Kakatiya kings imbibed great sense of devotion among their subjects eight centuries ago and built scores of temples, tanks and towns’ one depending on another.
Famous among their temples is the Thousand Pillar Temple believed to be built 850 years ago which draws huge crowds event today and Mahasivaratri is a special occasion that brings to life this historic temple in all its glory.
Located in Hanamkonda, this temple is sought-after destination to tourists from across the world.
The district administration has made elaborate arrangements for lakhs of devotees thronging to offer special prayers on the occasion of Mahasivaratri.
Special lighting, barricading, sanitation, drinking water supply, police security and medical camp were some of the arrangements being made at the temple. “We are taking all care to ensure smooth flow of devotees and to prevent jostling and stampede,” said Collector Vakati Karuna.
According to inscriptions and deciphering made by historians, the Thousand Pillar Temple was built on ‘Magha Shudda Trayodashi (Thursday)’ of Chitrabanu year of Shalivahanashakam, which according to the Gregorian calendar is January 19 of 1163.”
The temple was built by Kakatiya king Rudradeva. The temple deity is Rudreshwara Swamy, a personification of Lord Siva since the Kakatiya kings had a special devotion for Siva.
The historians opined that the temple deity has actually been named after the king Rudradeva in line with the traditions of that time hence the name Sri Rudreshwara Swamy Temple.
According to retired local historian Dendukuri Someswar Rao, the temple came to be known as Thousand Pillar because there were about 300 pillars or shapes of pillars both small and big that make the temple complete. The sculptural beauty of the temple is a reminiscent of the rich cultural of heritage of Kakatiya Kingdom. The intricate designs and carvings at the temple have always been a riddle to common public visiting the temple from different parts of the country.
