Keesaraguta Temple

Overview

Keesaragutta Temple is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Siva and his consorts Devi Bhavani and Devi Sivadurga at Keesaragutta in Medchal-Malkajgiri District. The temple is located approximately 40 km from Hyderabad and 10 km from ECIL. The temple is situated on a small hillock and attracts thousands of devotees every year on the auspicious occasion of Shivaratri.

About The Deity

Lord Shiva and his consorts Bhavani and Sivadurga are the primary deities of this temple.

About the temple

The history of Sri Ramalingeswara Swami Temple in Keesaragutta begins from the 4th Century CE. This temple is believed to be built before 4th or 5th Century CE. Archeologists have found the proof for the existence of human civilization in this place even during Vishnu kundins Era. A 5 storied Raja Gopuram (main tower) is built on the entrance this ancient temple. Excavations made by the archaeological department have revealed the presence of many brick structures and Shiva Lingas at the north of the temple, on the Hill. These remnants are said to have belonged to the Vishnukundins Empire. Excavators have found the walls of the fort, Yaga shala and Prayer halls at the temple premises indicating the presence of an ancient civilization at this place. Remains of few rock cut cisterns and sculptures of Jain Thirthankars were also found, indicating the existence of Jainism and Buddhism at this region.

Legends and Stories

According to mythology, Lord Rama is believed to have installed the Siva lingam here, to atone for the sin of killing Ravana, a Brahman. He is said to have chosen this lovely valley surrounded by lush green hills for this purpose and had asked Hanuman to bring a Sivalinga from the holy city of Varanasi. The arrival of Hanuman with the Shivlinga is said to have delayed. Meanwhile Lord Shiva himself had appeared before Rama presenting him with a Shivlinga, since the auspicious hour for consecrating the Linga was nearing. Hence the lingam in the temple is considered a Swayambhu Linga. It is also known by the name Ramalingeswara since Lord Sri Rama had installed the lingam.

Hanuman is believed to have returned late with 101 lingams from Varanasi, for the purpose of choosing one among them. He felt aggrieved at not having his linga installed. Hence he threw them all over the area. Even to this day several lingams are found scattered all over the place outside the temple.

In order to mollify Hanuman, Sri Rama had ordained that precedence would be given to Hanuman for worship at this temple. The Lord also declared that the hillock where the lingam was installed would bear the name of Hanuman, who is the son of Kesari. Thus the place got to be called as Kesarigiri. Over a period of time, the name has been colloquially changed and is now known as Keesara. The hill is called the Keesaragutta. Ever since, the rituals follow the command of Sri Rama.

Festivals

Maha Shivaratri, the months of Karthika and Dhanur are the main festivals celebrated at this temple. Abhishekam during the Karthika Masam is one of the special ceremonies conducted at this temple.

How To Reach Keesaragutta Siva Temple

Road

Sri Ramalingeswara Devasthanam in Keesara Gutta is well connected by road from most towns and cities of Telangana. This temple is located at a distance of 40 km away from the capital city Hyderabad. Public and private operated buses and taxis are available to reach the temple from Hyderabad.

Railways

The nearest railway station to Keesaragutta temple is the Bolarum Railway Station which is around 18 km away from Keesaragutta Temple.

Airport

The nearest airport to Keesaragutta Temple is the Rajiv Gandhi international airport at Hyderabad which lies 42 km away from Keesaragutta Temple.

Temple Address