A temple born from a broken cart and a burning coal bowl. In 1356 CE, a devout chieftain was carrying the idol of Lord Varadaraja Swamy from Vishnu Kanchi (Kanchipuram) to his native Raygadh. When they rested for the night at what is now Varadarajpur, the Lord appeared in a dream and asked him to build the temple there. The chieftain hesitated, but the next morning the cart’s axle broke – and after repair, it broke again. Realising the divine will, he decided to build the temple on that spot. He approached the Nawab of Medak for land, who granted as much land as the chieftain could run with a burning coal bowl balanced on his head. Miraculously, he ran nearly 1,400 acres – all of which was donated to the temple. The temple was constructed over 10 years, and for over six centuries, the chieftain’s descendants have looked after the temple’s needs.
Unique features and present condition. The temple walls still bear inscriptions recording its glorious past. You can see a golden lizard and a silver iguana – rare sculptural features. The sacred well (pushkarini) was closed recently due to land issues. The annual Vyshaka Pournami jatra is celebrated with great fervour, featuring a chariot (ratham) procession where the Lord is taken to the Hanuman temple located within the village premises – similar to the Garuda Seva of Kanchipuram. Unfortunately, the Endowments Department took over the temple but due to lack of revenue, it has been left to neglect. The temple’s land has been reduced from 1,400 acres to just 70 acres, most lost to encroachments by landlords.
The Legend of the Burning Coal Bowl and 1,400 Acres
The story of the temple’s land grant is as miraculous as its origin. After deciding to build the temple, the chieftain sought permission and land from the Nawab of Medak. The Nawab, impressed by the chieftain’s devotion but also testing his faith, declared: “As much land as you can run around with a burning coal bowl balanced on your head – that land will be given to the temple.” The chieftain accepted the challenge. With the divine protection of Lord Varadaraja, he ran a vast distance, encircling nearly 1,400 acres without the coal burning him or the bowl falling. The Nawab honoured his word and granted all that land to the temple. For centuries, the income from this land sustained the temple’s rituals, festivals, and the priests.
Temple Highlights & Unique Features
Nearby Places to Visit
Jagdevpur town (≈5 km): Mandal headquarters with basic amenities and historic sites.
Siddipet town (≈25 km): District headquarters, known for the Siddipet Gundala Ramalingeshwara Swamy temple and the Siddipet Fort.
Medak (≈50 km): Famous for the Medak Cathedral (one of Asia’s largest churches), Medak Fort, and picturesque lakes.
Wargal (≈40 km): Known for the Saraswati temple and the ancient Wargal fort.
Narsapur (≈30 km): Famous for the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple.
One‑Day Heritage Itinerary (from Hyderabad or Siddipet)
Morning – Temple Darshan & Exploration
- 8:00 AM: Start from Hyderabad (≈100 km, 2.5 hours via NH163) or from Siddipet (25 km, 45 min). Drive to Varadarajpur village, Jagdevpur Mandal.
- 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Arrive at the temple. Observe the Varadaraja Swamy idol, the golden lizard and silver iguana, and the ancient inscriptions. Walk around the closed well and the reduced temple grounds.
- 11:30 AM: Participate in the morning aarti (if timing matches). Offer prayers.
Afternoon – Local Exploration & Return
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at Jagdevpur town or Siddipet.
- 2:00 PM: Visit the Hanuman temple within Varadarajpur village.
- 3:00 PM: Optionally drive to Medak (50 km) to see the cathedral and fort, or return to Hyderabad.
- 6:00 PM: Arrive back.
Visitor Information – Jagdevpur Varadaraju Swamy Temple
Timings & Entry
Darshan hours: 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM (all days).
Aarti timings: Morning aarti ~8:00 AM, evening aarti ~6:30 PM (may vary).
Entry fee: Free.
Best time to visit: October – February (cool weather). Vyshaka Pournami (May) – grand festival.
Location & Access
Address: Varadarajpur village, Jagdevpur Mandal, Siddipet district, Telangana – 502281.
By road: From Hyderabad, take the Medak highway or NH163 to Jagdevpur (≈100 km). The temple is in the village, well‑known locally.
Nearest town: Jagdevpur (≈5 km) – has bus connectivity, autos, and basic facilities.
Parking: Available near the temple entrance.
Facilities & The Land Crisis
Available Facilities
- Basic restrooms.
- Drinking water (limited).
- Small prasadam counter (may be irregular).
- No dedicated shoe stand – remove footwear outside.
Conservation & Land Issue
The temple originally had 1,400 acres of endowed land. Due to encroachments and legal disputes, only 70 acres remain today. The Endowments Department took over management but lacks revenue, leading to neglect of the structure. The ancient well has been closed. Heritage activists have called for recovery of the lost lands and proper maintenance. Visitors may notice signs of decay – broken plaster, overgrown vegetation, and poorly maintained premises.
⚠️ Heritage Alert: The temple is in a state of neglect despite its immense historical and religious significance. If you visit, Raising awareness about this forgotten gem can help attract attention from authorities.
Travel Tips for Devotees & Heritage Enthusiasts
📿 Insider tip: The golden lizard and silver iguana are carved on the inner wall near the sanctum. According to local belief, touching the lizard brings wealth and touching the iguana brings protection from enemies. Also, ask the elderly villagers about the legend of the burning coal bowl – they narrate it with great pride. If you are visiting during May, do not miss the ratham (chariot) procession – it is the only time the temple truly comes alive with music, crowds, and devotion.
A Forgotten Monument of Devotion and Royal Grant
The Jagdevpur Varadaraju Swamy Temple is a poignant reminder of a glorious past – when a chieftain’s faith moved a Nawab to grant 1,400 acres, and a divine dream stopped a cart in its tracks. Today, the temple struggles with neglect, lost lands, and dwindling revenues. Yet the idol remains, the golden lizard still gleams faintly on the wall, and once a year, on Vyshaka Pournami, the Lord rides out in his chariot. A visit here is not just a pilgrimage – it is an act of witness to a heritage that deserves better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the golden lizard?
It is a rare sculptural feature believed to bring prosperity to devotees who touch it with faith.
Is the temple open every day?
Yes, 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM daily.
What is the best time to see the festival?
Vyshaka Pournami (full moon in May). The exact date changes yearly – check with local sources.
Can non‑Hindus visit?
Yes, the temple welcomes all.
How much land does the temple have now?
Only about 70 acres remain from the original 1,400 acres – most lost to encroachments.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, in the temple premises. Avoid flash inside the sanctum.
Are there any accommodation options nearby?
Basic lodges in Jagdevpur or Siddipet. No guest house at the temple.
Who manages the temple now?
The Endowments Department of Telangana, but due to lack of funds, upkeep is minimal.