Warangal - Vishnu Aalayam

Ekasilanagaram, the legendary name of the present Warangal enjoyed its unenviable pre-eminence during the great Kakatiya emperors, whose patronage of arts made it an important cultural centre of Telengana in particular, and Andhra desa in general. The enlightened rulers, besides building numerous temples for perpetuating the glory of the gods, patronized poets and sculptors, who immortalized the benefactors by their master-pieces. The celebrated poet Pothana offered his devotion-soaked, fragrant flower Bhagavatam to the public during that time. Of their multifarious great achievements that greet the eyes of both literates and illiterates, the Thousandpillared temple merits first mention. This great monument received highest encomiums by the greatest art-critics and historians. It was built as far back as in 1163 by the illustrious emperor Rudra Deva. Kakatiya sculptured architecture peeping from every frame of the temple, delights the viewers. The plan itself is quite grandiose, and its masterly sculptured broad thousand pillars are heightening the glory of the rulers and the master sculptors. It is a star shaped triple shrine accommodating three separate, independent shrines for Lord Siva, Vishnu and Surya. The perforated screens and richly carved pillars are its plus points. The black Basalt monolith Nandi with its polished sheen and dazzling finish affords another example. The archa-murthis too are the best specimens of great artistry and they are masterly chiseled. But, no in ruins. Only for namesake daily puja is offered to the deities, surrounded by debris Yet the steady influx of the visitors reflects its unprecedented glory. It is a miss-not worthy divya kshetra enabling darsan of the most adorable triple deities - Siva, Vishnu and Surya under one roof.

It lies in the heart of Warangal town of Andhra Pradesh, accessible by bus or train and it is a rail head too.

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