Sri Bhadrakali Devastanam — Attraction in Telangana

It just happened that I had to travel to Warangal yesterday without any plan. My spouse received a phone call that her elder paternal uncle had a slip and fall that fractured his right shoulder bone. I was a little hesitant because of the scorching heat of summer and Warangal weather always gives me running sweat. We started driving from Hyderabad to Warangal. It was already 2 p.m. and I was wondering if the AC of the Car working or not, such was the temperature outside on the highway.

We reached Warangal by 4.30 p.m. and I straight away walked unto the bed where our uncle was resting with his arm hanging in a sling and shoulder in a plaster. I inquired about his health and how the mishap took place etc., had some pep talk with the family, and then there was nothing for me to do. As my wife was already busy talking to her other relatives, I decided to go around the town.

At 6 p.m. I came out and took few steps thinking where to go to beat the heat. I recalled Bhadrakali Temple and the lake adjacent to it and felt it would be an ideal place for me to hang around. I took an auto since I wasn’t in a mood to drive in the traffic and reached Bhadrakali temple by 6.30 p.m.

The cool breeze coming on from the lake gave me some relief instantly. For the benefit of people who never visited Bhadrakali Temple in Warangal, I would like to give some description of it.

Bhadrakali Temple is believed to be some 1500 years old and was prominent during the Kakatiya rule. It is said that the temple got a total facelift during Kakatiya Era and also a big lake was dug abutting the temple sometime between 12th and 13 centuries.

It is said that after independence, the main deity of the temple, Bhadrakali’s face was re-carved to appear pleasant as of present time. Else, the face of the deity was very fierce. Those who visit this temple for the first time will forget themselves for a moment in a state of utter maze, unable to make out if the main deity is an idol or the Goddess herself is sitting there in reality, such is the beauty of the idol.

The peace one experiences by the grace of the goddess is simply unexplainable and the soul feels like it is relieved of all burdens and shackles. Nothing comes to mind except the chant “Om Bhadrakali Namah.”

The local farmers offer their produce in the form of vegetables to Goddess Bhadrakali (Shakambari Devi) on the Full Moon Day of Ashada month of Telugu Calendar. That will be a 9-day festival one should not miss at any cost.

There are associate temples of Lord Shiva, Valli Devasena Sametha Subrahmanyaswamy, Hanuman etc in the same complex of the Sanctum. Outside, there is “Addala Mandiram” Homagundam, and “Goshala.” The adjacent hillock was decorated with huge statues of Lord Shiva, Parvathi, etc with colorful lighting to add splendor to the whole atmosphere. There is a park developed by the temple authorities in the same premises, abutting the lake, and children would definitely enjoy playing here.

I suggest people who never visited Warangal to visit once (July – December is favorable time) to witness the beauty of 1000 Pillar Temple, Padmakshamma Gutta, Fort Warangal, Vaddepalli Cheruvu etc., apart from Bhadrakali temple and sure they will enjoy their trip.

I bought some “Prasadam” and spent some time on the banks of the lake chilling out from the summer heat. Adding to the pleasure, I could also meet few of my local friends and families who visited the temple at the same time.

At about 8 p.m., I returned back to my uncle’s place, had dinner, bid a bye to our relatives, and drove back to Hyderabad along...

Bhadrakali Temple – A Serene Lakeside Temple with Spiritual Charm

Location: The Bhadrakali Temple is located on a hilltop near Bhadrakali Lake in Warangal, offering scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere. The temple is easily accessible from the city and is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, especially those seeking a combination of spiritual reflection and scenic beauty.

Spiritual and Historical Significance: Dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, this temple holds immense religious importance and is considered one of the oldest temples devoted to the goddess. The deity, a form of Goddess Kali, symbolizes strength and protection. The temple attracts many devotees who come to offer prayers and seek blessings. With roots going back to ancient times, the temple’s long history adds to its spiritual ambiance.

Temple Atmosphere: The temple’s location by Bhadrakali Lake creates a tranquil and calming environment. The hilltop setting provides a lovely view of the lake, especially at sunset. The combination of nature and spirituality makes it an ideal spot for a reflective visit. The quiet surroundings and gentle breeze by the lake make the temple experience more relaxing and refreshing.

Practical Considerations – Parking and Facilities: There is ample parking available near the temple, making it convenient for visitors. While the temple itself is well-maintained, certain areas, such as the lake bund, could benefit from improved cleanliness and upkeep. Better attention to these areas would make the overall experience even more enjoyable.

Nearby Attraction – Bhadrakali Lake: After visiting the temple, a walk along the lake bund offers a pleasant addition to the experience. The lake adds to the temple’s serene setting, and a short stroll by the water is a peaceful way to conclude the visit. However, the lake bund could use a bit more maintenance to enhance the ambiance.

Overall Experience: The Bhadrakali Temple is a wonderful blend of spiritual peace and natural beauty. Its scenic location by the lake and its historic significance make it a must-visit for anyone in Warangal. While there is minor room for improvement in terms of maintenance, the spiritual charm and serene atmosphere create a memorable experience.

Pros:

Beautiful hilltop location with views of Bhadrakali Lake.

Deep spiritual significance, making it a meaningful place for devotees.

Ample parking and well-maintained temple premises.

Cons:

Certain areas around the lake bund could benefit from better cleanliness and upkeep.

Overall: The Bhadrakali Temple offers a unique blend of spirituality and natural beauty, making it a perfect place for a reflective visit in Warangal. For those seeking tranquility and a connection with nature, this temple is an excellent choice. It’s a peaceful escape where you can enjoy both a spiritual and scenic experience, ideal for families, solo travelers, and...

A must see place in Warangal. My first time visit and I was very impressed by the beautiful archway entrance, the well organised layout, the cleanliness in maintenance, the neat and tidy upkeep, the calm and serene lake and surrounding rocks make it a one of a kind experience. Upon entering the archway , the pilgrims leave their footwear at the designated counter, beside this are the counters selling flowers and puja samagri (items for puja). There are set of water taps for washing before entering the temple premises. The shaded pathway is a welcome sign as it leads first to the 'ganapathi' temple . enroute I saw the statue of guru Adi shankara on the right side of the temple wall. The left side is the lake with landscaped garden sending cool breeze. Diagonally to the ganapathi temple , are the long steps leading to the main Bhadrakali Temple. A mesmerising sight to behold. Again I felt one of a kind, the size of the idol havent seen anywhere before. One can purchase the 'archana' ticket for INR 50 which has a separate line leading to the Idol. Neat barricades that allow the pilgrim to move in a organised pattern, with little and or no difficulty. Even from the temple pillar 'dwaja sthambam' the idol is clearly visible which is very enchantingly great. the pradakshina path is also broad. No images of it since we dont believe in photography inside the sanctum . The premises outside has all the amenities and facilities for a temple. There are benches provided to rest, there are few trees that provide shade. A thatch hut where the yagna is performed, a small temple with mirrors is an interesting aspect here. Reflecting the culture and witness to the progress are the huge rock boulders standing tall and at a height of over 50' or even more . The whole place is evenly paved with tiles making it easy access to all. Ticket counters for prasadam, and also State bank of India counter was available here. please go through all images for more information. Providing chill drinking water is a good respite for all. Plenty of parking is available...