Warangal, a city steeped in history and heritage, holds within its embrace a treasure trove of cultural and spiritual landmarks. Among these, the Bhadrakali Temple stands out as a shining beacon of divine serenity and historical significance. Those who hear about the precious Kohinoor diamond will be surprised to know the connection of the diamond with the goddess here.
Goddess Bhadrakali temple is located on a hill between Hanamkonda and Warangal cities in Telangana state. In this temple, Goddess Bhadrakali, the main deity, is seen in a fierce form with big eyes, majestic face, eight arms and different weapons, sitting on a lion vehicle. Although the idol of Amma is made of stone, it looks alive. Historically, this goddess had Kohinoor diamond on her left eye.
In 625 AD, Chalukya king Pulakesi II built the temple of Goddess Bhadrakali. The Kakatiyas who took over this region in later times worshiped Amma in a special way. They installed the Kohinoor diamond in Amma’s left eye. This lovely diamond was mined from the Kollur Mines (Golkonda Mines). Later in 1310 AD, Allahuddin Khilji brought the Kakatiya Kingdom under his Delhi Empire. At that time, not only the temple of Bhadrakali was demolished but the Kohinoor diamond gifted to the goddess was looted and taken to Delhi. After that, this very valuable diamond changed from one hand to another and ended up with the Queen of England.
How to Reach:
From Warangal Railway Station: 4 km in distance. Take a sharing auto at station and get down at temple arch. From Arch to temple, it is one kilometer. You can either walk or take another sharing auto to go near to the temple. Fare is around ₹20-30 for shared auto. Direct auto can be hired from railway station to temple. Fare is around ₹80-100.
From Hanamkonda Bus Station: 2.5 km in distance. Ride in a share auto from bus station to temple arch on the main road, and then walk till temple, which is around one kilometer or take another share auto from arch to temple. Fare is around ₹20-30 for shared auto. Direct auto can charge around ₹80-100.
Approximately it takes half an hour to one hour to cover the temple fully.
