About Thousand Pillar Temple
The Thousand Pillar Temple, also called the Rudreshwara Swamy Temple, stands at the foot of the Hanamkonda hill in the Warangal urban area of Telangana. Known in Telugu as Veyyi Stambhala Gudi, it is one of the finest monuments of the Kakatiya dynasty and is still an active place of worship. Together with the Warangal Fort and the Ramappa Temple, it forms part of the rich Kakatiya heritage of the region, and it is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
An inscription at the temple, dated to the 1160s, records its building under the Kakatiya king Rudra Deva, who made Hanamkonda his early capital before the dynasty moved to Warangal. The main deity is Shiva as Rudreshwara, named after the king, with shrines for Vishnu and Surya, forming a trikutalaya or triple shrine. The temple suffered damage during invasions of the Deccan in the 14th century, and parts of it fell into disrepair. In recent decades the Archaeological Survey of India has carried out extensive restoration, including the dismantling and rebuilding of the detached pillared hall.
The three shrines are arranged around a central pillared hall on a raised, star-shaped platform. The name refers to the many pillars of the temple and its hall rather than an exact count. The black basalt and granite pillars are turned and polished to a shine, and carved with dancers, musicians and floral patterns of great delicacy. Perforated stone screens let in soft light. In front of the temple sits a large monolithic Nandi carved from polished black stone, gazing towards the Shiva shrine. Elephant sculptures and decorated doorways add to the beauty of the complex.
Thousand Pillar Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with a break in the afternoon on some days. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning abhishekam | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Thousand Pillar Temple
By air
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, is about 160 km away.
By train
Kazipet Junction is about 5 km away and Warangal station about 6 km away.
By road
The temple is on the Hanamkonda–Warangal road. Autorickshaws and city buses are easily available; Hyderabad is about 3–4 hours by road.
Festivals at Thousand Pillar Temple
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Kartika MasamOct/Nov
- BathukammaSep/Oct
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before entering the shrines.
- Entry
- Darshan is generally free; check locally for any ASI charges or photography rules.
- Look closely at the pillars and screens; the fine carving is best seen in good daylight.
- Combine the visit with the Bhadrakali Temple and Warangal Fort on the same day.
- Mornings are cooler and less crowded.
- Do not touch or climb on the carved surfaces.
Places to visit near Thousand Pillar Temple
- Bhadrakali Temple, WarangalPopular hill-lake goddess temple, about 3 km away
- Warangal FortKakatiya fort with the famous stone gateways, about 12 km away
- Ramappa Temple, PalampetUNESCO World Heritage Kakatiya temple, about 65 km away
- Padmakshi Temple, HanamkondaHilltop goddess shrine, about 2 km away
Frequently asked questions
Does the Thousand Pillar Temple really have 1,000 pillars?
The name refers to its many carved pillars in the temple and hall; it is a traditional name rather than an exact count.
Who built the Thousand Pillar Temple?
It was built in the 12th century under the Kakatiya king Rudra Deva, as recorded in an inscription at the temple.
Which deities are worshipped at the Thousand Pillar Temple?
It is a triple shrine of Shiva (Rudreshwara), Vishnu and Surya.
How to reach the Thousand Pillar Temple?
It is about 5–6 km from Kazipet and Warangal railway stations and about 160 km from Hyderabad airport.
What is the aarti time at Thousand Pillar Temple?
Morning abhishekam: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Thousand Pillar Temple timings?
Usually open from about 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with a break in the afternoon on some days. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Thousand Pillar Temple?
Modest clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before entering the shrines.
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