History of Palakurthy Temple
Long ago, many regions in India were known for their lush greenery, rivers, and hills, showcasing the country’s rich natural wealth. During these peaceful times, many sages meditated in the mountains and forests, dedicating their lives to spiritual contemplation. Numerous legends tell of these sages having divine experiences, leading to the manifestation of deities at their behest. Over time, these remarkable places grew and thrived under the patronage of various kings, reaching great heights before eventually falling into neglect and obscurity. Visiting these unique temples can reveal many fascinating aspects of history. One such place is Palakurthi in the Warangal district.
Divine Manifestation and Legends
It is believed that around 1200 to 1300 years ago, sages meditated here, and Lord Someshwara appeared to them as a self-incarnated deity to bless devotees. Another legend says that Someshwara manifested here at the request of the seven sages.
A notable instance of the deity’s compassion involves an elderly woman who used to circumambulate the temple daily by walking around the hill, as there was no direct path on the hilltop. As she grew older, it became difficult for her to continue the journey. Out of compassion, Lord Someshwara created a passage through the hill behind the temple, making it easier for her. Since then, devotees have performed circumambulation through this narrow tunnel, which appears naturally formed rather than artificially carved. It is believed that those who enter the passage with cleanliness and devotion can pass through easily, regardless of their size, while those who are impure might be driven away by bees that protect the area. The hill is home to many beehives, and the bees are considered guardians of the place.
Significance and Worship
The temple on the hilltop is highly significant, with devotees believing that worshipping Lord Someshwara brings happiness, wealth, and immense knowledge. Initially, devotees had to crawl and bend to reach the deity’s shrine. However, in 2003, the path was made more accessible, allowing visitors to walk comfortably to see the deity. Alongside Lord Someshwara, devotees can also visit the nearby cave shrine of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami. Previously, devotees had to climb 365 steps to reach the hilltop, but now a road allows cars to reach the temple.
Childless couples believe that tying a coconut at this temple and making a vow results in them being blessed with children. They return to fulfill their vow by offering cradles to the deity. There is also a cattle shelter at the base of the hill where interested individuals can perform cow worship. Special prayers and the lighting of a hundred thousand lamps take place during the month of Kartika, particularly on Kartika Pournami.
Literary Heritage
At the foot of the hill lies the samadhi of the famous poet Palakurthi Somanadha, who was born here and authored works like Dashama Purana and Panditaradhya Charitra. Somanadha’s parents named him after Lord Someshwara, whom they worshipped for a child. The poet, who lived from AD 1160 to 1240, was a devout worshipper of Someshwara, indicating that the deity has been revered here for a long time.
The samadhi of another great poet, Bammera Pothana, who authored the Bhagavatam, is located 2 kilometers away in the village of Bammera. It is believed that when Pothana struggled to complete a verse, Lord Rama and Lakshmana appeared to help him. Unfortunately, this historically significant site lacks proper recognition. There are no clear signboards, and when asked for directions, locals mentioned that cars cannot reach the place, requiring a 2-kilometer walk. Despite our inability to visit due to circumstances, we were heartened to hear that a road is being built, and the surroundings are being developed for visitors. Additionally, there is a small closed Rama temple in the area, with no informative boards, making us speculate that it might be the place where Rama and Lakshmana completed the verse.
Also Read: Valmidi Sita Rama Swamy Temple:2nd Bhadradri at Palakurthy
Temple Distance
Palakurthi is accessible by traveling 14 kilometers straight from the Station Ghanpur railway station on the Hyderabad-Warangal road. Buses also connect Warangal to Palakurthi, which is 40 kilometers away. However, Palakurthi lacks proper accommodation and dining facilities, with only tea, coffee, and chips available at the base of the hill.
Open Plots Near Hyderabad
Palakurthy Someshwara Laxmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
The Palakurthy Someshwara Laxmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is dedicated to Sri Laxmi Narasimha Swamy and Lord Shiva. This temple is located on a hill inside a cave. History says that the sages practiced penance here 1200 to 1300 years ago. Another story tells that Someshwara was revealed here at the wish of the Saptarishis (seven sages). The cave can also be visited, and at the bottom of the hill is the tomb of the famous poet Palakurthy Somanadha, his birthplace.
Inside the temple, the inner chamber features two Dwarapalikas, resembling Shiva in the Nataraj posture with a damaru in one hand, made of black stone. At the entrance of the Shiva temple, the Nandi bull graces the entrance. Bammera Pothana’s birthplace is very close to Palakurthi. Sri Palkuriki Somanathudu, who developed Veera Shaivam, was born here and is known as the first writer to do prose composition in Telugu.
Timings and Accessibility
- Temple Timings: 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM
- How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is in Hyderabad, 80 kilometers away from Jangaon.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is located at Jangaon, 25 kilometers away.
- By Road: Well connected with district headquarters Jangaon.
Address: Palkurthy Someshwara Laxmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Palakurthy, Jangaon District, Telangana 506146.
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