillars are intricately carved with fine details. The Thousand Pillars Temple is a classic example of Chalukyan architecture, and what enhances its appeal is the serene greenery that surrounds the temple. There are carved doorways and ceilings full of inscriptions, while the pillars of the temple are made of black stone. The stone pillars are carved in detailed geometric patterns and are in perfect symmetry.
The foundation of the temple and the Kalyana Mandapam was laid using sandbox technology with granular piles to strengthen the base. This technique employs digging a deep pit, which is then filled with sand and covered with rock beams. The pillars have been raised on this platform of huge rocks, after which the main structure was made. The impeccable ivory carving technique used in the temple's architecture hints at the high quality of work and the skills of the Kakatiya sculptors.
A columned mandapa, or a hall with a porch, leads to the three shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. Another big draw of this temple is a huge Nandi sculpture carved from a single rock. The sharply cut columns of the mandapam and its multifaceted shafts lead to a view of the Nandi sculpture placed in front of the temple. Additionally, there are also rock-cut elephants and stunning engravings in the temple.
There are seven layers of Pradakshanapada, a platform for devotees to go around the temple. There are also five layers of a kind of porch, which is known as Kakshasana, and these were all built to bring the structure to the floor level. The mandapam stands 9.5 metres tall, and the foundation goes six metres deep in the sand, with some 2,560 sculptures adorning the area.
Restoration work for the temple had been underway for a while now. The Kalyana Mandapam, which had 132 pillars, was dismantled in 2006 due to its weakening state. The exterior walls, with the moulded basements and wall niches, lost their sculptures, and the three shrines have lost their superstructures.
The work to restore the structure could not go ahead since there was a shortage of funds from the ASI. However, restoration work resumed in November 2021 after fifteen years of delay. The Thousand Pillar Temple is currently under the maintenance of the ASI.
Places To Stay
For those seeking luxury, The Gateway Hotel Hanamkonda by Taj offers a high-end experience with comfortable rooms and excellent amenities. Mid-range choices like Suprabha Hotel and Hotel Ashoka provide decent accommodations, often with convenient locations in Hanamkonda and Warangal. Budget-conscious travellers can consider Hotel Shreya or Hotel Viceroy, both of which offer affordability without compromising comfort. If you plan to explore nearby attractions like Laknavaram Lake, Haritha Hotel Laknavaram is a great option, providing a nature-centric experience. Also, homestays and guesthouses are available for a more local and budget-friendly stay.
Places To Visit Nearby
Warangal Fort: This historical fort is a must-visit, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history with impressive architecture and ruins.
Bhadrakali Temple: Explore the beautiful temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, known for its architectural beauty and religious significance.
Kakatiya Musical Garden: Enjoy the musical fountain shows and a relaxing atmosphere in this garden in Warangal.
Pakhal Lake: Head about 50 kilometres from Warangal to experience the scenic beauty of Pakhal Lake, perfect for picnics, boating, and nature enthusiasts.
Ramappa Temple: Though a bit farther away (about 75 kilometres), the Ramappa Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an architectural marvel well worth the visit.
Address: Warangal Hwy, Brahmanawada, Hanamkonda, Telangana, 506011.
Hours: Open all days of the week from 6 am to 8 pm.
Best time to visit: You can visit the temple all year round, although the weather is more pleasant for exploring in winter.
Getting there: Hyderabad is 150 km from Hanumakonda and has the nearest airport. Kazipet Junction is the nearest railhead, 10 km away, and alternatively, you can also take a bus to and from Hanumakonda.
