Mettugutta Ramalingeshwara Temple

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Warangal is a city of historical importance.  The Kakatiya Kings who ruled this city had built many architecturally and sculpturally beautiful buildings and temples.  Kakatiya kings being Shivaites have built many Shiva temples.  Thousand pillars temple and Ramappa are world famous for engineering marvel also.  There are also lesser known temples which are unique in their own way.

On the way to the temple.  The one seen is Ganesha temple.
The piled stones - Twin rocks are called as 'Donthulamma gundlu'
These were stones with which Hidimba played 'kacchakayalu'!

Mettugutta Ramalingeshware temple is special for its serene location on hillock surrounded by rocks, trees and water trenches.  Anyone traveling in a train passing via Kazipet railway station can have the glimpse of twin rocks and temple.  The temple is about 2Km from Kazipet railway station on the highway to Hyderabad from Warangal.  This is half a kilometer from the main road in the village Madikonda.  The rocky road to the temple passes between rocks and trees and water trenches. According to local people, in this beautiful place love blossomed in the hearts of Hidimba and Bheemasena.  The area between the twin rocks was the abode of Hidimba and people believe that Bheemasena had fallen in love with Hidimba during their exile into forest. 

Another mythological story is attached to this place.  Lord Rama during his forest stay along with Sita had lived in this area.  Here, he worshipped Lord Shiva – Swayambhu Linga.  As Shri Rama worshipped, Lord Shiva here is called as Ramalingeshwara.  Temple is said to be built by Kakatiya kings.  Lord Rama’s temple also is built here.  There are nine gundams (water trench) – Pala, Ginne, Kannu, Kathi, Rama pada/ Bheema, Brahma, Vara, Mangala, Chakali gundams, around these temples.  These gundams will never dry up in any seasons.

Ramalingeshwara Temple

Swayabhu Shivalinga.  The one behind it is sculpted one.
Recently silver panipattum is made to cover the original one.

The temples will be open everyday in the morning from 6AM to 1PM and 5PM to 7PM for regular rituals.  On second Sunday of every month 'Mahanyasa Poorvaka Rudraabhishekam’ is performed by the Mettu Ramalingeshwara Seva Samithi.  All the material for this ceremony is provided by the Seva Samithi and anybody can participate in it for free. Those who want to take part in the abhishekam should reach the temple before 8AM, men should wear lungi and shella on shoulders and women should wear sarees.  After the abhishkem lunch is served for all. Special festive rituals are held on Mahashivaraathri and Sree Ramanavami, when people throng for puja and abhishekam.

Mahanyasa Poorvaka Rudrabhishekam

There is a small library with spiritual books and free health camp is held on  2nd Sunday of the month. There  The view of tricities looks wonderful from here.  Also we can view the trains passing on the tracks from Kazipet railway station.

Rama Temple

Vara (Boon) gundam.  People believe that if a childless couple takes
a dip in this will soon be blessed with offspring

? Kathi (Sword) gundam

 

Kannu (Eye) gundam

  

A train on the track is seen.  This is another gundam covered
with greenery. ?Ginne(bowl) gundam

Bheema/Rama pada (foot) gundam.  When the water is less in the gundam
imprints of toes can be seen - people say.

The twin rocks look so small and standing just behind.
But they are far away

On the rocks here and there there are flowering plants

This temple is under endowments department.  If this department takes some interest and develops this area by cleaning the gundams and beautifying the surrounding areas will make it iconic pleasant tourist spot in Warangal district.  This can also become attractive location for shooting movies too.

An old building in dilapidated condition

Mini pond on the way to the temple

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