On a weekend, we wanted to explore a new place in or around Hyderabad. Then, we almost made a sudden plan to visit this place - Keesaragutta Temple, which is situated at 50 km from Hyderabad. Keesaragutta Temple is mainly devoted to Lord Shiva.
We started our journey on bike around 2:30 pm in the afternoon. We made our way through Secunderabad- Tarnaka-Moula Ali Road- …- to Keesara. The route isn’t that difficult to track. Besides GPS, the road indications come to your rescue. Having crossed the city part, the way to Keesaragutta Temple was quite scenic. The road condition is very good, which makes the ride all more enjoyable.
|| Way to Keesaragutta Temple ||
Finally we reached the Temple. The road leading to Temple was so vacant that at some point, we thought probably we are the only ones visiting the Temple. However, on reaching Temple, we found quite a few people around.
|| Welcome to Keesaragutta Temple ||
You need to climb stairs of a small hillock to find the Temple. On climbing uphill, I found the main temple and many scattered Shiva lingams all around the place and a huge statue of Hanuman ji. Luckily, before visiting the place, I had quickly researched on it; hence I could understand the significance of the place and found the place really interesting.
The legendary tale relates to a story from Ramayana. Sri Rama wanted to submit himself before Lord Shiva for the sin of killing Ravana, a Brahman. He selected this place for installation of Shiva Lingam and instructed Hanuman to bring a Shivalingam from Varanasi. Hanuman was late and as the auspicious hour was approaching, Lord Shiva himself appeared before Sri Rama and handed over a Shiva lingam for installation. Sri Rama himself installed the Shiva lingam presented by Lord Shiva to him. Hence, it is also known as Ramalingeswara as Sri Rama had installed the Shiva lingam himself. Thereafter, Hanuman returned with 101 lingams for selection and found that Shiva Lingam is already installed even before his arrival. Hanuman was utterly upset and he threw them all over the area. Then to calm down Hanuman, Sri Rama said that precedence would be given to Hanuman for worship at the Temple. Sri Rama further said that the hillock where the Lingam is installed would bear Hanuman’s name – Kesarigiri i.e. Hanuman, the son of Kesari. Over a period of time, it has been colloquially transformed and the hill is known as Keesaragutta. Ever since, the rituals follow the command of Sri Rama.
|| The Temple ||
On visiting the Temple, I felt really good to witness Shiva Lingam installed by none other than Sri Rama. I didn’t perform puja on that day. However, the priests gave me Prasad and flowers. The ambiance is just like any other temple. Serene and peaceful. I indeed witnessed number of scattered Shiva Lingams in and around the place. There is a huge statue of Hanuman. There are too many monkeys playing around. They don’t bother you as such unless you draw their attention with food or something. An astrologer is sitting on the pavement foreseeing future of the interest persons. The Temple being situated at hillock, the surrounding view was quite stunning. We were there in the evening. The setting sun, the cool breeze all in all made the place more enjoyable. I would say, if you intend to visit this Temple , Keesaragutta Temple is an ideal early morning/ evening getaway from Hyderabad. In the daytime, under the scorching heat of the sun one may find difficulty to climb hill and enjoy the scenery. However, during early morning/ evening, this place is an absolute bliss!
|| Keesaragutta Temple ||
|| Side view of the Temple ||
|| Statue of Hanuman ji ||
|| Temple Complex ||
|| Beautiful architecture of the Temple ||
One of the many scattered Shiva Lingams around the place
|| The Temple at the back drop of one of the scattered Shiva Lingams in the Compound ||
|| The Temple Compound and number of Shiva lingams scattered by Hanuman ji around the place ||
|| Gateway to nature ||
|| The scenic view from the hillock ||
|| Playing around in the Temple Compound ||
There is a parking space near the Temple. One needs to leave shoes behind in a shop before entering the Temple premises. There is a TSRTC run Haritha Restaurant nearby. Besides, roadside small stalls offering cold drinks, snacks are available. All in all, within 50 kms from Hyderabad, Keesaragutta Temple is an ideal spiritual getaway from Hyderabad.
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