The Thousand Pillar Temple, Warangal, Telangana

At a distance of 6 Kms from Warangal Railway Station (in Hanmakonda), Telangana, stands the Thousand Pillar Temple which is one of an exemplary architecture of the Kakatiya dynasty.

Rudra Deva built this temple in 1163 AD in the style of a star shape, and named the temple after him as Sri Rudreshwara Swamy Temple. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has separate shrines for Lord Surya & Lord Vishnu in the temple. A giant Nandi (bull) is seen on the platform connecting the shrines. The exterior wall of the temple, the ceiling slabs and the four central pillars of the mandap are decorated with carved sculptures. Poojas are still performed here.

The actual thousand pillar hall situated behind Nandi in the temple complex is currently being renovated by the archelogical department and is closed for visitors.

The temple is located between Warangal and Hanmakonda Chowrasta, very close to the main road and is a must see when visiting Warangal.