Thousand Pillar Temple in Telangana
Introduction :
The Thousand Pillar Temple, one of the oldest temples in South India, is located in Hanamakonda, Telangana. This temple exemplifies the architectural brilliance of the ancient artisans.

Constructed in 1163 AD by the revered Kakatiya ruler, Rudra Deva, the temple features a thousand pillars. The construction spanned approximately 72 years. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Surya, this architectural marvel was unfortunately damaged during Mughal invasions.
Architecture :
Designed in a star-shaped configuration, the temple houses three major shrines collectively known as "Trikutalayam." Visitors can view deities from any point within the temple. At the entrance of the Lord Shiva shrine, a prominently carved giant bull, Nandi, is displayed. Additionally, numerous rock-cut monuments enhance the temple's allure.
Temple Timings :
Devotees can visit the temple daily from 5 AM to 9 PM to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Surya.
Other Deities :
Other significant deities housed in the temple include:
Lord Indra, the god of lightning, storms, and thunder
Lord Narasimha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu with the body of a human and the face of a lion
Garuda, featuring the body of a human and the face of an eagle
Festivals :
The temple celebrates various festivals, including:
Maha Shivaratri
Kunkuma Puja
Kartika Pournami
Bonalu Festival
Nagula Chaturthi
How to Reach the Thousand Pillar Temple
The temple is situated 8 km from Warangal in Hanamakonda.
By Road: Well-connected roads make the 6.1 km journey from Warangal to Hanamakonda straightforward.
By Train: The nearest train station is in Warangal, just 4 km away.
By Flight: The closest airport is in Hyderabad, approximately two hours by flight from Hanamakonda.