Sri Raja Rajeswara Swamy Vaari Devasthanam, Vemulawada
Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple, Vemulawada: A Sacred Southern Dwelling of Lord Shiva
Nestled in the spiritually vibrant village of Vemulawada in Telangana’s Karimnagar district, Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Devasthanam stands as one of the oldest and most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. This sacred site is affectionately called ‘Dakshina Kasi’, or the Southern Banaras, and continues to draw pilgrims with its rich history and divine presence.
The temple is recognized as a Regional Joint Commissioner Cadre Temple, as per a government order issued in 1992, highlighting its religious and administrative prominence. Though its origin fades into the depths of time, references to this holy site are found even in the ancient Puranas, testifying to its deep-rooted spiritual heritage.
At the core of this ancient shrine resides Lord Raja Rajeshwara, manifested as the Neela Lohitha Shiva Lingam, revered for his kindness and the power to grant the sincere wishes of his devotees. Devotees believe that a single sincere offering here can change the course of one's destiny.
The temple complex is unique in that it houses not just Shaivite shrines but also Vaishnavite temples, including the sanctums of Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy and Sri Seetharama Chandra Swamy. This divine co-existence has earned the temple the name “Harihara Kshetram”, a sacred space where both Shiva and Vishnu are worshipped in harmony. Remarkably, the Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy is also considered the guardian deity (Kshetra Palaka) of this shrine, and rituals from both Shaivite and Vaishnavite traditions are performed with equal devotion.
One of the most heartening features of this temple is a Dargah located within the premises, symbolizing the temple's message of religious harmony and inclusive devotion.
Sthalapuranam: The Sacred Legends of Vemulawada
According to sacred texts like the Bhavishyottara Purana, the Sun God (Surya Bhagavan) is believed to have regained his lost vitality by praying at this divine spot. Due to a legend involving Surya Bhagavan, who is believed to have regained health here through penance, the temple is also honored with the name Bhaskara Kshetram, meaning ‘the abode of the Sun God’.
Another divine episode tells us that Lord Indra, head of the celestial deities, performed worship at this very spot to rid himself of the grievous sin of Brahmahatya, adding immense spiritual depth to the shrine's significance.
One of the most touching stories associated with this temple is of Raja Narendra, a descendant of the Pandava prince Arjuna. Around the 8th century, afflicted by leprosy for accidentally harming a sage’s son, he was healed after bathing in the temple's holy pond, Dharmagundam. Following this divine experience, he had a vision of Lord Shiva and Goddess Raja Rajeshwari, who instructed him to build the temple and enshrine the Shiva Lingam found within the sacred tank.
Historical and Cultural Significance
During the era from 750 to 973 CE, this sacred town flourished as the capital of the Vemulawada Chalukya dynasty, making it a vital cultural and political center of that time. Ancient rock inscriptions in the area even refer to the village by its old name, Lemulavatika.
The town is also cherished for its contributions to literature and art. While folklore links this sacred town to Bheemakavi, a renowned Telugu poet, there is documented proof of Pampa, a legendary Kannada poet, living here. It is said that the renowned Kannada poet Pampa lived here under the patronage of King Arikesari II, to whom he dedicated his great work, the Kannada Bharatha, as a tribute to the king’s support and vision.
Temple Layout and Deities
The main temple overlooks a scenic tank called Gudicheruvu, adding serenity to its sacred surroundings. In the Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum), devotees have darshan of:
• Sri Lakshmi Ganapathi
• Lord Raja Rajeshwara (Neela Lohitha Shiva Lingam)
• Goddess Sri Raja Rajeshwari Devi
• Nandi (the sacred bull)
The temple complex also includes several other sacred shrines:
• Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple
• Sri Seetharama Chandra Swamy Temple
• Sri Anjaneya Sahitha Kasi Visweswara Swamy Temple
• Sri Dakshina Murthy Temple
• Sri Subramanya Swamy with Sri Devasena and Sri Valli
• Sri Bala Tripura Sundari Devi Temple
• Sri Someshwaraalayam
• Sri Uma Maheshwaraalayam
• Sri Mahisasura Mardhini Temple
• Sri Kala Bhairava Swamy Temple
• Kotilingalu Shrine
Rituals and Daily Worship
The rituals for Lord Shiva and associated deities are conducted following Smartha Agama traditions, while the Vaishnavite temples within the complex adhere to the Pancharatra Agama system.
Lord Raja Rajeshwara is venerated with four main daily pujas known as Chathurkala Pujas:
• Pratahkala Puja (Morning)
• Madhyahnika Puja (Midday)
• Pradoshakaala Puja (Evening)
• Nishikaala Puja (Night)
Devotees also offer worship to Goddess Raja Rajeshwari and Sri Lakshmi Ganapathi, both residing in the Maha Mandapam.
DAILY PUJAS AND SEVAS OFFERED TO THE DEITY
| Puja / Seva | Timings |
|---|---|
| Mangala Vaidyam | 4.00 AM to 4.10 AM |
| Suprabhata Seva | 4.10 AM to 4.30 AM |
| Prabhata Harathi | 4.35 AM |
| Aalaya Suddhi (Cleaning) | 4.35 AM to 5.00 AM |
| Gomatha Puja & Kode Puja | 5.00 AM to 5.15 AM |
| Prathakala Puja | 5.15 AM to 6.15 AM |
| Nithya Kalyanam | 10.30 AM to 12.30 PM |
| Madhyanhika Puja & Nivedana & Anna Puja | 11.40 AM to 12.10 PM |
| Note: On Mondays, Masa Sivarathri & Sani Thrayodasi days, Madhyanhika Puja & Anna Puja from 2.30 PM to 3.00 PM | |
| Pradosakala Puja | 6.00 PM to 7.00 PM |
| Nishikala Puja | 9.00 PM to 10.00 PM |
| Pavalimpu Seva (Temple Closing) | 10.00 PM to 10.20 PM |
| Note: On specific Mondays not covered by Thithi, Ekantha Seva is performed to the deity. |
TIMINGS FOR DARSANAM & ARJITHA SEVAS
| Darsanam / Seva | Timings |
|---|---|
| Sarva Darsanam | 4.35 AM to 5.00 AM |
| Dharma Darsanam & Abhisekam | 6.15 AM to 11.30 AM |
| Darsanam & Anna Puja | 12.10 PM to 2.00 PM |
| Darsanam & Bilvarchana, Sivarchana | 2.30 PM to 5.55 PM |
| Darsanam & Aakula Puja, Maha Puja, Pallaki Seva, Pedda Seva | 7.10 PM to 9.00 PM |
| Note: On Mondays, Masa Sivarathri & Sani Pradosam, Abhisekam from 6.15 AM to 2.30 PM; Anna Puja 3.00 PM to 5.00 PM; Bilvarchana not performed. | |
| Sathyanarayana Vratham | 1.00 PM to 3.00 PM |
| Kalyanam | 10.30 AM to 12.30 PM |
| Maha Lingarchana | 6.30 PM to 8.30 PM |
| Kumkuma Puja | 6.15 AM to 8.30 PM |
| Kode Mrokkubadi | 6.15 AM to 8.30 PM |
| Gandadeepa Archana | 6.15 AM to 8.30 PM |
| Note: During Mondays or peak days, Kode Mrokkubadi Puja starts at 4.30 AM for pilgrims’ convenience. |