Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/mza9u-P14WY
References: https://warangaltourism.in/bhadrakali-temple-warangal
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhadrakali_Temple,_Warangal
Location:
“Bhadrakali
Temple Cross Rd, Warangal, Telangana 506007”
Bhadrakali temple in
Warangal is among the oldest temples India that are dedicated to Goddess
Bhadrakali. Located atop a hill, between the city of Warangal and Hanamkonda,
by the side of Bhadrakali Lake, it is an ancient temple which was originally
built during the Chalukyan reign in 625 AD, by the King Pulakeshin II of Chalukya dynasty to commemorate his victory over Vengi
region of Andhra Desham, as per the writings on the temple wall. Kakatiya kings later have adopted the temple and considered Goddess
Bhadrakali as their kuladevata.
The temple was
renovated around 1950s, after which the temple regained its popularity amongst
the devotees. There is no trace of the original temple (very minimal). The
temple is known for its presence alongside the natural rock formations.
The sitting idol of
Goddess Bhadrakali is the main deity and is shown with 8 hands. The idol is
almost 2.7 meters tall made of stone. There is an idol of lion (Goddess’s
vahana) is placed in the other side of the Goddess.
The temple includes
various shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman, Subramanya Swamy
(Kartikeya), and Navagrahas in the Mahamandapa. Images of Uma Maheshwara are
also there. There is a recently built temple of Lord Vigneshwara (Ganesha)
outside.
Another interesting
feature of the temple : The deity in the temple is called Goddess Bhadrakali,
yet the image of the Goddess is believed to be transformed by the holy mantras
into Tripura Sundari, a rare form which signifies the supreme feminine power of
the universe. The word Tripura Sundari literally means ‘beauty of the three worlds’.
This state comprising of Goddess Kali form is regarded as a greatest
manifestation of Prakriti.
Spreading around an
area of 2 sqKM, the lake on the side of which the temple is situated was built
by the Kakatiyas to serve as a source of irrigation.
Architecture
Architecturally the
temple is built in Chalukyan style to mark the conquest of the Vengi region.
These are obvious by seeing the statue
of Ekanda Shila and the pillars present in the temple. The intricate carvings on
the pillars show however the brilliant craftsmanship of the Kaktiyas who later
modified the temple. The Kakatiyas who considered Bhadrakali as their ancestral
deity, contributed to the temple significantly later.
After the renovations,
animal sacrifices were stopped in this Bhadrakali Temple. Even the idol of the
deity was slightly modified. It is said that the deity had a fierce form
originally which was later softened by a few changes. Goddess face was turned a
smiling and calming face. Holy chants were also written of deity’s tongue at
the time of renovations. Although Bhadrakali temple is renovated to a large
extent, ancient pillars near the Garbha Griha are symbolic of its great
history.
Festivals:
During Shraavana Masa,
which is the month of August- September, temple celebrates many prominent
festivals such as
·
Vasanta
Navaratri,
·
Shakambari
Utsavam and
·
Sharan
Navaratri.
Bathukamma Festival is also celebrated with great fervor here when
women and girls with beautifully arranged flowers flower patterns, visit the
Bhadrakali Lake to offer prayers.
Timings:
Warangal Bhadrakali Temple timings for darshan are from 5:30
AM to 1 PM. The temple then again opens for devotees at 3 PM to 8 PM.
Parking and
Photography:
There is a big dedicated parking opposite the temple.
Photography is prohibited inside the temple. From outside the
mahamandapan, photography is allowed. Drones are prohibited. For the beautiful
view use drones from a distance around 500 meters.
How to Reach:
By Rail: The temple is around 5KMs from Warangal railway station. Being in the
city, autos and taxis are easily available
By Road: If you are in Warangal, use any local mode of transport
By Air: Nearest Airport is Hyderabad around 80 KMs