Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/OW_VhFge3ls
References: https://xploreall.com/blog/kusumanchi-sri-ganapeshwaralayam-shivalayam/
https://www.trawell.in/telangana/khammam/kusumanchi-temples
Location: “Sri Sri Sri Ganapeshwaralayam, Shivalayam, Kusumanchi, Telangana
507159”
Kusumanchi is situated
around 22 KMs from Khammam and 39 KMs from Suryapet, around 10 KMs off from
National Highway 365B. Also historically known as Krupamani during the Kakatiya
period, it is home to Shri Ganapeshwaralayam and Mukkateshwaralayam, the two shiva
temples built by the Kakatiya rulers during the 12th and 13th
century, standing as testimony to the architectural skills of the kakatiyas.
Having striking resemblance to the famous Ramappa temple at Palampet and
Ghanpur kota gullu temples. There is a rumour that the temple was built by a
sculptor without arms and legs who is also honoured with the stacking of temple
with big stones.
The stones used in the
temple resemble to those used in the Thousand pillar temple at Warangal. The
Shiva lingam in the temple is three meters high with a radius of two meters and
it is one of the biggest Shivalingas in the state. The temple is
built on an elevated
platform facing east, the temple consists of pillared rangamandapa and antarala
followed by the sanctum. The temple has entrances on 3 sides. The idol of
Venugopala on the southern side of the temple is almost 15 ft high.
The most remarkable
feature of the temple is that the temple is built on the top of the stones
(used as platform) piled up like a star shape when viewed from above and shiva
linga shape on the other side. For many years the temple has been covered with
hummocks and mounds. The villagers were completely unaware for many years till
Sathu Weerapratap Reddy (then CI of Kusumanchi) bought his attention on the
temple with the help of the villagers and bought it to life.
The temple has a huge
crowd during shivaratri when devotees visit from Nalgonda, Warangal and other
regions in Telengana.
The Mukkanteshwaralayam
temple is located few meters from Ganapeshwaralayam, and is a Trikutalayam with
3 shrines having a common mandapa. Each shrine has a portico, garbhagruha and
antarala with a common 16-pillared mandapa. The pillars in the common mandapa
are wonderfully carved with images of swans and floral designs.
How to reach:
By Road: Khammam is the
nearest major bus stand from. From Khammam, buses can be availed till
Kusumanchi bus stop (around 1.7 KMs from the temple) and then a local auto can
be hired. Kusumanchi is around 10 KMs on the right of NH 365 B when one is
coming from Khammam. Roads are in excellent condition and driving too is not an
issue.
By Rail: Khammam is the
nearest major railway station around 21 KMs
By Air: Vijayawada
airport is the nearest airport around 131 KMs. Hyderabad airport is around 194
KMs
Parking and Photography:
There is dedicated
parking and it is not an issue.
Photography is fully
allowed. Drones can be used easily from outside the temple premises
Timings:
Monday to Sunday: 9:00
AM - 12:00 PM & 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Popular
Festivals:
Shivaratri
Nearby
Places to visit:
1) Sri
Adivaraha Lakshmi Narasimha VenuGopala Swamy Temple, Venugopala swami kovla,
Burugadda
2) Swayambu
Shambu Lingeshwara Temple, Mellacheruvu Rd, Mella Chervu, Suryapet
3) Nelakondapally
Buddhist Stupa
4) Chaya
someshwara temple/Pachala Someshwara Temple, Nalgonda
Stay
Options:
Khammam is the nearest best stay option with lots of
hotels/residencies. If one is coming from Suryapet, then Suryapet also has good
stay option.