This temple is one of the finest examples of Kakatiya architecture and sculpture. Rudra Deva built it in 1163 in the style of the Chalukyan temples. Recently when the archaeological department was making excavations, they found a well below the kalyanamantapam which leads us to the conclusion that the foundation of this wonderful structure was built on water!
The left side of the temple has Shiva’s shrine.
The ‘Veyyi Stambhala Gudi’ or Thousand Pillar Temple is aptly named as there are a thousand pillars of many varieties and sizes; some of them are even part of others. The pillars that support the central ‘Natya Mandapam’ (dance floor) are large and made of multiple blocks of stone.
The temple is star shaped with three shrines devoted to Rudradeva (Shiva), Vishnu, and Surya (Sun). Interestingly, the third deity is not Brahma who is part of the Trinity of God because Kakatiyas worshipped Lord Shiva and Lord Surya but were not devotees of Brahma.
Unlike most temples which face east, this temple faces south. Since they were worshippers of Lord Shiva, the Kakatiyas wanted the rays of the early morning sun to fall directly on the Shiva Lingam. So, of the three shrines, Shiva’s shrine faces east and other shrines face south and west. On the fourth side is the Nandi.
Between these four is the Natya Mandapam (dance floor) where dancers performed.
The mandapam that contributes 400 of 1000 pillars, was dismantled by the Archaeological Survey of India for reconstruction. Pillars of the main temple, on the other hand, are tightly knit and form its walls and so it does not seem like there are 600 of them. A visit to this unique temple takes one through a significant time in history where art and architecture was at its prime and the talented artisans could display their skills undeterred.
