Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple, Keesaragutta

Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple, Keesaragutta, located around 35 kms from Hyderabad is dedicated to Lord Siva and is believed to be from the times of Lord Rama. The main temple is believed to be Swayambhu meaning self manifestation of Lord Siva, when Lord Rama came here as part of Vana vihar along with Sita Devi and Lord Hanuman. He liked this place and wanted to manifest Siva lingam and asked Lord Hanuman to get Siva Linga from Kashi(Varanasi) after the sages determine an auspicious time. Hanuman could not come back on time as he was not sure which Siva linga to bring from the thousands of Siva lingas in Kashi.

As the auspicious time was nearing, Lord Rama prayed to Siva who manifested himself with a linga and hence the name Ramalingeswara Swamy for this temple. After Hanuman arrives with more than a hundred Siva lingas, Lord Tama informs him that the Pratishta is already done as it was late for the ausipicious time. Then Lord Hanuman wraps those lingas in his tails and throws them around and we can find those even today spread across the hill. Then Lord Rama asks Hanuman to do a Pratishta for one of the Siva linga just outside the main temple and that is known as Maruti Kashi Visweswara Swamy temple. Lord Rama said that this place will be known by Hanuman’s name as Kesaragiri which later became Keesaragutta.

There are idols of Lord Ganesha and also Subrahmanya swamy(along with Devasena and Valli devi) in front of the main entrance(Garbagriha). There is also a Nagadevata temple just next to the main temple and a huge idol of Lord Hanuman just at the edge of a hillock. There is a beautiful view of the surroundings from the top of the hill and there is a pond at the bottom of the hill. There are a lot of monkeys around and one needs to take care of the belongings. There is a chappal stand just outside the temple and they charge Rs.5/- per pair.

Charges for different Sevas/Poojas:

Garbhalaya Abhishekam – 1100/-

Special Archana – 110/-

Scooter Pooja – 150/-

Car Pooja – 200/-

Lorry Pooja – 300/-

Prasadams are available at the rates mentioned : Laddu – 30/- , Vada – 20/- and Pulihora – 20/-

There are buses run by the state government TSRTC from Secunderabad station(Route no. 242) and one can also reach there by own vehicles. There are a few steps from the bus stop to the temple for those who come by bus or walk. There is ample parking space near the temple and parking charges of Rs.50/- for 3 and 4 wheelers and Rs.20/- for 2 wheelers.

Temple timings : The temple is open from 6 am to 12.30 pm and from 3 pm to 7.30 pm every day.

Temple contact number : 9491000699

For information on other temples from Telangana, please click here