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Andhra Pradesh Thousand Pillar Temple
Thousand pillar temple is situated in the Hanamakonda town of Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh. This is an amazing temple that has the magnificent pillar and due to this specialty, this temple is counted among one of the major temples as well as tourist spot in the Andhra Pradesh. This temple is dedicated to three deities Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya. This temple was constructed by the Kakatiyan kings during 12th century. Though, exact dates are not confirmed but with the support of some evidences it can be said that this temple was constructed during 1163 AD by King Rudra Deva. In some of the sculptures inside the temple, this aspect is depicted. This temple is one of the finest examples of Kakatiyan construction. In this complex, one temple and other normal buildings are constructed. In this temple, very beautifully created one thousand pillars have been erected and due to this reason, the nomenclatures of the temple become famous instead of the main deities.
Architecture
Brilliance of architecture is seen everywhere in this temple. No large Gopuram, no specialty built Garbhagriha is there but the construction and placement of each pillar in such a way that from every corner of the temple, the Darshan of deities are possible. No obstacle is in between the pillars, devotee and the deity. In near vicinity of this temple, a Torana of Kakatiyan dynasty is also found. Various such Toranas are presently viewable in the Andhra Pradesh state. These Toranas are also found in some portion of Karnataka and Tamilnadu where the Empire of Kakatiyan kings was spread. At present, all the pillars of this temple have been separated out by modern engineering to make the temple safer and long lasting. Engineers faced a load of wet sand as the pipe connectivity from nearby water reservoir was continued from that era. Due to this connection, sand was wet and the building was standing firmly. Specialty of these pillars is the carving. High base of the pillars, molding, square shape rising, round raising with stone discs upto 1.7ft, square shaping till another 1.8 ft, stone discs till the end of the roof are very tough examples of architecture. Stone partition of the corridor is also very attractive. Every pillar has fine stone work at upper portion with the beam of roof. Four headed clamps of granite stone facing downwards are the grip over pillars. Base of this temple is in Star Shape and inside the temple different Lingams are established. In the surroundings of this temple, a huge green garden is established. A rock cut elephant in standing posture is outside the temple at just left to the Nandi made of Black basalt. Polish of the Nandi is of extremely high quality. Inside the temple the screen used is amazing. Supporting pillars of the screen are very highly decorated and carved. Dark black stone and magnificent polish over carving is still as it is. Perforation done in the screen is the example of brilliance of architecture of that period.
How to Reach
This temple can be reached through all the means of transportation.
By Air
Hyderabad International Airport is the nearest airport located at 150 kilometers from this temple. Right from the airport, road conveyances are easily available to this temple.
By Rail
Warangal railway station is the nearest one and well connected with other major cities of the country through broad gauge trains.
By Road
Warangal Bus station is the main source of APSRTC buses. Private taxi operators are also available on reasonable charges to take the visitors to this temple.
Photo Gallery