Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple is one of the most important Shiva temples in Telangana. It stands in the temple town of Vemulawada, in Rajanna Sircilla district (formerly part of Karimnagar district). Devotees call it "Dakshina Kashi" (the Kashi of the South) and "Harihara Kshetram", because Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are both worshipped here. The Lord is fondly called Rajanna, and the district itself takes its name from Him. The temple is administered by the Telangana Endowments Department.
Main Deity and Worship
The presiding deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped as Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy in the form of a Shiva Lingam. His consort is worshipped as Sri Raja Rajeshwari Devi. The temple complex also has shrines for Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy, Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy and other deities, which is why it is known as a Harihara Kshetram.
History
Vemulawada was a capital of the Vemulawada Chalukyas, who ruled this region between about the 8th and 10th centuries CE as feudatories of the Rashtrakutas. Many of the town's temples, inscriptions and monuments date from their rule. Over the centuries the temple grew into the major pilgrimage centre it is today.
Mahima / Significance
The temple is best known for the Kode Mokku, a vow in which devotees offer a young bull (kode) to the Lord and walk it around the temple, praying for health, children and the welfare of their families. It is one of the most distinctive traditions of any temple in Telangana.
Near the temple is the sacred tank Dharma Gundam. Pilgrims bathe here before darshan, and the water is believed to have healing powers.
The temple complex also contains a Dargah that devotees of all faiths visit and revere. This makes Vemulawada a well-known symbol of religious harmony.
Architecture and Temple Complex
The temple shows the influence of Chalukya-period temple building, with later additions and renovations. The complex includes the main sanctum, shrines for the associated deities, mandapams and the Dharma Gundam tank, set in a busy temple town.
Temple Timings
- The temple is generally open from early morning until night, with a break in the afternoon.
- Timings change on festival days, especially during Maha Shivaratri. Please check with the Devasthanam before your visit.
Festivals
- Maha Shivaratri (February–March): the biggest festival of the year, drawing lakhs of devotees from across Telangana and neighbouring states.
- Sri Rama Navami (March–April): celebrated with the Sita Rama Kalyanam.
- Karthika Masam (October–November): Mondays of this month are especially sacred to Lord Shiva and draw large crowds.
How to Reach
By Road: Vemulawada is about 36 km from Karimnagar, about 13 km from Sircilla and about 150 km from Hyderabad. TGSRTC buses run regularly from Hyderabad, Karimnagar, Sircilla and other towns.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Karimnagar, about 36 km away. Buses and taxis are available from Karimnagar to the temple.
By Air: The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), Hyderabad, about 180 km away by road.
Visitor Information
- Dress code: traditional attire is recommended.
- Best time to visit: October to March, when the weather is pleasant. Weekday mornings are quieter.
- Crowds: Mondays, Maha Shivaratri and Karthika Masam draw very heavy crowds; arrive early.
- Stay: Devasthanam choultries and private lodges are available in Vemulawada; more options are available in Karimnagar and Sircilla.
