Are you looking for a spiritual getaway in the land of temples? Do you want to explore the rich heritage and culture of Telangana? If yes, then you should visit Vemulawada, a town in Karimnagar district of Telangana, famous for its Rajarajeshwara Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Vemulawada is not only a pilgrim destination, but also a place where you can enjoy the scenic beauty, historical forts, delicious food and vibrant festivals of Telangana. In this article, we will guide you through the various things to do and places to visit in and around Vemulawada, and help you plan your trip to this holy town.
Rajarajeshwara Swamy Temple: The Pride of Vemulawada
The main attraction of Vemulawada is the Rajarajeshwara Swamy Temple, also known as Rajanna Temple, which is one of the most ancient and revered temples of Lord Shiva in South India. The temple was built by the Chalukya kings in the 8th century AD, and later renovated by the Kakatiya and Vemulawada Chalukya dynasties. The temple complex houses several shrines and idols of various deities, such as Lord Vishnu, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, Lord Hanuman and Goddess Saraswati.
The temple is also famous for its unique rituals and offerings, such as the Kode Mokku, where devotees tie a live ox or a bull to the temple pillar and seek blessings from Lord Shiva, the Dharma Gundam, where devotees take a holy dip in the sacred tank and wash away their sins, the Nandi Vahana Seva, where devotees carry the idol of Lord Shiva on a decorated bull and circumambulate the temple, and the Rajanna Abhishekam, where devotees pour milk, curd, honey and other liquids on the Shiva Lingam and seek prosperity and happiness.
The temple is open from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and the entry is free of cost. The temple is especially crowded during the festivals of Maha Shivaratri, Karthika Masam and Shravana Masam, when thousands of devotees throng the temple to witness the grand celebrations and ceremonies.
Other Temples to Visit in and around Vemulawada
If you are a temple lover, you will be delighted to know that Vemulawada has many other temples to visit in and around the town, each with its own history, significance and charm. Here are some of the temples that you should not miss when you are in Vemulawada:
Sri Baddi Pochamma Temple:
This temple is dedicated to Goddess Pochamma, who is considered to be the guardian deity of Vemulawada. The temple is located near the Rajarajeshwara Swamy Temple, and is believed to be very powerful and miraculous. Devotees offer sarees, bangles, coconuts and animal sacrifices to the goddess and seek her protection and blessings. The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and the entry is free of cost.
Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple:
This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped here in the form of Anantha Padmanabha Swamy, or the one who reclines on the serpent Anantha. The temple is located on the banks of the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Lake, and is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere. The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and the entry is free of cost.
Sri Kondagattu Anjaneya Swamy Temple:
This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who is worshipped here as Kondagattu Anjaneya Swamy, or the one who resides on the hill. The temple is located about 35 km from Vemulawada, and is one of the most popular temples of Lord Hanuman in Telangana. The temple is surrounded by lush green hills and valleys, and offers a panoramic view of the landscape. The temple is also famous for its 32 feet tall statue of Lord Hanuman, which is the tallest in Telangana. The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and the entry is free of cost.
Lakes to Explore near Vemulawada
If you are looking for some relaxation and recreation near Vemulawada, you can visit the lakes that offer scenic views and fun activities. Here are some of the lakes that you can explore near Vemulawada:
Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Lake:
This lake is located near the Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, and is named after the presiding deity of the temple. The lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing and picnicking, and also hosts the annual Teppotsavam festival, where the idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are taken on a boat procession on the lake. The lake is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the entry is free of cost.
Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Lake:
This lake is located near the Rajarajeshwara Swamy Temple, and is named after the presiding deity of the temple. The lake is a sacred place for the devotees, who take a holy dip in the lake before entering the temple. The lake is also home to various birds and animals, such as ducks, geese, peacocks, monkeys and crocodiles. The lake is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the entry is free of cost.
Forts to Discover near Vemulawada
If you are interested in the history and culture of Telangana, you can visit the forts that showcase the heritage and glory of the region. Here are some of the forts that you can discover near Vemulawada:
Nagunur Fort:
This fort is located about 10 km from Vemulawada, and is one of the most important historical sites in Telangana. The fort was built by the Kakatiya kings in the 12th century AD, and later occupied by the Qutub Shahi and Asaf Jahi dynasties. The fort has several monuments and structures, such as the Nagunur Fort Wall, the Nagunur Fort Gate, the Nagunur Fort Mosque, the Nagunur Fort Palace and the Nagunur Fort Temple. The fort also has a museum that displays the artifacts and relics of the Kakatiya era. The fort is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the entry fee is Rs. 10 per person.
Elgandal Fort:
This fort is located about 25 km from Vemulawada, and is one of the most prominent landmarks in Karimnagar. The fort was built by the Kakatiya kings in the 13th century AD, and later ruled by the Bahmani, Qutub Shahi, Mughal, Nizam and British dynasties.
The fort has several attractions and features, such as the Elgandal Fort Hill, the Elgandal Fort Gate, the Elgandal Fort Mosque, the Elgandal Fort Cannon and the Elgandal Fort Garden. The fort also offers a splendid view of the Manair River and the Karimnagar city. The fort is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the entry fee is Rs. 10 per person.
Food to Relish in Vemulawada
If you are a foodie, you will love the food to relish in Vemulawada, which offers a variety of dishes and cuisines that reflect the taste and tradition of Telangana. Here are some of the food items that you should not miss when you are in Vemulawada:
Sarva Pindi: This is a crispy and spicy pancake made of rice flour, peanuts, sesame seeds, green chillies and curry leaves. It is a popular breakfast and snack item in Telangana, and is served with chutney or pickle. It is also known as Tapala Chekka or Tapala Attu in Telangana.
Sakinalu: This is a crunchy and savoury snack made of rice flour, sesame seeds, cumin seeds and salt. It is a festive delicacy in Telangana, and is prepared during Sankranti and other occasions. It is also known as Chakinalu or Murukulu in Telangana.
Jowar Roti: This is a soft and flat bread made of jowar or sorghum flour, water and salt. It is a staple food in Telangana, and is eaten with various curries, dal, chutney and pickle. It is also known as Jonna Rotte or Jolada Roti in Telangana.
Gongura Pachadi: This is a tangy and spicy chutney made of gongura or sorrel leaves, green chillies, garlic, tamarind, oil and salt. It is a signature dish of Telangana, and is served with rice, roti, idli or dosa. It is also known as Pulicha Keerai Thuvaiyal or Ambadi Ki Chutney in Telangana.
Mirchi Ka Salan: This is a delicious and aromatic curry made of green chillies, peanuts, sesame seeds, coconut, onion, ginger, garlic, spices, tamarind and oil. It is a traditional accompaniment for biryani in Telangana, and is also eaten with rice or roti. It is also known as Mirapakaya Salan or Hari Mirch Ka Salan in Telangana.
Festivals and Events to Celebrate in Vemulawada
If you want to experience the festive spirit and culture of Telangana, you can visit Vemulawada during the festivals and events that are celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. Here are some of the festivals and events that you can celebrate in Vemulawada:
Maha Shivaratri:
This is the most important festival in Vemulawada, as it is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the town. The festival is celebrated in the month of February or March, and marks the day when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. The festival is celebrated by fasting, praying, offering flowers, fruits, milk and other items to Lord Shiva, and performing the Rudra Abhishekam and the Shiva Linga Puja. The festival is also celebrated by taking part in the Jagarana, or the night-long vigil, and singing and dancing to the tunes of devotional songs and music. The festival attracts lakhs of devotees from all over the country, who come to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Sri Raja Rajeswara Swamy Kalyanam:
This is another major festival in Vemulawada, as it is the celestial wedding ceremony of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who are worshipped here as Sri Raja Rajeswara Swamy and Sri Raja Rajeswari Devi. The festival is celebrated in the month of March or April, and marks the day when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married in the presence of Lord Vishnu and other gods and goddesses. The festival is celebrated by performing the Kalyana Mahotsavam, or the grand wedding ceremony, where the idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are adorned with jewels and clothes, and taken in a procession around the town. The festival is also celebrated by offering Prasadam, or the sacred food, to the devotees, and distributing Kalyana Laddu, or the wedding sweets, to the guests.
Teppotsavam:
This is a unique and colorful festival in Vemulawada, as it is the boat festival of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, who are worshipped here as Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy and Sri Lakshmi Devi. The festival is celebrated in the month of April or May, and marks the day when Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi were taken on a boat ride on the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Lake. The festival is celebrated by decorating the lake with lights and flowers, and taking the idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi on a boat procession on the lake. The festival is also celebrated by performing the Arati, or the waving of lamps, and the Theertha Prasadam, or the distribution of holy water, to the devotees.
Best Time to Visit Vemulawada
The best time to visit Vemulawada is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant, the festivals are vibrant and the crowd is manageable. During this time, you can enjoy the sightseeing, boating, shopping and other activities in and around Vemulawada, and also witness the grand celebrations of Maha Shivaratri and Sri Raja Rajeswara Swamy Kalyanam.
However, you can also visit Vemulawada in other seasons, such as summer, monsoon and winter, depending on your preference and convenience. Here are the pros and cons of visiting Vemulawada in different seasons:
Summer (April to June): This is the hottest season in Vemulawada, when the temperature can rise up to 45°C, and the humidity can make it uncomfortable to travel. The pros of visiting Vemulawada in summer are that you can get cheaper accommodation and transport, and also enjoy the Teppotsavam festival. The cons of visiting Vemulawada in summer are that you may face heat strokes, dehydration and sunburns, and also miss the other festivals and events.
Monsoon (July to September): This is the wettest season in Vemulawada, when the town receives moderate to heavy rainfall, and the climate becomes cool and pleasant. The pros of visiting Vemulawada in monsoon are that you can see the greenery and freshness of the town, and also get discounts and offers on accommodation and transport. The cons of visiting Vemulawada in monsoon are that you may face roadblocks, landslides and waterlogging, and also miss the boating and other activities.
Winter (October to March): This is the best season to visit Vemulawada, when the weather is mild and comfortable, and the town is lively and festive. The pros of visiting Vemulawada in winter are that you can experience the beauty and charm of the town, and also participate in the Maha Shivaratri and Sri Raja Rajeswara Swamy Kalyanam festivals. The cons of visiting Vemulawada in winter are that you may face higher prices and crowds, and also need to book in advance for accommodation and transport.
How to Reach Vemulawada
You can reach Vemulawada by different modes of transport, such as air, rail, road and bus, depending on your budget and convenience. Here are the details of how to reach Vemulawada by each mode of transport:
By Air:
The nearest airport to Vemulawada is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, which is about 160 km away. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India and abroad, and offers regular flights from various airlines. From the airport, you can take a taxi, a cab or a bus to reach Vemulawada, which will take about 3 to 4 hours, and cost about Rs. 2000 to Rs. 3000.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station to Vemulawada is the Karimnagar Railway Station, which is about 35 km away. The railway station is connected to major cities in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and offers frequent trains from various operators. From the railway station, you can take a taxi, a cab or a bus to reach Vemulawada, which will take about an hour, and cost about Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000.
By Road:
Vemulawada is well-connected by road to major cities and towns in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and offers smooth and scenic routes for driving. You can take your own vehicle or rent a car to reach Vemulawada, which will take about 3 to 4 hours from Hyderabad, and cost about Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2000 for fuel and tolls.
By Bus:
Vemulawada has a bus stand near the Rajarajeshwara Swamy Temple, which is the main hub for public transport in the town. The bus stand offers regular buses from various operators, such as TSRTC, APSRTC, KSRTC and private buses, to and from major cities and towns in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. You can take a bus to reach Vemulawada, which will take about 4 to 5 hours from Hyderabad, and cost about Rs. 300 to Rs. 500 for a ticket.
Vemulawada is a pilgrim paradise in the heart of Telangana, where you can experience the divine grace of Lord Shiva, the natural beauty of lakes, the historical glory of forts, the delicious taste of food and the festive spirit of culture. Vemulawada is a place where you can find peace, joy and happiness, and also create memories that will last a lifetime.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Vemulawada today, and discover the wonders of this pilgrim paradise in Telangana. We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it useful and informative.
If you have any questions, comments or feedback, please feel free to share them with us. We would love to hear from you and help you plan your trip to Vemulawada. Thank you for reading and happy travelling!