Bhadrakali Temple at Hanamkonda is one of the oldest Goddess Kali temples in India, located in Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh. The temple stands on the banks of the artificial Bhadrakali Lake. This historic shrine was built by a great devotee, King Pulakesi II of Chalukya Dynasty in 625 AD.
Goddess Bhadrakali is a ferocious form of Goddess Shakti. The square shaped temple has a stone image of Goddess Bhadrakali in a sitting posture with a fierce look in her eyes and face. She is seen wearing a crown and holds weapons in all her eight hands with Shiva under her feet. ‘Sree Chakram’ and ‘Utsava Vigrahas’ of Bhadrakali are placed in front of the main deity. A statue of Lion, Bhadrakali’s vahana on which she rides, is placed opposite the sanctum sanctorum. The figurine of the Goddess is shaped in Ekanda Shila sculpture; traditional techniques of Chalukya Kings. However, the artistic carvings on the huge stone entrance and pillars reflect the Kakatiya tradition. The temple also has a Dhwaja Sthambam and Balipeetham.
Deities
The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Bhadrakali’s whose image is made in 2.7 x 2.7 m square stone facing the Western side. Some of the oldest deities in the Maha Mantapam along with Bhadrakali are Uma Maheshwara in front of Siva Linga, Subrahmanya Swamy, Hanuman and Navagrahas; all carved in stone.
History
In the year 625 A.D after the victory in the ‘Vengi’ region of Andhra, Pulakesin-II of Chalukya Dynasty started worshiping the fierce looking deity. Hari, a Minister of Kakatiya Ganapthy Deva is said to have constructed the Tank and Road to the Temple. The natural rock formations add charm to the 250 years old Temple. The entire structure is supposed to contain spiritual powers. The depiction of the Goddess as Tripura Sundari – ‘the supreme manifestation of nature’ is also very famous.
Temple Timings
The temple remains open on all days from 5:00 am till 9:00 pm.
Festivals
The famous festivities celebrated here are
Vasantotsavam or Vasanta Navaratri in Chaitra masam
Shakambari Navratri in Ashada masam
Maha Sharan Navaratri or Durga Devi Navaratri in Ashwayuja masam
Maghi Utsava or Magha Navaratri in Magha masam
Bhadrakali Brahmotsavam in Chaitra masam
Sravana Masam Festival
How to Reach
The nearest airport is Hyderabad. The temple is located between Hanamkonda and Warangal about 1.5 km from Government Polytechnic. The temple is just 5 km from Warangal Railway Station and Bus Station.
Contact Phone Number is 0870-2565045
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