History of Bhadrakali Temple
The Bhadrakali temple is what one can call truly ancient. It has seen the rise and fall of two empires before losing its own significance to the Islamic Sultanate. The temple was constructed in 625 AD by King Pulakesin II of the Chalukya dynasty as per the inscriptions on the walls, though much of it was ruined. He ordered the erection of the structure to commemorate his conquest of the Vengi region of Andhra. Dedicating temples to the deities to mark victories was a common practice among the Indian rulers.
Later the Kakatiya rulers, who considered Goddess Bhadrakali to be their clan's ancestral deity or kuldevi, took upon the responsibility to upkeep the temple and also renovate it a bit. The lake by the Bhadrakali temple is their contribution. After this, the Hindu temple lost its importance during the rule of the Khiljis, Tughlaqs, and Bahamanis.
The current structure and architecture of the temple owe itself to Sri Ganapati Shastri, the ardent follower of Goddess Kali who migrated to the Andhra region from Karnataka in the 1940s. When he noticed the ruined remains of the ancient Bhadrakali temple, he wanted to rebuild the abode for his goddess and with the help of a group of local followers and religious enthusiasts he re-constructed the temple by 1950.
Legend of Bhadrakali Temple
Goddess Bhadrakali is one of ten Mahavidyas of the Supreme Goddess as per Hindu texts and mythology. She is the protector of the good and rage, and fury engulfs her persona in all the deities. However, it is said that in the Bhadrakali temple of Warangal, the holy chants when pronounced with utmost devotion, makes the stone deity transform itself to its Tripura Sundari avatar. Tripura Sundari means the culmination of all the feminine power of beauty, nature, and fertility together into one powerful being - she is the foremost face of Adi Shakti in Shaktism faith.
Architecture of Bhadrakali Temple
The Bhadrakali temple has partial remnants of its old structure and is partially newly built by Ganapati Shastri. The elementary pillars and the ekanda shila (use of a single piece stone for the main deity) will remind you of the Chalukyas, while the intricate carvings are the contribution of the Kakatiyas.
After getting the new avatar, however, the temple got some changes not only in architecture but also in custom. Unlike the ancient times, animal sacrifices were stopped, and the fierce raged expression of the deity was replaced with softened features in eyes and smile. The temple got its own Chandi Yantra as well. The hanging tongue of Goddess Bhadrakali was carved and inscribed with holy chants of amrutha beejaksharas.
The single dark stone has the Goddess seated within the sanctum sanctorum with weapons in her eight hands, bejewelled crown on her head and a calm and soft look on her face, but with an underlying fieriness. Opposite the sanctorum or Garbha Griha is a statue of the Supreme Goddess?' ever-faithful and loyal pet vehicle - the fierce lion. In the premises, there are shrines of other gods as well carved out of stone. Lord Shiva, Subramanya Swamy, Hanumanji all are nestled together along with the powerful goddess.
Other Attractions at Bhadrakali Temple
A major feature of the Bhadrakali temple that attracts the tourists is the adjoining lake built by the Kakatiyas for drinking and agricultural purposes. Spreading for over 2 kilometres, this lake was once a completely rain-fed one. However, for the revival of the lake and also to restore it to its former glory, pipelines were laid by the government from the Kakatiya canal bringing fresh water from Manair Dam. Now other than serving as the source of fresh drinking water for Warangal and Hanamkonda, it is also a great place for tourism.
Andhra Pradesh tourism has introduced boating in the Bhadrakali lake so that the visitors can take in the surroundings on a relaxing and peaceful ride. The natural rock formations around the temple premises make for a spectacular view from the lake, especially during the sunset. The beauty of the lake and the rocks enhance the spiritual appeal of the place manifold times.
Festivals of Bhadrakali Temple
The temple decks up for the special festivals of Brahmotsavams during April or May. The other festivals which are essential for the Bhadrakali Temple are Vasanta Navaratri, Shakambari Utsavam and Sharan Navratri. All of them take place during the shravana masa or the months of August and September. It is a beautiful scene to behold when the temple is decorated with thousands of lights and men and women from across Telengana and Andhra come here in traditional attires to offer puja.
How to Reach Bhadrakali Temple
Bhadrakali temple is situated around 5 kilometres away from the Warangal railway station, near the Lal Bahadur College. Any auto rickshaw or taxi will take you from your hotel or place of stay in front of the temple's entrance gate.
Top Tourist Places in Warangal
Thousand Pillar Temple
Ramappa Temple
Warangal Fort
Kakatiya Musical Garden
Bhadrakali Temple
Padmakshi Temple
All Tourist Places in Warangal
Tips
1. Photography is allowed outside and in the lake premises, but not inside the temple.2. You can buy traditional South Indian sarees from some hawkers sitting inside the temple premises.
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