According to legend, Warangal and Hanamkonda were linked with the dynasties of the Great Vishnukundins. Warangal, known as Orukal during the 18th century AD, was a capital city of the Yadava King of Tuluva. This city was also ruled by the Kakatiyas or Ganapathis, from the middle of the 12th century AD up to two hundred years.

Few kings like Polaraja Rudra Deva-I, Rani Rudrama Devi, Ganapathi Deva and Prathaparudra were able to occupy great positions in Warangal History. Though the city has seen phases of success under the rule of several kings, historians have divided the development of the city into four stages on the basis of important historical events and growth of the city.

Warangal is situated 148 kilometres north-east of Hyderabad. The place is 870 ft above mid sea level and is bound on the west by the Medak district, on the east by Khammam district and on the south by Nalgonda district. Spread over12846 sq km, the district has a tropical climate and is very hot in summer and moderately cold in winter. It generally tends to be dry and warm during the summer season and remains like this till August and September.

The culture of Warangal is mainly recognised for fine arts and literature. Various art forms like modern songs, poetry, dance, painting and films has emerged and flourished in this city. Every two years, the district hosts a Samakka-Sarakka Jatara (congregation), commemorating the fight of a mother-daughter duo with the reigning ruler over injustice. Besides this, the Batkamma festival is an important festival of this place.

Warangal has several ancient temples including Thousand Pillars Temple, Swayambhu Temple, Rayaparthy Shiva Temple, Siddeshwara Temple, Inavolu Temple, Veeranarayana Temple, which are popular tourist attractions. The place is also known for its lakes, parks and wildlife. Other tourist attractions of Warangal include Padmakshi Gutta, Musical Garden, Laknavaram Lake, Pandavula Guttalu, Champak Hills Sri, Khush Mahal, etc.

The nearest airport to reach Warangal is in Hyderabad, which is 160 km away. Warangal has its own railway station and is linked to major cities in India by rail as well as road. The best time to visit Warangal is the months of November to March, when the temperature lowers down slightly.

Bhadrakali Temple of Warangal

Bhadrakali temple is believed to be constructed by the King Pulakesi II of Chalukya dynasty around 625 A.D to commemorate his victory over Vengi region of Andhra Desham. This can be observed from the square pillars used in the temple structure which were different from the circular pillars commonly used in temples constructed by Kakatiyas.

The Kakatiya kings of “Orugallu empire” which is the present Warangal city have adopted Goddess Bhadrakali as their “Kula Devatha” giving her preference over other gods. The lake was built later by Ganapathi Deva, a minister in Kakatiya Dynasty. A road leading to the temple was also added during that period.

About Bhadrakali  Temple

The temple’s main deity Bhadrakali matha’s image is made in a 2.7×2.7 meters square stone facing west with pleasant looking eyes holding weapons in 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 temple also has a Dhwaja Sthambam and Balipeetham.

Some of the oldest deities in the Maha Mantapam along with Bhadrakali are Uma Maheshwara images on stone in front of Shiva Linga, Subramanya Swamy statue, Hanuman statue and Navagrahas all carved in stone.

A new road was constructed in 1966 from the temple to the Warangal-Kazipet main road next to Government Polytechnic. The temple has been expanded in the 2000′s with the addition of Alaya Shikaram, Maha Mantapam. Recently Sri Vallabha Ganapathi temple and temple Parikrama have been added to the main temple.

The temple management is also running a Veda Pathasala in Warangal (School for learning Vedas) near the temple.

There are 8 major and 12 minor temples in the mountains surrounding the Bhadrakali Temple including Padmakshi Amma temple, Sri Shirdi Sai Baba, Sri Narasimha swamy temple and Sri Pothuluri Veerabrahmendra Swamy temple.

Bhadrakali Temple has become a major tourist place and people from many parts of India visit this temple.

The people of Warangal and Hanamkonda believe in Goddess Bhadrakali and visit her for all the auspicious occasions like newborn babies, marriages etc. and offer her bangles, sarees and garlands and pray to her for her blessings.

People with desires go to the temple and tie a coconut (Mudupu) with red blouse piece at the temple after pooja. After the fulfilment of their desires they once again visit the temple and untie the coconut and perform poojas and offer sarees to the deity.