Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Thousand Pillar Temple Warangal Address: Hyderabad - Warangal Hwy, Brahmanawada, Hanamkonda, Telangana, 506011, India
Built in 12th century, by the Rudra Deva, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Named as Sri Rudreshwara Swamy Temple, it has been built in architectural style of Chalukyan Temples.
As the name suggest, this temple boasts of many exquisitely carved pillars. Its rock cut elephant sculpture, massive monolith of Nandi (Lord Shiva’s divine vehicle), intricate carvings will leave you mesmerized. The spiritual aura of Thousand Pillar Temple makes the experience even more enriching.
One of the interesting aspect of 1000 Pillar Temple is that here the third deity is not Lord Brahma who is considered to be one of the Trinity (Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma). Here the Lord Surya is being worshipped as the third deity.
Constructed during the period of 1163 AD during the reign of King Rudradeva, 1000 Pillar Temple is considered to be a masterpiece of vishwakarma sthapathis of Kakatiya kingdom. Thousand Pillar Temple has been built in the architectural style similar to Chalukyan temples. It is said to be named after the King Rudra Deva and hence is known as Sri Rudreshwara Swamy Temple.
Thousand Pillar Temple, built at the base of Hanamkonda hill, is dedicated to three deities. There are three different shrines, one for each presiding deity. Called as Trikutalayam, these three main deities of the temple are Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya. The shrine of Lord Shiva is facing the east direction while the other two shrines are facing South and West. The shrines of Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya are connected to the main shrine of Lord Shiva via a square shaped mandapam.
On the 4th side of Thousand Pillar Temple there is a beautifully carved monolith of Nandi who is Lord Shiva’s sacred bull, on a platform. Carved out of a single stone, sculpture of Nandi presents a glimpse into the artistic fineness of bygone eras. The statue is facing east direction, which is different from other statues of Nandi that usually face west.
The entire structure of the Thousand Pillar Temple is in star shape. Intricately carved pillars support the structure of the temple while captivating sculptures add exquisiteness to the walls. What adds further to the beauty of 1000 Pillar Temple is the well maintained garden that surrounds it. One can also find various small Shiva Lingams in the garden.
As you enter the temple, on the both side of the entrance beautifully carved sculpture of elephants greets you. Carvings on the ceilings of the temple and its exterior walls are also equally enticing.
1000 Pillar Temple suffered to a great extent during the invasion of Tughlaq dynasty.
Thousand Pillar Temple Warangal Address: Hyderabad - Warangal Hwy, Brahmanawada, Hanamkonda, Telangana, 506011, India
Built in 12th century, by the Rudra Deva, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Named as Sri Rudreshwara Swamy Temple, it has been built in architectural style of Chalukyan Temples.
As the name suggest, this temple boasts of many exquisitely carved pillars. Its rock cut elephant sculpture, massive monolith of Nandi (Lord Shiva’s divine vehicle), intricate carvings will leave you mesmerized. The spiritual aura of Thousand Pillar Temple makes the experience even more enriching.
One of the interesting aspect of 1000 Pillar Temple is that here the third deity is not Lord Brahma who is considered to be one of the Trinity (Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma). Here the Lord Surya is being worshipped as the third deity.
Constructed during the period of 1163 AD during the reign of King Rudradeva, 1000 Pillar Temple is considered to be a masterpiece of vishwakarma sthapathis of Kakatiya kingdom. Thousand Pillar Temple has been built in the architectural style similar to Chalukyan temples. It is said to be named after the King Rudra Deva and hence is known as Sri Rudreshwara Swamy Temple.
Thousand Pillar Temple, built at the base of Hanamkonda hill, is dedicated to three deities. There are three different shrines, one for each presiding deity. Called as Trikutalayam, these three main deities of the temple are Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya. The shrine of Lord Shiva is facing the east direction while the other two shrines are facing South and West. The shrines of Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya are connected to the main shrine of Lord Shiva via a square shaped mandapam.
On the 4th side of Thousand Pillar Temple there is a beautifully carved monolith of Nandi who is Lord Shiva’s sacred bull, on a platform. Carved out of a single stone, sculpture of Nandi presents a glimpse into the artistic fineness of bygone eras. The statue is facing east direction, which is different from other statues of Nandi that usually face west.
The entire structure of the Thousand Pillar Temple is in star shape. Intricately carved pillars support the structure of the temple while captivating sculptures add exquisiteness to the walls. What adds further to the beauty of 1000 Pillar Temple is the well maintained garden that surrounds it. One can also find various small Shiva Lingams in the garden.
As you enter the temple, on the both side of the entrance beautifully carved sculpture of elephants greets you. Carvings on the ceilings of the temple and its exterior walls are also equally enticing.
1000 Pillar Temple suffered to a great extent during the invasion of Tughlaq dynasty.
