Karimnagar Temples

Sri Rajarajeswara Swamy temple

Vemulawada, located 150 km from Hyderabad is known for Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple. It is one of the very few temples devoted to Lord Siva. Popularly known as Dakshana Kashi (Benaras of South India) the temple attracts lakhs of devotees from all over the country.



On the Sivaratri day, a record three to four lakh pilgrims throng the sacred temple at Vemulawada. Special poojas and darshans are held to mark the festivity. Mahalingarchana is performed by about hundred archakas. At midnight Ekadasa Rudrabhishekham is performed to the deity. The temple is brightly illuminated in the night, presenting an aesthetic look.

Special arrangements are made for the pilgrims during the festival. Several cultural and social activities are also organised by the authorities. Free boarding and lodging is provided to the students. Besides, the temple also offers donations for other small temples.

The temple at Vemulawada is next only to Tirupati in terms of its revenues. The temple contributes Rs. 8 lakhs anually to the gram Panchayat for developmental activities in the pilgrim town.

LEGEND
The puranic version has it that Lord Siva after having stayed at Kashi, Chidambaram, Srisailam and Kedareswaram chose to reside at Vemulawada.

Presiding Deity
The presiding deity is Sri Raja Rajeswara Swamy, also called Rajanna. To the right of the presiding deity is the idol of Sri Raja Rajeswari Devi and to the left is the idol of Sri Laxmi Sahitha Siddi Vinayaka.
In the temple premises there is a holy tank called the Dharma Gundam. Three mandapas were constructed on it and the statue of Lord Eshwara resides in the middle. The Lord is seen in a meditation posture with five lingas surrounding the holy tank.
Offerings
Although devotees make offerings to the presiding deity in different ways, the most important one is Kode Mokku (offering of bull to God). The devotees who bring the bull take them round the temple and tie it somewhere in the temple complex. The significance of this ritual is that devotees will be cleansed of their sins and they can beget children.
The lighting of the holy lamp or Ganda Deepam is also considered auspicious by the devotees visiting the shrine.
Devotees
This temple attracts followers of both Vaishnavism (worshippers of Vishnu), and Saivism (worshippers of Siva), and is also being frequented by Jains and Buddists. The sculptures on the temples also depict the cultures of Jainism and Buddhism.
The Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple is a fine example of communal harmony where both Hindus and Muslims offer obeisance to Lord Siva and Allah.

A unique feature of the temple at Vemulawada is that it also houses a 400 year old mosque inside its premises. It is believed that the mosque was built as a tribute to a muslim devotee of Lord Siva who lived for many years in the temple precincts and breathed his last.

Places to Visit

Kondagattu
Kondagattu, about 35 Kms from Karimnagar is the temple of Lord Anjaneya. Situated amidst hills, valley & water springs Kondagattu is blessed by nature and very scenic. According to the folklore, the temple was constructed by a cowherd some 300 years ago. The present day temple has been built 160 years ago by Krishna Rao Deshmukh. It is belived that if a women offers puja for 40 days at this temple then she will be blessed with a child.

Apart from the temple, the fort of Kondalaraya & Bojjapotana caves are worth seeing at Kondagattu.

Dharmapuri
On the banks of River Godavari, 78 Kms from Karimnagar, is the 15th century temple town of Dharmapuri. According to the legend king Bali Verma performed the Dharma Devta Yagna here. He wanted all his people to follow and live according to Dharma. Hence this village got its name as Dharmapuri.

Dharmapuri is an ancient seat of learning languages, literature, dance and music. Among the prominent temples in the town are the 13th century Sri Lakshmi Narsimha Swamy temple, Sri Venkateshwara Swamy temple, Sri Ramallingeshwara Swamy temple where Shiva & Vishnu temples exist side by side. River Godavari adds to the scenic splendour.

Kaleshwaram Travel Information
This pictureque spot, surrounded by thick forests is located 130 Kms from Karimnagar, 32 Kms from Manthani and lies on the confluence of the River Pranahitha and the River Godavari.
The ancient temple dedicated to Mukteshwara swamy is of special significance as two Shivalinga's are found on a single pedestal. Besides several temples situated here the one dedicated to Brahma is rather uncommon.

How to Reach
Located 39 km from Karimnagar.
From the District Headquaters of Karimnagar the temple is 36 km and from Hyderabad 174 kms by road. The A.P.S.R.T.C has provided number of buses for the convenience of the pilgrims.