Kotagullu

Kotagullu or Ganapuram gullu are in the village Ghanpur (previously Ganapuram after Kakatiya king Ganapathi Deva) in Mulug mandal of Telangana.  This is 74 KM from Warangal.  Ramappa and Laknavaram are within 10Km from here.

  Kakatiya Kings have followed the principle of Tank, Town, and Temple in developing their kingdom.  That is why we see many historical temples constructed during their reign has temple associated with a tank nearby in many villages.  Ganapuram temples are a group of 22 temples built within an area of 260X260 Sq.ft of a mud fort.  That is how the name Kota (fort) gullu (temples).   Main temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.  Temples are three in the east, eight on the west side, thirteen towards south and in the north there are four temples.  We can see only few of them rest in ruins and we have to presume possible temples.  The temple architecture and the sculptures seen here are similar to those at Ramappa. 

Ganapasamudram is a huge tank in this village and waters 4000 acres of agricultural land.  This temple, town and tank are constructed during the rule of Ganapathi Deva and in the name of Ganapamba, daughter of Ganapathi Deva.

Muslim King Kuli Qutub Ul Mulk (1487-1543) vandalized and destroyed architectural splendor of the temple.  Another King of Orugallu, Sitapathi, bestowed with the title of Shitabu Khan, to prevent any further destruction of sculptures had buried most in the ground during the years 1504-1512.  Four hundred years later Gulam Yagnyani, director of Archaeology in Nizam’s rule brought these temples into light. In the recent past the Government of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh has taken up archaeological excavations and development of this temple. 

After the formation of Telangana, the Telangana government is pumping in more funds and to make it into one of the historically important tourist spot. 

Locally staying people also are taking interest in developing the temple and temple rituals are being held on grand scale on festival days

  Ganapasamudram is a huge tank in this village and waters 4000 acres of agricultural land.  This temple, town and tank are constructed during the reign of Ganapathi Deva and in the name of Ganapamba, daughter of Ganapathi Deva.

Muslim King Kuli Qutub Ul Mulk (1487-1543) vandalized and destroyed architectural splendor of the temple.  Another King of Orugallu, Sitapathi, bestowed with the title of Shitabu Khan, to prevent any further destruction of sculptures had buried most in the ground during the years 1504-1512.  Four hundred years later Gulam Yagnyani, director of Archaeology in Nizam’s rule brought these temples into light. In the recent past the Government of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh has taken up archaeological excavations and development of this temple.  After the formation of Telangana, the Telangana government is pumping in more funds and to make it into one of the historically important tourist spot.  Locally staying people also are taking interest in developing the temple and temple rituals are being held on grand scale on festival days.

Though the government wants it to be developed into attractive tourist spot the developmental works seem to be at snail pace.  Hotel Harita Kakatiya near the spot is beautiful, but closed.  There is no guide and very few tourists are seen when I visited the place.  It is better to carry water and snacks as there are no hotels nearby.  There is no rest room facility; the one in Hotel Harita is locked. 

The sculptures of Lord Shiva and others are put on small pedestal in the foreground of Hotel Harita Kakatiya are awesome.  Tourists from Hyderabad can come by train or car or TSRTC bus to Kazipet / Warangal.  From Kazipet Railway station, this place can be reached by bus, or car.  A planned visit in this route can make one visit Pandavula guttalu, Laknavaram cheruvu, Ganapuram gullu and finally the spectacular Ramappa at Palampet.   Most of the road track is well laid and journey through forest from Mulug onwards will be a memorable one.  

Information source: 1. Warangal zilla vignyna sarvaswamu (Telugu 2009)
                                 2. Kotagullu - article in Vaarta (Telugu daily news paper)
                                     14th special anniversary issue - March 2010.

Govindaraja Swamy Temple

Kakatiya rulers were Shivaites and were great patrons of Shiva Temples.  We do not see other temples having many sculptures as Thousand pillars temple and Ramappa temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.  Govindaraja Swamy temple is a Vishnava temple on the hillock Govindarajula gutta.  This is within a kilometer of Warangal railway station and besides Devi talkies.  Fruit and vegetable markets are very near to it. 

The entry to the temple is opposite to Devi theatre.  This temple is visited by very few people.  There are 150 steps which lead to the temple on the rock.  This is under development.  The idol of Lord Govindaraja Swamy is in reclined position and having a vessel of treasures by his side.  His consorts, Sridevi, Bhudevi and Neeladevi are seen near the feet and at Naradamuni at head end.  This is placed in the narrow crevice between two huge rocks.  To have clear view of the Lord and want to worship one has to sit. 

A mythological story is attached to this temple.  Lord Govindaraja Swamy – Lord Srinivas at Thirupati was tired of granting wishes to his devotees and came to rest unseen in the cave.  He appeared in the dream of Rani Rudrama and revealed his presence on the hillock.  Rani Rudrama Devi had sent her men and they discovered the main idol of Shri Govindaraja Swamy and also of Lord Krishna. A temple was built and temple rituals followed.  

The temple is open in the morning from 6AM to 12.30PM and in evening between 5PM to 7PM.  On Sree Ramanavami Lord Rama’s celestial marriage is celebrated in the Mandap beside the temple.

The view of tricities and all the rocks and hillocks in Warangal is amazing from this hill top. 

Warangal Bus station and Railway Station

Mettugutta Ramalingeshwara Temple

Entry arch

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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