Chalukya era Shri Someshwara, Revanasiddeshwara Temple, Kolanupaka, Telangana 508101

Chalukya era Shri Someshwara Revanasiddeshwara Temple,  Shiva Temple , Kolanupaka, Telangana 508101

Located in the historic town of Kolanupaka, the Shri Someshwara Revanasiddeshwara Temple is an ancient Shiva temple believed to date back to the Chalukya era (11th–12th century). The temple reflects the grandeur of early medieval South Indian temple architecture and remains a spiritually significant site for devotees of Lord Shiva.

The presiding deity, Lord Someshwara (Shiva), is worshipped in the form of a sacred Shiva Lingam. The temple’s stone pillars, sculpted ceilings, and detailed carvings showcase the artistic excellence of the Chalukyan craftsmen. The architecture features ornate mandapas and beautifully carved motifs depicting divine figures and mythological scenes.

The history of the Shri Someshwara and Revanasiddeshwara Temple is deeply intertwined with the Golden Age of the Deccan. Built primarily during the 11th century under the patronage of the Kalyani Chalukyas, Kolanupaka (then known as Kollipaka) served as a secondary capital and a major religious hub. The temple showcases the transition of power to the Kakatiya Dynasty, who later renovated and expanded the structure, leaving behind their signature intricate stone carvings and the massive "Sahasralinga"—a single pillar featuring 1,000 miniature lingas. Beyond its physical construction, the temple holds a unique place in spiritual history as the site of the manifestation of Jagadguru Renukacharya (Revanasiddeshwara). According to the Siddhanta Shikhamani, the great saint emerged from the Swayambhu Someshwara Linga to spread the message of Veerashaivism. This event established Kolanupaka as one of the Pancha Peethas (five immortal seats) of the faith. It is said that after traveling across India to establish the Dharma, Renukacharya eventually returned to this very sanctum to merge back into the Linga, a moment known as Lingaangya. Historically, the temple was a center of immense political and social influence. During the medieval period, it was a fortified religious complex that survived various regional conflicts. The presence of the "Nyaya Lingam" within the premises suggests that the temple also functioned as a supreme court of sorts, where local disputes were settled through oaths taken in the presence of the deity. Today, it remains a living monument where ancient Chalukyan aesthetics meet the vibrant, unbroken traditions of the Lingayat and Veerashaiva communities.

Kolanupaka is in the Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district of Telangana.

🚌By Road: It is about 80 km from Hyderabad and 82 km from Warangal. You take the Hyderabad-Warangal Highway (NH-163) and take a diversion at Aler (about 6 km from the temple).

🚉By Train: The nearest railway station is Aler (ALER). Many passenger and express trains between Hyderabad and Warangal stop here. From Aler station, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a local bus to the temple.

🛩️By Air: The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), roughly 105 km away.

🛕Lord Shiva as Someshwara Swamy

🛕Goddess Chandikamba (also known as Chandika Devi)

🛕The temple houses a Sahasralinga Mandapam — a sanctum with 1,000 Shiva Lingas, earning it the name Veyi Lingala Gudi

🛕Nandi Mandapam

🛕Ganesh

🛕Subramanya Swamy

🛕Navagrahas

🌹Suprabhata Seva, Abhishekam, Archana, and Harathi are performed to Lord Someshwara and Goddess Chandikamba.

🌹Devotees offer Bilva leaves, cow ghee lamps, and rudraksha malas during darshan.

🌹Sahasralinga Puja:

🌹The temple’s Veyi Lingala Gudi (Thousand Lingas Hall) is a sacred chamber where devotees perform mass abhishekam and deepa offerings to all lingas, symbolizing Shiva’s omnipresence.

🌹Special Sevas:

🌹Rudrabhishekam on Mondays and Pradosham

🌹Navagraha Shanti and Kumara Swamy puja for planetary relief and youth blessings

🌹Chandikamba Devi puja for protection and justice

🌹Maha Shivaratri: The most significant festival, celebrated with grand processions, all-night vigils, and thousands of pilgrims.

🌹Renukacharya Jayanti: Celebrated with great fervor to mark the birth of the saint; it involves massive gatherings of the Veerashaiva community.

🌹Karthika Masam: The entire month (Nov/Dec) is auspicious, with daily deepotsavam (lighting of lamps) and special abhishekam.

📖The Museum: Don't miss the Archaeological Museum within the temple complex, which houses a massive collection of 10th–14th century sculptures found in the region.

📖The Jain Temple: The famous Kulpakji Jain Temple (2,000 years old) is only about 1.5–2 km away and is a must-visit while you are in Kolanupaka.

📖The "Nyaya Lingam": Look for the Nyaya Lingam in the temple, where historically, disputes were settled by taking oaths before the deity.