Bhadrakali Temple

Bhadrakali Temple at Hanamkonda is significant Devi temple located on the hilltop between the twin cities of Hanamkonda and Warangal in Telangana. The temple is held in high esteem by devotees of the of Goddess Bhadrakali popularly called the ‘Grant Mother Goddess’. Remarkable feature of the temple is the square shaped stone image of the Goddess (2.7 X 2.7 meters). In the image goddess is seen in a sitting posture with fierce looking eyes and face. The Goddess can also be seen wearing a crown and having eight hands holding various weapons.

The Kohinoor diamond is believed to be originally installed as one of the eyes of the goddess by the Kakatiya kings.

High point of Bhadrakali Temple is an artificial lake of 2 ½ kms

radius in the vicinity of the temple. Number of natural rock formations in the surroundings add to the spiritual charm of the temple and are the most dominant feature of the temple. Some of the unique shaped rocks are said to carry immense spiritual powers. The structure of the temple is said to be 250 years old. Though the image of the deity is called the Bhadrakali, the goddess is said to have been transformed by the mantras into a very rare form called the Tripura Sundari, which includes the Kali form. Tripura Sundari is regarded as the supreme manifestation of Prakriti - the feminine power which is the vital energy of the universe. Literal meaning of Tripura Sundari is 'The Beauty of the Three Worlds' or more precisely the three Cites or 'Pura'.

India is blessed with deeply rooted culture and spirituality and there are eternal structures to narrate our glorious history. One such ancient construction that reveals our history is the Bhadrakali Temple in Warangal. The temple which is counted as one of the oldest temples of Indian History is dedicated to the worship the mother of goddesses, Kali Matha or Bhadrakali Ammavaru. Goddess Bhadrakali is a true example of the capability and strength of women. Surrounded by the lush greenery amidst the hilly region, the Bhadrakali Temple opens up to a picturesque setting on the banks of the Bhadrakali Lake. The serene surroundings of the temple work as an add-on and help the mind to relax and soothe the soul, while one gives away in obedience to the supreme power.

The history behind the temple dates back to 625AD. It is believed that the Chalukya King Pulekesi II after successfully bringing the Vengi region of Telangana under his dominion, constructed a magnificent temple dedicated to the mother goddess to celebrate his victory and also express his dedication and gratitude to goddess Bhadrakali for granting him his competence. We can see the style of the great Chalukya Dynasty in every bit of the temple, right from its architecture to the main deity, which displays the Ekanda Shila or single stone sculpture, which makes as the trademark style attributed to the Chalukyas. One can also observe the strong resemblance to the Kakatiya style of architecture in the temple, particularly the entrance gateways which are made of stone. One of the inner pillars of the temple has a Sanskrit inscription on it. That particular pillar is called the Antralaya stambam.


The lake was later built by Ganapathi deva, a minister of Kaktiya Dynasty. The lake serves as an integral part of the city, being the perennialwaterresourceandisconnectedtothe Maneru Dam via Kakatiya Canal. The lake is sur- rounded by hillocks and other religious spaces such as the padmakshi temples, hanuman temple etc. The temple and the lake prescient attract many pilgrims and tourists throughout the year.

Temple Timings: All Days of the Week


05:30 AM - 01:00 PM and 3:00 PM - 08:30 PM

http://www.telanganatourism.gov.in/dw-bhadrakali-temple.html

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