Situated approximately 35 kilometers from Hyderabad, the Keesaragutta Temple, also recognized as the Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple, holds great significance as a Hindu pilgrimage site in the village of Keesara. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his companions Bhavani and Siva Durga, and it is believed to have existed since the Threthayuga. It is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Shiva, who come to seek his blessings and offer their prayers.
The temple features beautiful architecture that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region. The temple complex includes several shrines, each dedicated to a different deity, and a large pond that adds to its serene ambiance. The temple also offers a range of pooja services, including Abhishekams, Archana, and Mahanivedana, which are performed at specific times throughout the day. Visitors can also purchase seva tickets for Sri Satyanarayana Vratham, Special Archana, and Navagraha Pooja/Archana, among others, at nominal prices.
History of Keesaragutta Temple
Keesaragutta Temple is a Hindu temple located in the Keesara village of Medchal-Malkajgiri district in Telangana, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. The temple is believed to have been built during the Kakatiya dynasty in the 11th century.
According to legend, Lord Rama visited this place during his exile and installed a Shiva linga on top of the hill to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. It is also believed that the demon king Ravana visited this place and tried to uproot the linga, but he failed to do so. The linga is said to be a swayambhu linga, which means it is self-manifested.
The temple was originally called Kesarigiri and was later renamed Keesaragutta. The name is Keesaragutta is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Kesarin’, which means lion. It is said that Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a lion to kill a demon who was harassing the sages who lived on this hill.
The temple has undergone several renovations over the years. In the 17th century, the temple was renovated by Sri Raja Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu. In the 19th century, the temple was renovated by the Nizams of Hyderabad.
The temple complex includes several shrines dedicated to different deities, including Lord Ramalingeswara, Siva Durga, and Bhavani. The main attraction of the temple is the Shiva linga, which is believed to be one of the largest in India. The temple attracts a large number of devotees, especially during the festival of Maha Shivaratri and Sri Rama Navami.
Overall, the history of Keesaragutta Temple is a fascinating tale of devotion, legends, and mythology. The temple’s rich history and spiritual significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Hyderabad.
Location and How to Reach
Keesaragutta Temple is located in the Keesara village, Rangareddy district of Telangana. It is situated on the top of a hill and is approximately 30 km away from Hyderabad city. The temple is easily accessible by road, air, and rail.
By Road
One can reach Keesaragutta Temple by road from Hyderabad city. The temple is located on the Hyderabad-Warangal highway and is well-connected with other major cities in Telangana. Visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus from Hyderabad to reach the temple. The temple is also easily accessible from ECIL and Secunderabad.
By Air
The nearest airport to Keesaragutta Temple is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, which is approximately 68 km away. Visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport to reach the temple.
By Rail
The nearest railway station to Keesaragutta Temple is Keesara, which is approximately 13 km away. Visitors can take a train from Hyderabad to Kesara and then hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
Overall, Keesaragutta Temple is located in a beautiful valley and is easily accessible from Hyderabad city. Visitors can enjoy the scenic drive to the temple and experience the spiritual ambiance of the temple.
Pooja Timings and Rituals
Keesaragutta Temple is a popular destination for devotees of Lord Shiva and his companions Bhavani and Siva Durga. The temple offers a range of poojas and rituals to visitors throughout the day. Here are some of the main poojas and their timings:
- Suprabatha Seva: This pooja is performed from 6:00 AM to 6:30 AM every day and is a great way to start the day with Lord Shiva’s blessings.
- Mahayana Purvaka Rudrabhishekam: This pooja is conducted from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM every day and is considered one of the most important poojas of the day. It involves the recitation of Rudram and Chamakam mantras and is believed to bring good health and prosperity to devotees.
- Maha Aarathi: The Maha Aarathi is performed at 7:45 AM and is a special pooja that involves the offering of lamps to the deity. This pooja is believed to bring peace and happiness to devotees.
- Abhishekams: The temple conducts Abhishekams from 8:00 AM to 12:45 PM. This pooja involves the pouring of holy water and other offerings on the deity and is believed to bring blessings and good fortune to the devotees.
- Aarathi, Mahanivedana, Dwarabandhanam: These poojas are conducted from 12:45 PM to 1:00 PM and involve the offering of lamps, and food, and the closing of the temple doors.
- Archana and Abhishekams: The temple conducts Archana and Abhishekams from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This pooja involves the recitation of mantras and the pouring of holy water on the deity to receive blessings and good fortune.
- Aarti: The final pooja of the day is the Aarti, which is conducted from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM. This pooja involves the offering of lamps to the deity and is believed to bring peace and happiness to devotees.
Apart from these poojas, the temple also conducts other rituals like Nivedana, Mantra Pushpam, Pavalipu Seva, Navagraha Pooja, Kasha Khandana, Kunmuma Archana Ammavarlaku, Mahaansya Purvaka Abhishakam, Kalabhairava Abhishekam, Annaprasana, Swami Vaari Kalyanam, Nandhi Mandapa Abhishakam, Garbhalaya Abhishekam, Permanent Kalyanam, Permanent Satyanarayana Vratham, Permanent Daily Pooja, Permanent Rudra Homam, Navagraha Pooja/Archana, Special Archana, Upa Devalayam, and Sri Swamivari Archana.
It is important to note that the pooja timings of Keesara Temple may vary from time to time, and visitors are advised to check the temple’s official website or contact the temple authorities for the latest timings.
Festivals and Events
Keesaragutta Temple is known for its grand celebrations of various festivals throughout the year. Some of the most prominent festivals celebrated at the temple include Mahashivratri, Shiva Kalyanam, and Ramalingheshwara Brahmotsavam. During these festivals, the temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and devotees from all over the country flock to the temple to offer their prayers.
Karthika Masam, which falls in October and November, is another significant festival celebrated at the temple. It is believed that Lord Shiva and Parvati were married during this month, and hence, it is considered auspicious to offer prayers to the deity during this time. Special poojas and abhishekams are performed during this month, and the temple witnesses a massive influx of devotees.
Apart from these festivals, the temple also conducts daily sevas and poojas for the devotees. Some of the popular sevas include Suprabatha Seva, Mahayana Poorvaka Rudrabhishekam, and Maha Aarathi. The temple timings for these sevas are from 6:00 AM to 12:45 PM and from 3:00 PM to 07:30 PM.
In conclusion, Keesaragutta Temple is a popular destination for devotees seeking spiritual solace and a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of India. The temple’s grand celebrations of various festivals and daily sevas make it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Hyderabad.
Architecture and Significance
Keesaragutta Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. The temple is located on a small hillock in Keesara Village, Medchal-Malkajgiri district, Telangana, India. The temple is believed to have been established in 100 BCE and is a fine example of Dravidian architecture.
The temple complex consists of several shrines, including the main shrine of Lord Shiva, which houses a Siva Linga. The Siva Linga is believed to be self-manifested and is considered to be one of the most powerful Siva Lingas in the region. The temple also has a shrine dedicated to Goddess Bhavani, who is believed to be the consort of Lord Shiva.
The temple has great significance for devotees who come from far and wide to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Bhavani. The temple is also known for its association with Lord Rama, who is believed to have installed the Siva Linga on top of the hill to atone for the sin of killing the demon King Ravana, a Brahmin.
The temple also has a close association with the nearby Laxmi Narasimha Temple, which is believed to have been established by Lord Rama’s brother, Lakshmana. The two temples are located near each other and are often visited together by devotees.
The architectural importance of the Keesaragutta Temple lies in its unique Dravidian style of architecture. The temple has a pyramidal tower or gopuram, which is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple also has a large mandapam or hall, which is used for various religious ceremonies and rituals.
Overall, the Keesaragutta Temple is a significant pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Shiva and Goddess Bhavani. The temple’s unique Dravidian architecture and association with Lord Rama make it a must-visit destination for tourists and history enthusiasts alike.
Nearby Attractions and Amenities
There are several attractions and amenities near Keesaragutta Temple that visitors can explore. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Bus Stations: There are two major bus stations near Keesaragutta Temple, Jubilee Bus Station and Imliban Bus Station. Visitors can take a bus from these stations to reach the temple.
- Weekend Trip: Keesaragutta Temple is a great place to visit for a weekend trip. Visitors can explore the temple and nearby attractions during the day and stay at one of the many resorts in Hyderabad at night.
- Lord Hanuman Statue: There is a large statue of Lord Hanuman near the temple that visitors can see. The statue is a popular attraction among devotees.
- Secunderabad Railway Station: The Secunderabad Railway Station is the closest railway station to Keesaragutta Temple. Visitors can take a train to this station and then take a bus or cab to reach the temple.
- Prasadam: Visitors can get prasadam (holy food) at the temple after the pooja. The prasadam is considered to be a blessing from Lord Shiva and is a must-try for visitors.
Overall, Keesaragutta Temple and its nearby attractions offer visitors a unique and fulfilling experience. Visitors can explore the temple and its surroundings, learn about the history and culture of the region, and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the temple.
- Suggested to Read: Andhra Pradesh & Telangana Temple Tour Package
Additional Information
Keesaragutta Temple is one of the most popular temples in the Telangana State, located in the Keesara Mandal of Rangareddy district. It is dedicated to Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to be over 1000 years old and is considered to be one of the most sacred places in the region.
The main deity of the temple is a Siva Linga, which is believed to have been installed by Lord Rama himself. According to the legend, Lord Rama installed the Siva Linga to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva before attacking Lanka and defeating Ravana. The temple is also famous for its Hanuman statue, which is said to be one of the tallest in the country.
The temple is open for darshan from 6 am to 7:30 pm every day. The pooja timings at the temple are from 6 am to 12:45 pm and from 3 pm to 7:30 pm. The temple conducts various sevas and poojas throughout the day, including Suprabatha Seva, Mahayana Poorvaka Rudrabhishekam, and Maha Aarathi.
The temple is well-connected by road, and visitors can reach it by taking the ECIL ‘X’ Road. The nearest airport is the Hyderabad Airport, which is located about 68 km away from the temple. Visitors can also take a bus or a train to reach the temple.
Entry to the temple is free, and there is no entry fee. However, visitors are advised to dress modestly and follow the temple’s rules and regulations. The temple also provides accommodation for devotees, with various options ranging from dormitory-style rooms to private cottages.
In conclusion, Keesaragutta Temple is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural and religious heritage of Telangana. With its ancient history, stunning architecture, and serene surroundings, the temple is a perfect place to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and experience the spiritual energy of the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of Keesaragutta Temple?
Keesaragutta Temple, also known as Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple, is an ancient and historical temple located in Telangana State. The temple is believed to have existed from THRETHAYUGA. According to legend, Lord Rama visited this place and installed a Shiva Lingam, which is now worshipped as Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy.
What are the pooja timings at Keesaragutta Temple?
The temple opens every day at 6:00 am and closes at 12:30 pm. It reopens at 3:00 pm and closes at 7:30 pm. The morning pooja starts at 6 am, while the last pooja of the day is performed from 7 – 7.30 pm. The temple offers various sevas and poojas like Suprabatha Seva, Mahayana Poorvaka Rudrabhishekam, and Maha Aarathi.
How can I reach Keesaragutta Temple?
Keesaragutta Temple is located about 35 km from Hyderabad and is well connected via road. The route to the temple can be taken through the ECIL ‘X’ Road. Visitors can take a taxi or a bus to reach the temple.
What is the entry fee for Keesaragutta Temple?
There is no entry fee to visit Keesaragutta Temple. The temple is open to all visitors.
Where is Keesaragutta Temple located?
Keesaragutta Temple is located in Keesara (V & M) Medchal Malkajgiri Dist, Telangana State, India. It is situated about 35 km from Hyderabad.
What is the dress code for visiting Keesaragutta Temple?
There is no specific dress code for visiting Keesaragutta Temple. However, visitors are advised to dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothing. It is also customary to remove footwear before entering the temple premises.
