Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/ODMxUS6IiUc
Location: “Chalukya era Shri Someshwara, Revanasiddeshwara Temple, M2XJ+GX5, Kolanupaka, Telangana 508101”
Reference: https://www.telangana360.com/2023/09/kolanupaka-sri-someswara-temple.html
Kolanupaka Sri Someswara Temple or Sri
Chandikamba Sametha Someshwaraswami
Someshwara Temple, or simply Someshwara temple dedicated
to Shiva, is situated in Kolanupaka, 82
KMs from Hyderabad and 82 KMs from Warangal in Yadadri district of Telengana
and very near to Kulpakji (Jain temple), is one of the finest examples of
Kakatiyan ekakuta style, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is under complete
renovation and scattered all around. It has an open museum in the outer area. Also
known as Veyi Lingala gudi, meaning the temple of the thousand lingas.
One of the few Shiva temples, where Lord Shiva is in human form, the temple is
more than 1000 years old.
The Someshwara Temple houses an open
museum where motifs and sculptures belonging to between 11th and 14th
century are kept. One of the many Kakatiya masterpieces although in shambles,
the temple has one of the most beautiful craftsmanship in the walls with
deities and motifs all around. Originally built in Chalukyan style, the temple
has kakatiyan workmanship too, especially as can be noted in the pillars. As
per the legends, Moon worshipped Lord Shiva to get rid of his curse by Guru.
Rama, Agyasthaya muni, Naradha and many others also worshipped Lord Shiva.
The main deity of the temple is Swayambhu
or Someshwara swamy, known as Someshwara Lingam. Various inscriptions found in
the temple suggest donations by Kings of late 11th century and early
12th century. A special linga: Nayalinga, is known to solve
the problems of anyone on touching it. There
is a huge Saharsalinga inside one of the temple sanctums, which gives it the
name of Veyi Lingala gudi, meaning the temple of the thousand lingas.
The temples in the complex include those
of Sri Renukacharya, Sri Mallikarjunaswami, Chandeshwari, Kundamamba,
Kotilingeswaraswami, Kala Bhairaviswami, Anjaneya, Rudranidraswami,
Veerabhadraswami, Kumaraswami and the Ekadasharudrula temple.
The
temple has Ganapathi and Nataraja idols and Mahavir in yoga posture of the
Chalukya period in the 12th century.
Architecture
The temple is originally believed to have
been built using Chalukyan style with beautiful carvings and sculptures all
through the walls. Inscriptions found place the construction of temple at
around 1070-1126 CE with the mention of various chalukyan kings patronizing the
temple by donating land, gold, cows etc.
During 11th century, Kolanupaka
was the second capital of the Kalyni Chalukyas.
The temple is enclosed in a big compound,
with a central shrine or vimana enclosing the sanctum sanctorum (currently
under renovation) having the main deity and Nandi. I could not find a gopuram
at entrance and that is probably because the temple is under renovation, not
sure though. In between the entrance and the central vimana, there is a big
pillared hall with an open courtyard which is very typical of a Dravidian style
of architecture. The pillars in the hall are typical chalukyan styled pillars.
There is a statue of Renukacharya in the open courtyard in the pillared hall.
History
and Legend:
Legends say that the temple is much older
than and Shri Rama, and the saints of Narada and Agatsya worshipped at this
temple. The temple as it stands now however shows a great deal of Kakatiyan
workmanship, possibly owing to the additions/modifications/renovations made by
them, as evident from the typical Kakatiyan era mandapa pillars that show
square blocks with circular discs in many parts. The huge entrance gate is also
built in the Kakatiyan style.
Renukacharya Jayanti by Rashtra
Veerashaiva Dharma Prachara Sangham festival is organized her and is well
known. Talking about Renukacharya, he was the founder of the Veerashaiva sect,
and not only that, he also fought for emancipation of women and provided them
equal rights in all spheres of life including entry into temples.
Another Legend states, this is the birth
place of ‘Renukacharya’, the great ‘Veera Saiva’ saint, who was born from the
‘Swayambu Linga’ found in this village, and was later absorbed into it after he
finished preaching Veera Saivam. A statue of Renukacharya is present in the
sanctum along with the Swayambu Linga. In front of the temple there is a four
pillared nandi mandapa with a Kakatiyan nandi sitting inside.
Festivals:
Renukacharya Jayanti by Rashtra
Veerashaiva Dharma Prachara Sangham
How to reach
By
Road: The temple is situated around 1.5 KMs from
Kolanupaka Bus Station. Bus stop at Kolanupaka road is the nearest bus stop
from where both the Jain temple and the Shiva temple are easily accessible by a
local transport. A diversion at the Aleru town (which lies on the Hyderabad
Warangal Highway) would take one to Kolanupaka. Self is the best option with no
issues with parking and easy access to the location.
By
Rail: Aleru is the nearest railway station from
where passenger trains are available.
By
Air: Hyderabad is the nearest airport which
is around 90 KMs
Parking
and Photography
There is no dedicated parking, but parking
is not an issue at all
There is no restriction in photography.
Use your Drones from a distance. Right now there is renovation going on, so no
one will restrict you. Not sure about normal times.
Timings:
Monday to Sunday: 6 AM to 7PM
Nearby
Places to visit:
·
Famous Shwetamber Jain
temple at Kolanupak
·
Veeranarayana temple at
Kolanupak
·
Warangal fort, Warangal
·
Hanamkonda Thousand
pillar temple, Warangal
·
Padmakshi temple at
Warangal
·
Ramappa Temple, Palampet
Apart from these there are numerous
temples at Warangal worth visiting