Location: Bhadrakali Temple in Warangal, Andhra Pradesh is known to be one of the oldest temples for Goddess Bhadrakali in India. This temple is located on the banks of the Bhadrakali lake, a picturesque location between Hanamkonda and Warangal about 1.5 km from Government Polytechnic.
History:
As per the writings on the temple wall this temple is believed to be constructed by the King Pulakesi II of Chalukya dynasty around 625 A.D to commemorate his victory over Vengi
region of Andhra Desham. This can be observed from the square pillars
used in the temple structure which were different from the circular
pillars commonly used in temples constructed by Kakatiyas.
The Kakatiya kings of "Orugallu empire" which is the present Warangal
city have adopted Goddess Bhadrakali as their "Kula Devatha" giving her
preference over other gods. The lake was built later by Ganapathi Deva,
a minister in Kakatiya Dynasty. A road leading to the temple was also
added during that period.
Due to the fall of Kakatiya Dynasty to the Muslim ruler of Delhi Ala-ud-din Khilji, his general Malik Kafur and later to Ghias-ud-Din Tughlak, and during the rule of Bahamani Sultans and Golkonda rulers, the temple lost its prominence over the period and the place has become dilapidated.
Sri Ganapathi Sastri (a.k.a. B. S. Ganesh Rao) a Brahmin and devi upasaka (Devotee of Goddess Kali) from Karnataka
has migrated to Warangal in 1940's. He noticed the old Bhadrakali
temple and has taken interest in renovating the temple. He constructed a
small house next to the temple and started living in this isolated
place. He along with Sri Mudumbai Ramanujacharya sought the help of Sri
Maganlal Sameja (a prominent local merchant) and other affluent locals
and renovated the old temple in 1950. Many persons like Brahmasri Sri
Hari Radhakrishnamurthy, Adluri Seetharama Shastry, Vangala Guravaiah,
Thandra Venkata Rama Narsaiah, Mahatapaswini Mangalambika and Tankasala
Narasimha Rao have lent their hands in the renovation work of the
temple.
Before the temple was renovated in 1950 there were Animal Sacrifices
at the temple (an old custom at Kali temples in India). This practice
was stopped from 1950 onwards after the renovation of the temple. During
the renovation, Chandi yantra was installed in the temple and amrutha
beejaksharas (holy shlokas) were written on the deity's hanging tongue
and modified the deity's fierce looking eyes and tongue to a pleasant
looking face. Since then everyday poojas, Sharannavaratras, Vasantha
navarathras are being conducted regularly as per the Vedic rites.
Sri Ganapathi Sastri, at the age of 113, died on 11 November 2011 in
Warangal. He was survived by two sons and three daughters. He was the
Bhadrakali's temple trustee at the time of his death. The temple and the
people of Warangal has lost a great man who has developed the temple
single handedly. His son Sri B. Seshagiri Rao has taken over the temple
affairs as chief priest a few years ago.
Bhadrakali Temple Gallery:
Transportation :
Warangal is around 150 km from Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh, India)
and is easily accessible by road or by trains. It has two bus terminals
in Warangal and Hanamkonda and connected to many cities in Andhra
Pradesh. The railway stations in Warangal and Kazipet Junction are
between Vijayawada and Hyderabad. Kazipet is a junction for trains going to south and north of India from Hyderabad.
From Hyderabad and Vijayawada there are lot of trains everyday. From
Warangal and Kazipet railway stations auto rickshaws are available to go
to Bhadrakali temple.
Present Status :
The temple is being maintained by the Endowments Department, who collect the offerings made to the temple and spend on the upkeep and repairs of the temple.
Best Times to Visit the Temple :
The best time to visit the temple is during the festival season in
"Sravana masa" corresponding to August and September. In this period
festivals and Yagnams are conducted in the temple
Some of the festivals celebrated at the temple are
- Vasanta Navaratri in Chaitra masa
- Shakambari Utsavam in Ashada masa
- Sharannavaratri in Ashwayuja masa
Vasantha Navaratri is a 9 day festival dedicated to 9 forms of
Goddess Bhadrakali in Chaitra masa which is the start of Vasantha Ruthu
(Spring Season).
During the Shakambari Utsavam the Bhadrakali deity is aesthetically decorated with various vegetables.
Sharannavarathi is also called Maha Navaratri and is celebrated in
Sharad Ruthu (Winter Season) in September–October every year during
Ashwayuja masa. This festival ends with Durga Ashtami. During this
festival veda scholars recite vedas, perform Homams.
Bathukamma
Festival is celebrated on Durga Ashtami and is famous for large
gatherings (in lakhs) of colorfully dressed women and girls who visit
the Bhadrakali lake with pans decorated with colorful flowers and
perform poojas at the lake. During these poojas they sing various
Bathukamma songs. Later these flowers are put on the water. It will be a
colorful sight to see so many lakhs of flowers floating on the lake.
The people of Warangal and Hanamkonda believe in Goddess Bhadrakali
and visit her for all the auspicious occasions like newborn babies,
marriages etc. and offer her bangles, sarees and garlands and pray to
her for her blessings.
People with desires go to the temple and tie a coconut (Mudupu) with
red blouse piece at the temple after pooja. After the fulfilment of
their desires they once again visit the temple and untie the coconut and
perform poojas and offer sarees to the deity.
