Hanamakonda Thousand Pillar Temple-Telangana

Address

Hanamakonda Thousand Pillar Temple- Hyderabad – Warangal Hwy, Raganna Darwaja, Rd, Hanamkonda, Telangana 506001

Diety

Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya.

Introduction

The Thousand Pillar Temple, also known as Rudreswara Swamy Temple, is a historic and architecturally significant temple located in Hanamakonda, Telangana, India.

Dedication:

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Surya (Sun God).

Historical Significance:

The Thousand Pillar Temple is believed to have been constructed between 1175 and 1244 CE under the patronage of King Rudra Deva of the Kakatiya dynasty.
It is considered a masterpiece of Kakatiya architecture and sculpture and is one of the earliest examples of this style.

Architecture:

The temple is renowned for its architectural and sculptural beauty.
It follows the style of later Chalukyan and early Kakatiyan architecture, featuring a star-shaped and triple shrine design (Trikutalaya).
The temple is known for its remarkable features, including the presence of one thousand pillars. These pillars are richly carved and serve as a prominent architectural element.

Components:

The temple’s complex includes not only the pillars but also perforated screens, exquisite icons, rock-cut elephants, and a monolithic dolerite Nandi (the sacred bull, a vehicle of Lord Shiva).
The craftsmanship of the Kakatiya sculptors is evident in their artistry, precision, and the use of different stone types.
The temple also features a Nava Rangamandapa, showcasing the ingenuity of Kakatiya sculptors through lathe-turned and polished sculptures.

Renovation:

In 2004, the Thousand Pillar Temple underwent partial renovation efforts initiated by the Government of India, with the support of the Archaeological Survey of India and modern engineers.
Ongoing renovation work aims to restore and preserve this remarkable heritage site.

UNESCO World Heritage Status:

The Thousand Pillar Temple, along with other significant monuments in the region, including the Warangal Fort, Kakatiya Kala Thoranam, and Ramappa Temple, has been included on the tentative list of World Heritage sites recognized by UNESCO.

The Thousand Pillar Temple stands as a testament to the artistic and architectural achievements of the Kakatiya dynasty and continues to be an important heritage site in Telangana, attracting visitors and scholars from around the world.