Sri Rajarajeswara Swamy Temple, also known as Vemulawada Temple, is a 1000-year-old shrine, situated at
Vemulawada, about 150 km from
Hyderabad. Popularly known as Dakshina Kashi (Benaras of South India), this ancient shrine built by the
Chalukya ruler Narasimha I attract thousands of devotees from all over the country.
Sri Rajarajeswara Swamy Temple enshrines Lord Shiva as the presiding deity. The deity is flanked by the idols of Sri Raja Rajeswari Devi in the right and Sri Laxmi Sahitha Siddi Vinayaka to the left. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Rajarajeswara, literally meaning 'King of kings'. It is believed that the deity of this temple was worshipped by the king of Gods, Lord Indra and hence Lord Shiva is called Rajarajeswara.
There are a number of legends associated with this temple. One of the legends says that Narendra, a grandson of Arjuna, killed a sage by mistake and to atone his sins, he did penance here. Once as he was bathing in Dharmakunda, a sacred tank situated here, he got a Shivling which he installed in this temple. Another legend says that Lord Surya lost his arms because he tried grabbing offerings at a Vedic ritual meant for some other god. Lord Surya got back his arms after worshipping at this place.
Most noteworthy feature of the temple is that it houses a 400-year old mosque inside its premises. It is said that the mosque was built as a tribute to a Muslim devotee of Lord Shiva who lived for many years in the temple precincts and breathed his last.
On the Mahashivaratri day, pilgrims from all over the country throng the temple to attend the special pujas held to mark the festivity. Kalyanotsavam, organized here during Phalgun, is a major festival celebrated with much religious fervor. Cultural and social activities are also organized by the temple authorities.
Kottapalli Railway Station is the nearest railhead. Hyderabad Airport is the nearest airport.
