The temple, as the name enunciates, is decorated with thousand pillars. This famous historic monument was built in 1163 A.D. by a Kakatiyan ruler, Rudradev and was named after him as Sri Rudreshwara Swamy Temple. The temple is built in matchless "Trikootalaya" style of Kakatiyas, the presiding deity by and large "Sanctum Sanctorum" is Rudreshwar and the other are dedicated to "Lord Surya" and "Lord Vishnu" the temple is on a satellite plan with the shrines connected to a square Rung Mandap in the centre. A beautifully carved giant "Nandi" as in Lepakshi is seen on the platform connecting the shrines in the mandap. The outside wall of the temple, the celling slabs and the central pillars of the navarangal mandap are decorated with finely carved sculptures of the deities. The sculptures of Indra with Airavata craftsmanship of the Kakatiya Dynasty.
LOCATION:
The Thousand Pillars Temple is located in Hanamkonda part of the Warangal City. It is about 6 kms away from, Warangal Railway Station & Bus Station 9 kms away from Kazipet Rly.Junction and is well connected by city bus service.
PRESENT STATUS:
The Temple is being maintained by Archaeological Survey on India, who have adopted it as of the protected monuments. The temple is in nice condition and there's lawns around the temple. Drinking water facility is also available in the temple and a bore well with motor has recently been provided.
RECENT PLANS
Sound and Light Show is being introduced soon. The Contract has been finalised with the help of Govt. of India and being executed by M/s Philips India Ltd. The estimated cost is Rs. 80 Lakhs.
Landscaping around the temple is planned and the front elevation will be improved. Negotiations are going on with the local inhabitants to shift to the alternate places.
Road infront of the temple will be made 100 ft wide with lawns on both sides to give stunning frontal appearance.
How to reach Thousand Pillar Temple (Warangal)
Air : The nearest airport is at Hyderabad, 157-km away.
Rail : Warangal has a railway station and is well connected by rail to important cities of India.
Road : APSTRC and Private buses connect Warangal with Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Karimnagar, Khammam and some other districts.