Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/oF0ZG7uqhjo
Location: “Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple, Temple Bypass Road, Palakurthy, Telangana 506146’
References:
https://www.bigproperty.in/blog/palakurthy-someswara-temple-lord-shiva-laxmi-narasimha/
The Someshwara Swamy temple dedicated to Lord
Someshwara a form of Shiva is situated at the hill top at Palakurthy around 52
KMs from Warangal city. The temple is situated at the hillock in Temple Bypass
Road and is visible from a long distance. Vehicles go up the hill till the
temple and there is parking available at the top. Although a bit congested and
the down side parking may be tricky specially for turning your vehicle in case
of rush. So be a bit careful.
Legend
Long ago, many regions in India were known for their
lush greenery, rivers, and hills, showcasing the country’s rich natural wealth.
During these peaceful times, many sages meditated in the mountains and forests,
dedicating their lives to spiritual contemplation. Numerous legends tell of
these sages having divine experiences, leading to the manifestation of deities
at their behest. Over time, these remarkable places grew and thrived under the
patronage of various kings, reaching great heights before eventually falling
into neglect and obscurity. Visiting these unique temples can reveal many
fascinating aspects of history. One such place is Palakurthi in the Warangal
district.
According to legend, It is believed that around 1200
to 1300 years ago, sages meditated here, and Lord Someshwara appeared to them
as a self-incarnated deity to bless devotees. Another legend says that
Someshwara manifested here at the request of the seven sages.
A notable instance of the deity’s compassion involves
an elderly woman who used to circumambulate the temple daily by walking around
the hill, as there was no direct path on the hilltop. As she grew older, it
became difficult for her to continue the journey. Out of compassion, Lord
Someshwara created a passage through the hill behind the temple, making it
easier for her. Since then, devotees have performed circumambulation through
this narrow tunnel, which appears naturally formed rather than artificially
carved. It is believed that those who enter the passage with cleanliness and
devotion can pass through easily, regardless of their size, while those who are
impure might be driven away by bees that protect the area. The hill is home to
many beehives, and the bees are considered guardians of the place.
From the temple there are stairs to go further up
where there is an agni kund, where blessings of agni can be taken.
Inside the temple, the inner chamber features two
Dwarapalikas, resembling Shiva in the Nataraj posture with a damaru in one
hand, made of black stone. At the entrance of the Shiva temple, the Nandi bull
graces the entrance. Bammera Pothana’s birthplace is very close to
Palakurthi. Sri Palkuriki Somanathudu, who developed Veera Shaivam,
was born here and is known as the first writer to do prose composition in
Telugu.
History
of the place
At the foot of the hill lies the samadhi of the famous
poet Palakurthi Somanadha, who was born here and authored works like Dashama
Purana and Panditaradhya Charitra. Somanadha’s parents named him after Lord
Someshwara, whom they worshipped for a child. The poet, who lived from AD 1160
to 1240, was a devout worshipper of Someshwara, indicating that the deity has
been revered here for a long time.
The samadhi of another great poet, Bammera Pothana,
who authored the Bhagavatam, is located 2 kilometers away in the village of
Bammera. It is believed that when Pothana struggled to complete a verse, Lord
Rama and Lakshmana appeared to help him.
How
to Reach
By
Road: Palakurthi is a town that has regular bus connectivity
with Warangal and Jangaon. Buses connect directly to Palakurthy from Warangal,
from where a local mode of transport can be hired. Self-drive is the best
option. Vehicles can go till the top of the hill till the temple.
By
Rail: Ghanpur railway station is the nearest railway station
which is around 14 KMs from Palakurthi. Jangaon railway station is around 25
KMs
By
Air: Hyderabad
airport is the nearest airport around 80 KMs
Parking
and Photography
It’s up the hill and parking is there, but very
congested be a bit careful while turning your vehicle as there is rush and the
hillock can be risky
Photography is allowed. Drones can be used from an
aloof place or from the bottom of the hill (with height restriction put to 120
meters now)
Timings:
Monday to Sunday: 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Stay
options:
Warangal or Hyderabad can be the best options to stay.
There are ample options including Government Haritha Kakatiya Hotels