A Sacred Abode Of Lord Shiva Sri Ramalingeswara Swami Vari Devasthanam In Hyderabad To Visit In 2024

Sri Ramalingeswara Swami vari Devasthanam commonly known as Keesaragutta Temple, is a famous place for pilgrimage situated near Hyderabad. This ancient temple pays homage to Lord Shiva who is also known as Sri Ramalingeswara Swami in this region. The temple holds religious and historic significance for thousands of pilgrims and tourists who visit every year. This Hindu shrine constructed by Indians still stands as a testimony of the architectural marvel with intricate carvings which makes it an ideal place for spiritual exploration. Apart from its religious importance, this temple also boasts a picturesque environment.

Sri Ramalingeswara Swami Vari Devasthanam Temple History

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Sri Ramalingeswara Swami Vari Devasthanam Vijayawada, surrounded by hills and covered in greenery in a calm valley, has a strong connection with Hindu history. According to legend, Rama built this temple after he killed Ravana the demon king to atone for his sin. Being a Brahmin by birth but a demon by nature meant that Ravana’s death required an act of penance from Rama. Rama chose the beautiful, serene valley of Keesaragutta to put up a lingam symbolising Lord Shiva. Rama sent Hanuman to get the Linga from Shiva’s favourite abode which is Varanasi. There was a delay in bringing Linga from Varanasi so Lord Shiva himself appeared before Rama and gave him a Swayambhu Linga or a self-manifested Lingam.

However, Hanuman was unaware of this, and he returned with 101 Linga for Rama to choose from. After looking at the already installed Linga, Hanuman became frustrated and scattered all the Linga’s that he had brought in the nearby area. These lingams are found outside the temple premises and are still worshipped by devotees, along with Swayambhu Linga, who are inside the sanctum-sanctorum of the temple. To acknowledge the unfailing loyalty, Rama named the hill as Karigiri Hill after Kesari’s son Hanuman where this temple is situated. Over some time, Kesaragiri Kshetram became Keesara, and its present name is Keesaragutta.

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Ruins Of Sri Ramalingeswara Swami Vari Devasthanam

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The Keesaragutta temple and its surroundings have been the site of significant archaeological explorations and excavations conducted by the Archaeology Department. These efforts have revealed numerous ancient ruins, which offer insights into the rich historical and cultural heritage of this area. These findings are from the Chalukya Empire, a powerful dynasty that ruled most parts of southern India and Central India between the 6th and 12th centuries CE.
Notable discoveries included fortification walls, Yagasala (sacrificial halls) and prayer halls. Such buildings suggest this place was once an important religious and community centre. An exceptional discovery occurred on October 18th, 2014 when twelve Jain Tirthankaras idols were found near the temple steps at a depth of one foot. These idols are evidence that Jainism co-existed with Hinduism in Keesaragutta during the Vishnukundins Dynasty reigns in the 4th-5th centuries CE.

Sri Ramalingeswara Swami Vari Devasthanam Festivals

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Participating in the festivals and rituals at Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy temple in Vijayawada is a unique experience that offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is known for its grand celebrations during major Hindu festivals, which attract thousands of devotees. Maha Shivaratri, one of the most significant observances, involves special prayers, rituals and performances throughout the night. The temple is beautifully decorated. Devotees stay all night singing hymns and praying to Lord Shiva. This festival is an extraordinary display of energy and devotion.

Other festivals, such as Karthika Masam, Ugadi, and Rama Navami, are also enthusiastically celebrated. All these events have their customs and rituals, offering visitors rich cultural experiences. These festivities offer tourists opportunities to familiarise themselves with local customs, thereby connecting through spirituality in these temples.

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Sri Ramalingeswara Swami Vari Devasthanam Nearby Attractions

Keesaragutta Temple, located near Hyderabad, is a major pilgrimage place to pay homage to Lord Shiva. The beautiful architectural design of Charminar, Ramoji Film City’s fantastic screen splendour, attractive Wonderla rides, and Golconda Fort’s reminiscing antiquity are among these diverse attractions offering an experience ranging from cultural heritage to modern entertainment.

1. Ramoji Film City Hyderabad

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A vast 2,000-acre complex, which makes it India’s largest film studio and attracts tourists from all over the world, exists in Ramoji Film City. First established by Ramoji Group in 1991, it holds the record for being the world’s biggest film studio complex according to the Guinness Book of Records and is home to numerous filmmakers. Once inside Ramoji Film City, guests begin with guided tours that show them a behind-the-scenes look at how films are made. There are theme parks for each age group. Eureka complex is a thematic area that has a mediaeval fort, royal palace, and vintage streetscapes taking the visitors into different eras. For those who love adventures Ramoji Film City has a lot to offer – zip-lining, high ropes course and bungee jumping are among them.
Entry Fee: Rs. 1150 (Child) and Rs. 1350 (Adult)
Timings: 9 AM to 5:30 PM

2. Wonderla Hyderabad

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Wonderla Hyderabad is one of India’s best theme parks and offers visitors of all ages a thrilling and fun-filled experience. Opened in 2016, the park, which encompasses more than 50 acres, is home to over forty rides including some of the most dizzying roller coasters, making it an ideal place for family outings, group hangouts or even as your solo adventure. The park has been transformed into diverse zones with different levels of thrill and excitement. For those who love the adrenaline rush, Wonderla provides high-thrill rides such as Recoil- India’s first reverse looping roller coaster and Maverick- an unpredictable wild and intense ride. Water enthusiasts can take full advantage of the wide range of waterslides, wave pools and lazy rivers contained within Wonderla’s massive waterpark section.
Entry Fee: 11 AM to 6 PM
Timings: Rs. 812 (Child) and Rs. 1016 (Adults)

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3. Golconda Fort

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Originally constructed by the Kakatiya dynasty around the thirteenth century, the fort was later renovated and expanded by the Qutb Shahi dynasty ruling the area in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Its position on top of a granite hill together with its intricate design makes it an impressive feat of engineering and defence. The fort complex stretches 11 kilometres and contains strong protective structures like huge ramparts, gates, and bastions along watchtowers. To discourage enemy elephants, a splendid structure called Fateh Darwaza meaning ‘Victory Gate’ is bristling with iron spikes at its entrance. When someone claps at the entrance, it is easily heard at the Bala Hisar pavilion, which is almost a kilometre from the fort’s highest point.
Entry Fee: Rs. 25/- Per Person and Rs. 20/- for children and Rs. 200 for Foreign Tourists
Timings: 8:30 am and 5:30 pm from Monday to Friday / Saturday and Sunday, the fort remains closed

4. Chowmahalla Palace

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It took about a century to construct this palace complex, incorporating four palaces reflecting Mughal, Persian and European styles. Khilwat Mubarak, which lies at the core of Chowmahalla Palace, was designed for important gatherings during Nizam’s rule. There lies a marble platform on which Nizam sat. There are also numerous courtyards, well-manicured gardens and fountains within Chowmahalla Palace that provide tranquillity amidst majesty. Artefacts like vintage cars, Royal costumes, manuscripts, and weapons are all stored in Chowmahalla Palace. Another notable feature is the Council Hall, which now serves as a museum displaying historical documents, photographs, and other memorabilia of the Nizams, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of Hyderabad’s royal history. Chowmahalla Palace is more than just a historic monument; it is a cultural hub that vibrates with life.
Entry Fee: Rs. 100 for Adults and Rs. 40 for children below 10 years and Rs. 400 for Foreigners / Photography Charges are additional
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM (open all days of the week except for Fridays)

Further Read: Offbeat Places In Hyderabad

Sri Ramalingeswara Swami vari Devasthanam temple is worth visiting if you are looking for divine blessings, want to see old architecture or would just love to experience the peaceful atmosphere. This sacred temple, with its rich mythology and serene environment, provides a fulfilling experience for every visitor. Book your trip to Hyderabad and feel the divine power in its calmness.

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