Book a rental car to Keesara

About 40 km from Hyderabad lies Keesaragutta Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consorts Bhavani and Shivadurga. It is regarded as a holy place by ardent Shiva Devotees. Legends hold that Lord Rama installed the shivalingam here to atone for killing Ravana, a Brahmin by birth. Book a rental car to Keesara to easily reach this sacred site and explore its divine atmosphere. The temple's region developed during the 4th and 5th centuries with Jain Tirthankara statues discovered near the steps, proving Hinduism and Jainism coexisted. Surrounded by verdant hills, the temple offers scenic beauty. To experience peace, avoid weekends and festival times, when the site is crowded.

History

Legends say Lord Rama installed a Shiva Lingam here to absolve himself from the sin of killing Ravana, who was born a Brahmin. Rama picked this serene, green hillock and instructed Hanuman to bring a Lingam from Kashi (Varanasi). As Hanuman was delayed and the auspicious time neared its end, Lord Shiva manifested before Rama and granted him a Lingam. Thus, the presiding deity is called Ramalingeswara, as Lord Rama himself consecrated the shrine.

When Hanuman came back with 101 lingams from Varanasi for Lord Rama's selection, he was distressed to see that one had already been consecrated. Furious, Hanuman flung the remaining lingams all across the temple grounds. Book a rental car to Keesara if you wish to explore these scattered lingams and the legends tied to them. Even today, devotees can still find several scattered around the site. To pacify Hanuman, Rama declared that priority in worship would always belong to him. He further named the hillock, where the deity was placed, after Hanuman (Kesarigiri), since he was Kesari's son. Over time, the hill was known as Keesaragutta, while the area became Keesara. 

About 40 km from the city and 10 km from ECIL, this shrine draws massive crowds during Shivaratri. Priests affirm that the rituals observed here were first set down by Lord Rama. 

In addition to Shivaratri, Vedic rituals like ‘Atiratrim’ are currently performed at this shrine. Historians claim that no fewer than eleven ‘Ashwamedha Yagnas’ were conducted here during the fifth and sixth centuries under Vishnukundin Kings. It is further believed that grand Vedic rites such as 'Rajasuya' 'Purushmedha' and Sarvamedha once took place at this sacred site.

Today, the temple complex includes a Vedic school managed by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) and a playground for children. Like Srisailam’s Mallikarjuna Swamy shrine, this temple permits devotees to conduct ‘Abhishekam’ by touching the deity. However, despite its sacred significance, the site is poorly supervised, and recently it has drawn young couples seeking privacy—much to the dissatisfaction of its religious followers.

Deities Worshipped at Keesaragutta Temple

1. Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy (Presiding Deity)

At the temple's core lies a Swayambhu Shiva Lingam. Here, Shiva is worshipped as Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy, tied to Rama's devotion.

2. Goddess Bhavani (Parvati Mata)

Within the temple stands a shrine for Goddess Bhavani, regarded as a divine form of Parvati Devi.

3. Hanuman and Lakshmana

Next to the main Lingam are idols of Hanuman and Lakshmana, symbolizing their role in the temple's sacred legend.

4. 101 Shiva Lingams

Lingams placed throughout the temple premises reflect Hanuman's offering and loyalty to Lord Shiva.

Popular Festivals Celebrated in Keesaragutta Temple

The Keesaragutta Temple is especially vibrant during festivals, with Maha Shivaratri standing out as the grandest event. Celebrated in February-March, devotees fast, chant bhajans throughout the night and participate in Rudrabhishekam along with the divine Kalyanam, which signifies the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati.

During Karthika Masam, which falls in November-December, the temple glitters with rows of lit Deepams. Devotees also take part in Lingarchana, offering prayers to multiple Lingams spread across the premises.

As the temple is associated with Lord Rama, Sri Rama Navami is celebrated in March-April with the grand Rama Navami Kalyanam, symbolizing the marriage of Rama and Sita. Another key observance is Hanuman Jayanti, when rituals are dedicated to Lord Hanuman for his contribution in installing Lingams here.

If you are planning a pilgrimage, consider choosing a Self Drive car to Keesara for a flexible and comfortable journey.

Besides these, the temple hosts Pradosham every fortnight on Trayodashi, the 13th lunar day, where devotees engage in Pradosha Puja to invoke the blessing of Lord Shiva.

Conclusion

Keesaragutta Temple in Hyderabad remains a significant center of Shiva worship, embodying history, legend, and spiritual essence. Visitors who seek Shiva’s energy, Hanuman’s devotion, or Rama’s blessings experience a sacred and transformative presence at this temple.

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