Thousand Pillar Temple
వేయి స్తంభాల గుడి
A star-shaped temple complex with three shrines, built in 1163 by the Kakatiya dynasty. Its black basalt pillars and carvings of Nandi the bull are exquisite.
The Thousand Pillar Temple (Rudreshwara Swamy Temple) was built in 1163 in Hanamkonda by Rudradeva I of the Kakatiya dynasty. It is dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and the sun god Surya. Its three main shrines sit on a star-shaped platform and are linked to the mandapa (pillared hall) opposite by many finely carved stone pillars. The name “Thousand Pillars” is an exaggeration. The highlights are the Nandi bull carved from a single block of black basalt, the polished lathe-turned pillars that gleam, and the dancer and floral reliefs on the lintels. The pillared hall was dismantled and rebuilt over several decades, and restoration was completed around 2022. Entry is free. You must remove your shoes to enter the shrines. Going early in the morning helps you avoid the heat. The visit takes about 1 hour. The temple is in downtown Hanamkonda and can be reached by auto-rickshaw.
Opening hours
06:00–20:00
Nearby sights
- Padmakshi Temple
- Bhadrakali Temple & Lake
- Kakatiya Musical Garden
- Warangal Fort & Kakatiya Kala Thoranam
- Pakhal Lake
- Ramappa Temple
- Laknavaram Lake