Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple Vemulawada

Sri Raja Rajeswara Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples in Vemulawada village of Rajaanna Sirisilla district in Telangana, India and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is the famous Shivate Temple in Telangana. The temple deity, also known as ‘Daxina Kashi', is in the Neela Lohitha Shiv lingam and is accompanied by the idols of Sri Raja Rajeswari Devi and Siddi Vinayaka. Historically, the region was the capital of the Vemulawada Chalukyas, who ruled from 750 to 973 CE. On festivals like Mahashivratri and Ramnavami, many folks will be there waiting for 1 hour to have Darshana. 

Sri Raja Rajeswara Temple History

Lord Eashwara stays in Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Devasthanam. Its history goes back to very old times. Even the Puranas mention the Deity. The main Deity is Lord Raja Rajeshwara in the form of “Neela Lohitha Siva Lingam.” He is believed to bless devotees and fulfill their wishes. This temple is also called ‘Dakshina Kasi.’ It is known as “Harihara Kshetram” because two Vishnu temples are inside the complex – Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple and Sri Seetharama Chandra Swamy Temple. Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy is worshipped as the guardian of this temple. Both Shaivite and Vaishnavite festivals are celebrated here. Sri Rama Navami is the second biggest festival. There is also a Dargah inside the temple premises. It shows the spirit of religious harmony.

Significance of Vemulawada Raja Rajeswara Swamy Temple

According to the Bhavishyothara Purana, the Sun God, Surya Bhagavan, was healed of his infirmity after praying at this temple. The temple is also known as "Bhaskara Kshethram" as a result. It is also said that Lord Raja Rajeshwara was worshipped here by Indra, the King of the Devas. He was therefore absolved of Brahmahatya Dosham's guilt. According to history, Raja Narendra constructed this famous temple in Vemulawada.  He got healed after taking a sacred bath in Dharmagundam (Pushkarni).  Then he saw Lord Raja Rajeshwara and Goddess Raja Rajeshwari in a beautiful vision.  They gave him blessings and helped him construct the temple.  He placed the Shiva Lingam, which was discovered in the Pushkarni's bed.

Architecture of Shree Raja Rajeswara

The temple stands beautifully on the bank of a big tank called Gudicheruvu.

In the main hall (Mahamandapam), there are idols of Sri Lakshmi Ganapathi, Lord Raja Rajeshwara as Neelalohitha Siva Lingam, Goddess Raja Rajeshwari Devi, and Nandeeshwara facing the Lord.

The temple complex also has many shrines. 

• Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple
• Sri Seetharama Chandra Swamy Temple
• Sri Anjaneya with Kasi Visweswara Swamy Temple
• Sri Dakshina Murthy Temple
• Sri Subramanya Swamy with Sri Valli and Devasena
• Sri Bala Tripura Sundari Devi Temple
• Sri Someshwara Temple
• Sri Uma Maheshwara Temple
• Sri Mahishasura Mardhini Temple
• Sri Kala Bhairava Swamy Temple

Pujas and rituals here follow the Smartha Agama. However, the Pancharathra Agama is followed when doing pujas in the complex's Vishnu temples. Four primary pujas are performed daily to honour Lord Raja Rajeshwara: Prathakala Puja in the morning, Madhyahnika Puja in the middle of the day, Pradosakala Puja in the evening, and Nishikala Puja in the evening.  Together with Sri Lakshmi Ganapathi and Goddess Raja Rajeshwari Devi, these pujas are conducted at the Maha Mandapam.

Daily Puja and Seva at Sri Raja Rajesawara Swamy Temple

Darshan Timings at Sri Raja Rajeswara Temple, Vemulawada

Facilities at Sri Raja Rajeswara Swamy temple in Telangana

• Accommodation for pilgrims in choultries and dormitory halls at low rent.
• Cloakroom facility available.
• Canteen serves full meals at Rs 25 (At lunch and dinner timings of Sri Raja Rajeswara Swamy Temple).
• Continuous drinking water facility.
• Dress changing rooms for ladies at Dharmagundam.
• Bathing rooms for ladies at Dharmagundam.
• Sulabh Complex toilets are provided.
• Sanitation is maintained by Devasthanam staff and contractors.
• Free medical care at the Devasthanam Homeopathic Hospital.
• Free Darshan facility.
• Free prasadam distribution in the temple.
• Devasthanam buses run between Vemulawada and Sircilla, also covering Korutla, Thippapur, and Agraharam Temple at low charges.

How to Reach Raja Rajeswara Temple, Vemulawada

The temple can be easily reached by taking various modes of transportation. Some of the most commonly used ways are given below.

By Rail

The temple can be easily reached by taking the train. The nearest railway station is Rajahmundry Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities. The station is at a close distance of 5 km from the temple. There are facilities for public transport and private taxis from the station to reach the temple. 

By Road

The temple can be easily reached by the roadway. You can get a direct taxi or take public transport to reach the temple from nearby cities. The visitors get to the temple directly by taking taxis there.

By Air

The nearest airport is Rajahmundry Airport (about 20 km from the temple). There are flights from various major cities to this temple. You can take the public transport or even hire a private taxi to reach the temple.

Best Time to Visit Sri Raja Rajeswara Swamy Devasthanam

The temple can comfortably enjoy its stay during the winter months from October to March. Thus, one must visit this temple during this time.