Keesaragutta ShreeRamalingeshwara Swamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva and his consort, Parvati, at Keesaragutta, Keesara Village, Medchal-Malkajgiri district, Telangana, India. It is located on a small hillock about 300 feet height, roughly 30 km from central Hyderabad, and around 12 km from ECIL(Electronics Corporation of India Limited) and now part of the Greater Hyderabad City.

Legend

Legend says Bhagawan Ram installed the lingam here to atone for the sin of killing Ravana (who was a bramhin by birth, but a demon by nature). Bhagawan Ram selected this beautiful valley, surrounded by hills and greenery, and ordered Hanuman to bring a lingam from Varanasi (the holy city of Kashi, Bhagawan Shiva’s favourite place). Hanuman was late in arriving with the requested lingam and, as the auspicious hour was nearing, Bhagawan Shiva himself appeared before Ram and presented a lingam to him. Thus, the lingam in the temple is called a Swayambhu Linga. It is also called Ramalingeswara, as Ram had installed the lingam.

Hanuman returned from Varanasi with 101 lingams to choose from, but felt aggrieved at not having his lingam installed. He threw them all over the area. Even to this day, several lingams can be found scattered outside the temple. These lingams are worshipped along with the lingam in the sanctum of the temple, to this day.

To pacify Hanuman, Rama ordained that precedence would be given to him for worship at the temple. He also said that the hillock where the lingam was installed would bear the name Kesarigiri—“Hanuman, the son of Kesari”. Over a period of time, the name Kesarigiri has colloquially changed to Keesara, and the hill is now known as Keesaragutta (guṯta means hillock in telugu).

The temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva and his companions Bhavani and Siva Durga, and it is believed to have existed since the Threthayuga.

Shrines in the temple

The temple complex includes several shrines, each dedicated to a different deity, and a large pond that adds to its serene ambiance. While entering the temple one can see the dwajasthambam inside. There is a separate sanctum for Bhavani matha. Proceeding further one can see Hanuman with Siva linga in front. Ganapathy, Bhagwan Subramanya with Valli Devanayi, are seen to the sides of main door of Main sanctum. Inside the main sanctum, Siva Lingam known as Ramaligeswar is seen with a sculpture of Siva at the back of Lingam. While coming out a small sanctum of Durga matha can be seen.

Outside the Siva temple there is Sthala Vruksham with Naga Devatha under it. Nearby there is Lakshmi Narashima deity and opposite of the sanctum Garudazwar can be seen. Then one can see Siva panchayadhana murthy, with Nandi in the front. Finally, one can see Sita, Rama and Lakshmana and Hanuman facing them in the front in a small sanctum. There are sculptures of Maha kali, Maha Saraswathy and MahaLakshmi, are also in the same hall. At a distance there is a separate sanctum for Hanuman and nearby there is huge Hanuman on a platform.

Archaeological Excavations

Excavations were conducted by the archaeological department in the surroundings of Keesaragutta Temple (1970s – 1980s). Many ruins of brick structures and Shiva Lingas were found on the hill north of the temple, and on a hillock near the water’s edge. The ruins and artifacts dated to the era of the Chalukyan Empire. Fortification walls, Yagasala and prayer halls were all excavated there. Some vestige remnants and rock-cut cisterns were found on the hills, an indication that that Jainism and Buddhism flourished there simultaneously together. On 18 October 2014, twelve murthiss of Jain Tirthankara dating back to the 4th-5th century were found near the temple steps at a depth of one foot which proves that Jainism co-existed along with Hinduism at Keesaragutta during the time of Vishnukundins in 4-5th century. Vishnukundins did promote both Buddhism and Jainism, though their primary religious affiliation was Shaivism as evidenced by several inscriptions in their kingdom. Keesaragutta was a major Buddhist center, but later periods saw Jain and Shaiva presence.

On top of one of the rock-cut caves around the temple, an early Telugu label inscription reading as ‘Thulachuvanru’ can be noticed. On the basis of paleography, the inscription is said to be dated between late 1st century BCE to early 1st century CE.

The temple has undergone several renovations over the years. Local tradition and some historical sources note that the temple was restored in the 17th century by Akkanna and Madhanna (administrators under the Golconda/Nawab rule), which is often cited in temple-history recountings. The architectural importance of the Keesaragutta Temple lies in its unique Dravidian style of architecture. The temple has a pyramidal tower or gopuram, which is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple also has a large mandapam or hall, which is used for various religious ceremonies and rituals.

Festivals

The temple attracts several lakh devotees for the Maha Shivaratri festival, as well as during the month of Kartika on the Hindu calendar. Other festivals celebrated at the temple include Ramalingheshwara Brahmotsavam, Sri Ramanavami, and Hanuman Jayanthi.

There is a museum near Keesara Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple, in which the various articles excavated from the region are exhibited. There is a Veda Patashala at this temple which is supported by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.

From the hilltop of Keesara Gutta temple one can experience panoramic views of the surrounding town and countryside, lush greenery and serene atmosphere. The nearby lake enhances the tranquility and beauty of the area. There is Hartitha Hotel by Telangana Tourism at Keesaragutta, which offers the facilities of accommodation as well as restaurant to the visitors.