Vemulawada Sri Rajarajeshwara Temple
వేములవాడ శ్రీ రాజరాజేశ్వర దేవస్థానం
Lord Shiva as Rajarajeshwara Swamy with Sri Raja Rajeshwari Devi · Vemulawada, Rajanna Sircilla district, Telangana
Vemulawada Sri Rajarajeshwara Temple (వేములవాడ శ్రీ రాజరాజేశ్వర దేవస్థానం) is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Rajarajeshwara Swamy with Sri Raja Rajeshwari Devi. Located in Vemulawada, Rajanna Sircilla district, Telangana at 320 metres above sea level. Significance: Called "Dakshina Kashi" (South Kashi). Most important Shiva temple in Telangana for monsoon-month worship (Karthika Masam). Famous for "Kode Mokku" tradition — devotees offer ride to bullocks before fulfilling their vows. Believed to fulfill all righteous desires.
History & Significance
Founded by Narendra (Chalukya king) in 750 CE. Mentioned in 11th-century inscriptions. Lord Shiva is said to have appeared here at the request of Indra and Bhaskara (the Sun god). The Kalyana Mantapam architecture is exemplary of medieval Chalukyan temple craft.
Called "Dakshina Kashi" (South Kashi). Most important Shiva temple in Telangana for monsoon-month worship (Karthika Masam). Famous for "Kode Mokku" tradition — devotees offer ride to bullocks before fulfilling their vows. Believed to fulfill all righteous desires.
Darshan & Sevas
Darshan timings: 4:00 AM - 9:30 PM. Suprabhatam: 4:00 AM. Free darshan available; special darshan ₹50-100.
Major sevas: Rajarajeshwara Kalyanam, Bilva Archana, Rudra Abhishekam, Sahasra Bilva Archana, Lakshmi Kubera Homam (for prosperity), Pradosha Seva.
Festivals
Maha Shivaratri (most important — lakhs of devotees attend), Karthika Masam (entire month worship), Sri Rama Navami, Sankaracharya Jayanti, Brahmotsavam (Phalguna month).
Accommodation
Temple devasthanam cottages (₹50-500), TS Tourism, private hotels in Vemulawada town. Day trip from Hyderabad feasible (140 km).
How to Reach
From Hyderabad: 140 km via NH-563. TSRTC buses available. Nearest railway: Karimnagar (40 km). Nearest airport: Hyderabad RGI (155 km).
Prasadam
Pulihora, Daddojanam, Laddu. Bilva (bel) leaves are key offering.
Dress Code
Traditional dress strongly preferred — dhoti/pancha for men, saree for women.
Best Time to Visit
Maha Shivaratri (February-March), Karthika Masam (October-November). Weekdays for peaceful darshan.
Nearby Attractions
Kondagattu Anjaneya Swamy Temple — 35 km; Karimnagar — 40 km; Elgandal Fort — 50 km.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the darshan timings at Vemulawada Sri Rajarajeshwara Temple?
4:00 AM - 9:30 PM. Suprabhatam: 4:00 AM. Free darshan available; special darshan ₹50-100.
How to reach Vemulawada Sri Rajarajeshwara Temple?
From Hyderabad: 140 km via NH-563. TSRTC buses available. Nearest railway: Karimnagar (40 km). Nearest airport: Hyderabad RGI (155 km).
What is the dress code at Vemulawada Sri Rajarajeshwara Temple?
Traditional dress strongly preferred — dhoti/pancha for men, saree for women.
Where to stay near Vemulawada Sri Rajarajeshwara Temple?
Temple devasthanam cottages (₹50-500), TS Tourism, private hotels in Vemulawada town. Day trip from Hyderabad feasible (140 km).
When is the best time to visit Vemulawada Sri Rajarajeshwara Temple?
Maha Shivaratri (February-March), Karthika Masam (October-November). Weekdays for peaceful darshan.
What festivals are celebrated at Vemulawada Sri Rajarajeshwara Temple?
Maha Shivaratri (most important — lakhs of devotees attend), Karthika Masam (entire month worship), Sri Rama Navami, Sankaracharya Jayanti, Brahmotsavam (Phalguna month).