Kolanupaka Someswara Temple – The Thousand Lingas of Telangana’s Shaiva Heritage

 

Location

• Temple Name: Chalukya era Shri Someshwara, Revanasiddeshwara Temple
• District: Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri (formerly part of Nalgonda)
• Accessibility: About 82 km from Hyderabad and Warangal; easily reachable by road

Deities and Subshrines

• Main Deity: Lord Shiva as Someshwara Swamy
• Consort: Goddess Chandikamba (also known as Chandika Devi)
• Unique Feature: The temple houses a Sahasralinga Mandapam — a sanctum with 1,000 Shiva Lingas, earning it the name Veyi Lingala Gudi
• Subshrines Include:
• Nandi Mandapam
• Shrines for Ganapati, Subrahmanya, Navagrahas
• Nearby temples: Sri Veeranarayana Temple within walking distance

Temple Significance

• Historical Importance:
• Dates back to the Kalyani Chalukya period (1070–1126 CE)
• Kolanupaka was once the second capital of the Chalukyas
• Inscriptions and architecture reflect a blend of Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Jain traditions
• Spiritual Legacy:
• Considered one of the oldest Shaiva temples in South India
• Revered for its Sahasralinga chamber, symbolizing cosmic creation and Shiva’s omnipresence
• Devotees believe worship here grants peace, protection, and spiritual elevation
• Architectural Highlights:
• Intricate stone carvings, pillared halls, and a serene prakaram
• Chalukyan-style vimana and mandapam with sculptural finesse

History

• Chalukyan Legacy: Built during the reign of the Kalyani Chalukyas (circa 1070–1126 CE), Kolanupaka was once their second capital, known for its religious and artistic prominence.
• Shaiva–Jain–Vaishnava Harmony: The region houses temples of Shiva (Someswara), Vishnu (Veeranarayana), and Jain Tirthankaras (Kulpakji), showcasing spiritual pluralism and architectural diversity.
• Inscriptions & Patronage: Temple inscriptions reveal royal donations and the presence of Shaiva mathas, indicating its role as a major pilgrimage and learning center.

Legends

• Chandikamba’s Power: Goddess Chandikamba, consort of Someswara Swamy, is believed to be a fierce protector. Devotees worship her for strength, justice, and relief from fear.
• Sahasralinga Sanctum: The temple’s Veyi Lingala Gudi (Thousand Lingas Hall) is said to represent Shiva’s omnipresence and cosmic creation. Devotees believe that offering prayers here grants moksha and karmic cleansing.
• Kolanupaka’s Name: Derived from “Kola” (stick) and “Upaka” (to plant), it’s believed that sages planted sacred sticks here during penance, sanctifying the land.

Architecture

• Dravidian Style: The temple features a classic Dravidian vimana, pillared mandapams, and a spacious prakaram.
• Sahasralinga Mandapam: A unique chamber housing 1,000 Shiva Lingas, each carved in stone and arranged symmetrically.
• Stone Craftsmanship: Intricate carvings of deities, floral motifs, and mythological scenes adorn the pillars and walls.
• Multi-faith Complex: Located near the Kulpakji Jain Temple and Veeranarayana Temple, the site reflects early medieval South Indian temple planning.

Rituals

• Daily Worship:
• Suprabhata Seva, Abhishekam, Archana, and Harathi are performed to Lord Someshwara and Goddess Chandikamba.
• Devotees offer Bilva leaves, cow ghee lamps, and rudraksha malas during darshan.
• Sahasralinga Puja:
• The temple’s Veyi Lingala Gudi (Thousand Lingas Hall) is a sacred chamber where devotees perform mass abhishekam and deepa offerings to all lingas, symbolizing Shiva’s omnipresence.
• Special Sevas:
• Rudrabhishekam on Mondays and Pradosham
• Navagraha Shanti and Kumara Swamy puja for planetary relief and youth blessings
• Chandikamba Devi puja for protection and justice

Festivals

Festival NameMonth / OccasionHighlights

Maha Shivaratri	Feb–Mar (Magha–Phalguna)	Night-long vigil, Sahasralinga abhishekam, cultural events
Karthika Masam	Nov–Dec	Daily deepa offerings, Shiva pujas, Sahasralinga rituals
Navaratri	Sep–Oct	Chandikamba Devi alankaras and special pujas
Sankranti & Ugadi	Jan & Mar–Apr	Regional celebrations with temple rituals

Beliefs

• Sahasralinga Blessings: Worshipping the thousand Shiva Lingas is believed to grant moksha, karmic cleansing, and spiritual elevation.
• Chandikamba’s Protection: Devotees pray to the goddess for strength, justice, and relief from fear or injustice.
• Shaiva–Jain Harmony: The temple’s proximity to Kulpakji Jain Temple reflects spiritual unity, and many pilgrims visit both for complete blessings.
• Healing and Peace: The serene temple atmosphere and ancient stone vibrations are said to offer mental peace and healing energy.

Temple Hours

• Opening Time: Morning hours begin around 6:00 AM
• Closing Time: 5:30 PM daily
• Note: It’s best to visit before noon or between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM to avoid peak crowds and enjoy peaceful darshan.

Getting Here

• By Road:
• Kolanupaka is about 82 km from Hyderabad and 82 km from Warangal.
• Regular buses and private taxis are available from both cities.
• The temple is located within 1.5 km of Kolanupaka Bus Stand.
• By Rail:
• The nearest railway station is Rayagiri, approximately 30 km away.
• From Rayagiri, local transport options like autos and cabs are available.
• By Air:
• The closest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, around 100 km from Kolanupaka.

Tips

• Combine Visits:
• Visit Kulpakji Jain Temple (2 km away) and Sri Veeranarayana Temple (0.5 km away) for a multi-faith heritage experience.
• Footwear & Dress Code:
• Footwear must be left outside. Traditional attire is recommended—sarees, dhotis, or salwar suits.
• Photography:
• Allowed in outer areas but restricted inside sanctum. Always check with temple staff.
• Best Time to Visit:
• Maha Shivaratri and Karthika Masam are spiritually vibrant and draw large crowds.
• Weekdays offer quieter darshan.
• Local Eats & Stay:
• Basic eateries are available near the temple. For accommodation, consider staying in Aler, Bhongir, or Hyderabad.