Sri Padmakshi Temple is situated in the city of Warangal in the state of Telangana in India. The Padmakshi temple is dedicated to Goddess Padmakshi who is known as mother. And this is believed that this temple has been built during the 12th century by the Kakatiya rulers, who ruled the region for many years. The deity is also called Padmakshi Amma and this shrine is located at the hillock, the pond at the foot of the Padmakshi hillock is sacred.
The pillar in the temple has unique architecture, the Annakonda pillar, quadrangular in shape is made from black granite stone and is located at the entrance of the gate the temple has four faces of the pillar and all four have Jain carvings. Well, the Padmakshi temple is one of the oldest temples in the city, the Kakatiya king Beta Raju II was the first king in his dynasty to convert to Veera Saivism. However, all the Kakatiyan kings were followers of Jainism.
There is some architecture of Jainism communities on the stone walls of the temple that can be seen and considered proof of the practice of Jainism when the temple was constructed. The Batukamma festival held surrounding the temple is very popular among pilgrims and tourists. And, the Rock-cut steps have been built to reach the pond down the temple.
Also Visit: Mettugutta Ramalingeshwara Temple – The Rock Step Temple, Manigiri
It was the time when it was under the rule of Prolaraju II that the Kakatiyan built a Jain temple or Badasi. And this was later converted to the Padmakshi temple once the rulers converted to Veerasaivism the temple, therefore, had several sculptures and carvings which used to scatter throughout its walls that display Jain Tirthan Karas and other patterns that bear a strong stamp of Jain culture.
This place is famous among religious people and is also one of the main tourist areas, the most important part of the city. Because of the presence of the Bhadrakali temple and the Padmakshi temple in this area. Hence, there is a large number of footfalls in this area all through the year. The most important festival in the temple is the Batukamma festival can be seen celebrated during the Navratri from September to October and more than 100,000 women participate in the festival.
History of Padmakshi Temple
According to legends, the temple was built by Kakatiya Kings. The temple was a Jain temple before that was ruled by Prolaraju –II and then converted into Hindu Temple. Then the Kakatiya rulers converted from Jainism to Veerasaivism. The temple is one of the main centres for Jainism in the surrounding areas called Basadi. The Kakatiya Kings dynasty built many temples dedicated to the Hindu Gods and a few of the temples in that region are Thousand Pillar Temple, Ramappa Temple, and Sidheswara Temple.
You know the magical view of the temple is, one can see the Goddess Padmakshi in three types, one can see the goddess in the face of a little girl in the morning, then as a young girl in the afternoon, and then as an older woman in the evening time, this view is completely majestic. Additionally, there is an inner shrine that faces north in the temple. The temple also has Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, and Krishna statues inside it.
Also Visit: Lord Ram Temple on Govinda Rajula Gutta Hill, Warangal
