Keesaragutta: Vishnukundin Capital

Keesaragutta is associated in Telangana heritage literature with the Vishnukundin political and cultural landscape. The hill was enclosed by substantial fortification walls, and archaeological work has documented brick structures, ritual structures, rock-cut cisterns and Shiva Lingas. The exact identification of Keesaragutta as the residence of particular Vishnukundin rulers is less certain and should not be treated as established for individual kings.

An early Telugu label inscription, commonly rendered as "Toluchuvanru" or "Thulachuvanru", occurs on a rock-cut cave at Keesaragutta. Paleographically it is generally assigned to approximately the 4th–5th century CE. The expression is generally interpreted in connection with carvers, making the inscription an important early example of Telugu linguistic material in the Telangana region.

On 18 October 2014, twelve Panchaloha Jain Tirthankara bronzes were discovered during conservation work while pathways were being laid near the temple steps, at a depth of approximately one foot. Their iconography was assessed as dating them to the 4th–5th century CE. The discovery provides important evidence for Jain presence at Keesaragutta during the early historic/Vishnukundin period.

Archaeological exploration and excavation at Keesaragutta began in the 1970s and continued into the early 1980s. Excavations documented fortification walls, brick structural remains, ritual structures, rock-cut features and groups of Shiva Lingas. These remains provide evidence for the importance of the hill as an ancient settlement and religious landscape.

Following the reorganisation of Telangana districts on 11 October 2016, Keesara became the headquarters of Medchal-Malkajgiri district. Keesara continues to function as the district headquarters, although the current Integrated District Office Complex is located at Anthaipally village in Shameerpet Mandal.

According to temple tradition, after defeating Ravana, Lord Rama sought to perform worship of Shiva and asked Hanuman to bring Shiva Lingams from Varanasi. When Hanuman was delayed, Shiva is said to have appeared before Rama in the form of a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Lingam. Rama installed the Lingam, which is worshipped as Ramalingeswara.

According to the traditional account, Hanuman returned with 101 Lingams after the auspicious installation had already taken place. Disappointed, he is said to have thrown the Lingams around the hill. The numerous Lingams associated with the temple landscape are traditionally connected with this story. The tradition also associates the name Kesarigiri with Hanuman, the son of Kesari, from which the names Keesara and Keesaragutta are traditionally derived.

Maha Shivaratri is one of the principal festivals at Keesaragutta and attracts large numbers of pilgrims. Karthika Masam is also an important period for Shiva worship and temple observances. Exact festival dates vary each year according to the Hindu lunar calendar.

The temple observes an annual Brahmotsavam with religious ceremonies and processions. The exact dates vary according to the Hindu calendar, so visitors should check the temple's current festival schedule before travelling.

According to temple tradition, devotees traditionally worship Hanuman before proceeding to the principal Ramalingeswara shrine. This practice is associated with the traditional story of Hanuman's role in bringing the Lingams from Varanasi.