Are you looking for a spiritual and historical destination in Hyderabad? Do you want to visit a temple that has a unique legend and significance? If yes, then you should definitely check out the Keesaragutta Temple, a Swayambhu Linga and Ramalingeswara Temple in Hyderabad. This temple is dedicated to Lord Siva and his consort Goddess Parvati, and is located on a hillock of Keesara, about 30 km from Hyderabad. The temple is famous for its legend of Lord Rama installing the Siva lingam and Hanuman bringing 101 lingams from Varanasi.
The temple is also known for its architectural and sculptural beauty, as well as its festivals and rituals. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about the Keesaragutta Temple, such as its history, significance, location, timings, and contact details. We will also tell you about the attractions and amenities of the temple and its vicinity, and the best time to visit the temple. Read on to find out more about this amazing temple and why you should visit it.
The Legend of Keesaragutta Temple
The Keesaragutta Temple has a fascinating legend that dates back to the Ramayana era. According to the legend, Lord Rama, after defeating Ravana, wanted to atone for the sin of killing a Brahmin. He decided to install a Siva lingam and perform a pooja at this place. He asked Hanuman to bring a Siva lingam from Varanasi. However, Hanuman was delayed in his return, and Lord Rama had to perform the pooja before sunset.
He therefore created a Siva lingam with the sand and installed it. When Hanuman returned with 101 lingams from Varanasi, he was disappointed to see that Lord Rama had already installed the Siva lingam. He threw the 101 lingams on the hillock, and they scattered around the place. Lord Rama then pacified Hanuman and named the Siva lingam as Ramalingeswara, and the place as Keesaragutta, after the hillock of Keesara. The Siva lingam installed by Lord Rama is considered as a Swayambhu Linga, meaning self-manifested. The temple also has a natural spring that is believed to have been created by Lord Rama’s arrow.
The legend of the Keesaragutta Temple is mentioned in various ancient scriptures and inscriptions, such as the Skanda Purana, the Brahmanda Purana, and the Keesara Sasanam. The temple is also said to have been visited by many saints and sages, such as Agastya, Parasurama, Markandeya, and Sankaracharya.
The Significance of Keesaragutta Temple
The Keesaragutta Temple is one of the most important and revered temples in Telangana. The temple is not only a Swayambhu Linga and Ramalingeswara Temple, but also a temple of various forms of Lord Siva and his consort Goddess Parvati. The temple has a main shrine that houses the Siva lingam installed by Lord Rama, and a sanctum that houses the idol of Lord Siva in the form of Bhoga Srinivasa.
The temple also has shrines for Lord Siva in the forms of Someswara, Dakshinamurthy, Lingodbhava, and Nataraja. The temple also has shrines for Goddess Parvati in the forms of Bala Tripura Sundari, Rajarajeswari, and Durga. The temple also has shrines for other deities, such as Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramanya, Lord Hanuman, and Lord Vishnu.
The temple is also known for its architectural and sculptural beauty, as it showcases the styles of the Chalukyas, the Kakatiyas, and the Vijayanagara empires. The temple has a gopuram, a mandapam, a prakaram, and a vimanam, all adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple also has a rock garden that displays the 101 lingams brought by Hanuman from Varanasi. The temple also has a museum that exhibits the antiquities and artifacts found in and around the temple.
The Festivals and Rituals of Keesaragutta Temple
The Keesaragutta Temple is a hub of festivals and rituals, as it attracts thousands of devotees throughout the year. The temple celebrates various festivals, such as Maha Sivaratri, Karthika Masam, and Sravana Masam, with great pomp and fervor. The temple also performs various poojas and sevas, such as Abhishekam, Archana, and Aarathi, for the benefit of the devotees. The temple also conducts special poojas and sevas on auspicious occasions, such as Pradosham, Pournami, Amavasya, and Ekadasi. The temple also offers annadanam, or free food, to the devotees every day.
The temple charges a nominal entry fee of Rs. 10 per person, and a separate fee for the poojas and sevas. The temple also has a phone number, 040-2345 2493, where the devotees can book the poojas and sevas in advance.
The Location and Route of Keesaragutta Temple
The Keesaragutta Temple is located on a hillock of Keesara, about 30 km from Hyderabad, and 10 km from ECIL ‘X’ Road. The temple is easily accessible by road, as it is well connected by buses and taxis.
The nearest bus stop is Keesara Bus Stop, which is about 2 km from the temple. The nearest railway station is Cherlapally Railway Station, which is about 15 km from the temple. The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which is about 60 km from the temple.
The best time to visit the temple is from October to March, as the weather is pleasant and conducive for sightseeing. The temple is open from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm on all days of the week. The temple also has a website, [www.keesaragutta.com], where the devotees can find more information about the temple and its activities.
The Attractions and Amenities of Keesaragutta Temple
The Keesaragutta Temple is not only a spiritual and historical destination, but also a destination of attractions and amenities. The temple has many attractions, such as the 101 lingams, the natural spring, the rock garden, and the museum, that fascinate the visitors. The temple also has many amenities, such as the parking, the canteen, the restrooms, and the accommodation, that cater to the needs of the visitors. The temple also has a souvenir shop, where the visitors can buy idols, books, CDs, and other items related to the temple.
The temple is also surrounded by many other places to visit, such as the Bhongir Fort, the Yadagirigutta Temple, and the Medak Church, that enrich the experience of the visitors. The temple is also close to many hotels, resorts, and restaurants, that offer comfortable and affordable stay and food options for the visitors.
The Keesaragutta Temple is a Swayambhu Linga and Ramalingeswara Temple in Hyderabad, that has a unique legend and significance. The temple is dedicated to Lord Siva and his consort Goddess Parvati, and is located on a hillock of Keesara, about 30 km from Hyderabad. The temple is famous for its legend of Lord Rama installing the Siva lingam and Hanuman bringing 101 lingams from Varanasi.
The temple is also known for its architectural and sculptural beauty, as well as its festivals and rituals. The temple is also a destination of attractions and amenities, as well as a destination of other places to visit. The temple is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the spirituality and history of Hyderabad.
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