Keesaragutta Temple
Keesaragutta temple also known as Kesaragiri Kshetram is located in Keesaragutta, Telangana. The temple is dedicated to Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy. It is considered an ancient and historical temple in Telangana State.
The temple is located in Keesara Medchal Malkajgiri Dist and is about 35 km from the Telangana capital, Hyderabad. Historians say that the temple was built in THRETHAYUGA (second Yug). Our ancient literature says that Lord Sri Ram visited this place after killing RAVANA. And, he desired to consecrate 101 shiva lingams at this sacred place and accordingly directed to construct.
Lord Sri Ram told Sri Bhakta Hanuman to bring 101 Shivalingams from Varanasi to install at this temple. However, Bhakt Hanuman failed to do so as he could not return from Varanasi before the Muhurtham. It was said that Lord Shiva himself appeared before Lord Rama and gave him a self-manifested Shivalingam for installation at a particular place at that auspicious moment.
When Hanuman returned from Varanasi with 101 Shivalingams, he was disappointed in observing the installation of self-manifested Shivalingam. With disappointment and frustration, Hanuman throw out 101 Shivalingams brought by him from Varanasi.
Even today, several lingams are found scattered all over the place outside the temple. These lingams are worshipped along with the lingam in the temple even today by the devotees.
To pacify Hanuman, Rama was consoled as his name would be given to worship at the temple. He also said that the hillock where the lingam was installed would be named after his name Kesarigiri. Kesarigiri is Hanuman, the son of Kesari. Over a period of time, Over time, the temple was named Keesara, and the hill Keesaragutta. So, Kesaragiri temple is named Keesaragutta temple because of these 101 Shivalingas.
The Shivalingam in the temple was said to be Swayambhu Swamy as he was self-manifested. Hence, the temple was named after his name as Sri Ramalingeshwara Swamy Devasthanam.
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Archaeological Excavations
The archaeological department has conducted Exploration and Excavations in the surroundings of the Keesaragutta Temple. They found much evidence of Brick structures and Shiva Lingas on the hill north of the temple and a hillock near the water lake. The archaeologists have confirmed that the remnants belonged to the Chalukyan Empire’s reign.
Some other remnants are Fortification walls, Yagasala, and prayer halls. Some other evidence and rock-cut cisterns found on the hills gave us an indication that Jainism and Buddhism flourished contemporaneously in this region. On 18 October 2014, twelve idols of Jain Tirthankara dating back to the 4th-5th century were found near the temple steps at a depth of one foot. This has proved that Jainism co-existed along with Hinduism at Keesaragutta during the time of Vishnukundinas in the 4-5th century.
Modes of Transportation
By Train
The nearest railway station to reach Sri Ramalingeshwara Swamy Devasthanam – Keesaragutta is from Gatkesar town. The Distance between Gatkesar Railway Station and Sri Ramalingeshwara Swamy Devasthanam is around 15km. One can further take public transport as many buses and local auto rickshaws are available to Keesaragutta.
By Road:
Transportation by road is another easy means of transport to reach Sri Ramalingeshwara Swamy Devasthanam – Keesaragutta. One can find a number of private and state-owned buses available to Hyderabad and from Hyderabad many local buses, taxis, and autos are available. The government of Telangana has also arranged direct buses to reach the temple to make the devotee’s journey easy. TSRTC bus:16A/242, 211C, 211C, 242G, 280B/K, and 3H/242 are some of the buses which will go to Keesaragutta from Hyderabad city.
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