Description
Warangal Bhadrakali Devi Temple is a very famous and ancient temple in the city of Andhra Pradesh. It was built ages ago by the Kakatiyas who mainly were devotees of Shiva. The temple is situated on a hilltop between the cities of Hanamkonda and Warangal in Andhra Pradesh. Bhadrakali is very famous among the devotees who call her the “Grant Mother Goddess”. The idol is a stone image of Goddess Bhadrakali, square in shape, in a seated position with a powerful eyes and face. She is eight handed and carries different weapons and wears a crown on her head.
History
According to historical accounts, the temple was built during the reign of King Pulakesi II of the Chalukya dynasty. He constructed this temple around 625 AD and dedicated it to Goddess Bhadrakali after achieving victory over the Vengi regions of Andhra Pradesh in battles. states that this was the King Pulakesi II from the Chalukya dynasty. The pillars differ in form from the temples constructed by the Kakatiyas. The Kakatiya rulers later adopted Bhadrakali as their “kula devata”. The temple fell from its fame and lost prominence after the defeat of the Kakatiya rule in the hands of Alauddin Khilji of Delhi. It was renovated much later in the 20th century by the efforts of a person called Sri Ganapti Shastri.
Importance/Significance
Warangal Bhadrakali Devi Temple is highly esteemed by the devotees of the Goddess. Bhadrakali is popularly known as the 'Grant Mother Goddess' because she is said to be fulfilling all the ardent wishes of her devotees. The remarkable feature of the Bhadrakali Temple is the natural and spiritual beauty of the entire place. A large number of natural rock formations add to the spiritualism. The Bhadrakali Lake is picturesque.
Facts/Mythology
It is said that over the years the chanting of sacred mantras have transformed the deity Bhadrakali into a the rare form called, Tripura Sundari or the “manifestation of the beauty of the three worlds”(Tri means three, pura means world or realms or cities and sundari is beauty or one who is beautiful). Though one looks at the image of Bhadrakali, the deity has transformed into Tripura Sundari. She is regarded as the supreme feminine power, the vital energy of nature, the entire universe.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
Though the footfall is always high, the best time to visit Bhadrakali Devi Temple is the Telegu month called 'Shravana', that is, during August – September. A festival is organized during this time and major celebrations take place. The Sharad Navratri which takes place during September or October is also highly celebrated here. Other main festivals are Vasantotsavam or Vasant Navratri in Chaitra masam, Bhadrakali Bhadreshwara Swami Kalyana Brahmotsava in Baishaka Masam, Maghi Navarathri in Magh masam, Shakumbari Navaratri in Ashaad Masam. Due to the sacred, mystic aura of the temple, a large number of devotees come to offer their prayers to the Goddess from far off places too.
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