About Thousand(1000) Pillar Temple
Kakatiya dynasty, that ruled Andhra region from 750 AD – 1325 AD – for 575 years, still lives in the ruins of the fort and almost intact temple.One of them The famous thousand pillars temple probably among the best of Indian temples, 4-km from Hanumakonda crossroad in Warangal district, A Pilgrimage Center, where people from all the faith come for meditation and obtaining peace.. The temple is the fine specimen and example of Kakatiya sculpture and architecture that flourished during the Kakatiya period. Unbelievable. This temple was built in 1163 AD and took 72 years to construct! It is one of the main attractions to the tourists visiting this place from various parts of India and abroad. The temple built by Rudradeva during 1162-63 AD,.. The temple built in the Chalukya style.
The temple is in shape of a star and has three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya, thus the temple complex is popularly known as “Thrikutalayam”. The temple is built on a 1m high platform on the slopes of the Hanumakonda hill,. The black basalt Nandi, a monolith, has a lovely polished finish. It is notable for its richly carved pillars has multiple designs, 2 centimeters to about 30 centimeters, on the perimeter of circular pillar. They used designs of jewelry of the age. Chains, bangles, rings, crowns and the Kakatiya Dynasty’s symbol, Kalisam, can be seen one after another on each pillar. The design also had flowers finely carved. So fine, the sculptures carved gap between petals .
This pillars support the central ‘Natya Mandapam’ (dance floor) are large and made of multiple blocks of stone the reflection of which can be viewed from anywhere of the central complex and a mandapam, that contributes 400 of 1000 pillars, was dismantled by the Archeological Survey of India for reconstruction. Unlike pillars in other temples of India, pillars of the main temple, are tightly knit and form its walls and so don’t seem like there are 600 of them. An impressive rock cuts of elephants and Nandi. The Nandi figure carved out of a single ‘Black Basalt’ stone measuring six feet in height has exquisitely chiseled ornaments and garlands.
Unlike most temples in India that face east, 1000 pillar temple faces south. Because, the Kakatiyas, worshipers of Lord Shiva, wanted early morning sun rays to fall directly on Shiva Lingam. So, of the three shrines, Shiva’s shrine faces east and other shrines face south and west. On the fourth side is Nandi. Adding to the uniqueness, the Nandi in 1000 pillar temple looks east, unlike most Nandis in Indian temples that look west
There are many small lingam shrines surrounding the gardens. The temple is famous for its richly carved pillars, screens and detailed sculpture. The atmosphere is calm and serene with the sonorous ringing of the puja bells, gentle chirping of the birds and the soothing cool breeze.
On the verge of collapse, but even before the inevitable can happen, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has embarked on a mission to save it. The Kalyana Mandapam of the temple, which is lying in ruins, will be dismantled and reconstructed from the foundation level. “This is possible. We are working on it,’’ senior conservation assistant at the 1,000-pillar temple L D P Vittal
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Category: Historical Places, Warangal Forts
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