Explore Vemulawada: Telangana’s Sacred Shaivite Pilgrimage

Location

Village: Vemulawada
District: Rajanna Sircilla
State: Telangana
Access: Well-connected by road from Karimnagar (~35 km) and Hyderabad (~150 km). Buses, autos, and taxis are available.

Presiding Deity

Main Deity: Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy, a form of Lord Shiva worshipped as Neela Lohitha Lingam.
The deity is known for boundless benevolence, and devotees believe their wishes are fulfilled here.

Subshrines in the Temple Complex

The temple houses several important subshrines, reflecting Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Shakta traditions:

Sri Ananta Padmanabha Swamy Temple – rare Vishnu shrine in a Shaivite complex
Sri Bhimeshwara Swamy Temple
Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple
Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
Sri Ganapathi Temple
Sri Subrahmanya Swamy Temple
Sri Durga Devi Temple
Sri Kasi Visweswara Swamy Temple
Sri Uma Maheshwara Swamy Temple
Sri Mahalakshmi Temple
Sri Saraswathi Temple
Sri Navagraha Temple

These subshrines highlight the temple’s inclusive spiritual landscape, embracing multiple Hindu traditions.

Temple Significance

Historical Roots: Believed to date back to the Chalukya period (9th–10th century CE).
Mention in Puranas: The temple is referenced in ancient texts, affirming its antiquity and sanctity.
Unique Rituals: Devotees perform kode mokku (offering a sacred bull) and take a holy dip in the Dharma Gundam before darshan.
Cultural Harmony: The presence of Vishnu and Shakti shrines within a Shiva temple reflects inter-sect unity.
Pilgrimage Magnet: Especially crowded during Maha Shivaratri, Karthika Masam, and other festivals.

History

The temple was built during the reign of the Vemulawada Chalukyas, who ruled the region between 750 and 973 CE.
Vemulawada served as the capital of the Chalukyas, making the temple a major religious and cultural center.
Inscriptions and Puranic references affirm the temple’s antiquity and its role in promoting Shaivism in the Deccan region.

Legends

The presiding deity, Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy, is worshipped as Neela Lohitha Shiva Lingam, symbolizing divine compassion and power.
According to local lore, Lord Shiva appeared here to bless devotees with healing and fulfillment of wishes, earning the temple the title “Dakshina Kasi” (Kasi of the South).
The ritual of kode mokku (offering a bull) is linked to ancient beliefs in animal sacrifice and symbolic surrender to Shiva.
The temple is also associated with Sri Rama, who is believed to have worshipped Shiva here during his exile, adding Vaishnava significance to the site.

Architecture

The temple follows Dravidian architectural style, with a prominent gopuram (tower), pillared mandapas, and sculpted sanctum.
The main sanctum houses the Shiva Lingam, while the complex includes shrines for Vishnu, Rama, Lakshmi Narasimha, Durga, and others — reflecting sectarian harmony.
The temple tank, Dharma Gundam, is considered sacred, and pilgrims bathe here before darshan.
The layout integrates ritual pathways, subshrines, and festival mandapas, supporting large-scale pilgrimages and celebrations.

Daily Rituals

Kode Mokku (Bull Offering): Devotees offer a sacred bull to Lord Shiva, symbolizing surrender and fulfillment of vows.
Dharma Gundam Bath: Pilgrims take a holy dip in the temple tank before darshan, believed to purify sins and ailments.
Abhishekam & Archana: Performed to the Shiva Lingam with water, milk, and sacred items.
Arjitha Sevas: Special pujas like Rudrabhishekam, Lingarchana, and Palabhishekam are available for devotees.
Self-Puja Tradition: Devotees often perform puja themselves, enhancing personal connection with the deity.

Major Festivals

Maha Shivaratri Jathara: The most significant festival, attracting lakhs of pilgrims. Celebrated with:

Sri Rama Navami: Celebrated in the Kodanda Rama subshrine with special pujas and cultural programs
Bonalu & Bathukamma: Regional festivals honoring Goddess Durga and local traditions
Dasara: Celebrated with processions and rituals across subshrines

Beliefs and Spiritual Significance

Dakshina Kasi: The temple is revered as the “Kasi of the South,” believed to offer liberation and healing.
Wish-Fulfilling Shrine: Devotees believe that sincere prayers here can grant health, prosperity, and resolution of personal issues.
Shaiva–Vaishnava Harmony: Presence of Vishnu and Rama shrines within a Shiva temple symbolizes sectarian unity.
Healing Power of Dharma Gundam: The sacred tank is believed to cure skin diseases and purify karma.

Temple Hours & Daily Sevas

According to the official temple schedule:

Opening Time: 4:00 AM (Mangala Vaidyam)
Suprabhata Seva: 4:10 AM – 4:30 AM
Prabhata Harathi: 4:35 AM
Kode Puja & Gomatha Puja: 5:00 AM – 5:15 AM
Prathakala Puja: 5:15 AM – 6:15 AM
Nithya Kalyanam: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Madhyanhika Puja & Anna Puja: 11:40 AM – 12:10 PM (or 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM on special days)
Pradosakala Puja: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Nishikala Puja: 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Pavalimpu Seva (Closing): 10:00 PM – 10:20 PM

Getting There

Tips

Best Time to Visit: Early morning for peaceful darshan; avoid peak hours during festivals unless attending rituals.
Footwear: Must be removed before entering the temple premises.
Dharma Gundam: Carry a change of clothes if you plan to bathe in the sacred tank.
Kode Mokku: If offering a bull, coordinate with temple staff or local handlers.
Accommodation: Budget lodges and temple choultries are available nearby; book early during Maha Shivaratri.
Festivals: Expect heavy crowds during Maha Shivaratri, Karthika Masam, and Sravana Masam.
Accessibility: The temple is mostly accessible, but elderly visitors may need assistance during peak times.