Sree Bhadrakali Devasthanam, Warangal

The Bhadrakali temple is an ancient temple, located between Hanumakonda and Warangal, dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. The Goddess is known as the 'Supreme Mother Goddess'. The temple has a rich cultural history and is built in the Chalukyan style of architecture. The temple is located on a hillock beside an artificial lake built during the reign of the Kakatiyas. The entire area radiates a spiritual aura with lot many temples. Goddess Bhadrakali is represented by a square shaped image depicted in a sitting posture. The Goddess is decorated with a crown and has various weapons in her eight hands.  The Goddess is also worshipped as Goddess Tripura Sundari, considered the highest manifestation of feminine energy.

History
The history of the temple can be dated back to reign of King Pulakesi II, who is believed to have constructed the temple in 625 CE and consecrated the idol of the Goddess here. The temple enjoyed great patronage under him and the Kakatiyas continued the legacy. King Ganapathi Deva of the Kakatiya dynasty constructed the adjacent lake and made significant contributions towards the maintenance of temple activities. It is said that the Great Rani Rudrama Devi was an ardent devotee of the Goddess. The temple later fell under the patronage of the Vijayanagar rulers, who made significant contributions to the temple. However, the temple fell into oblivion after the fall of the Vijayanagar Empire around 1565 CE.  The temple was restored by an ardent devotee named Sri Maganlal Samaj in 1950 CE and has seen increasing popularity ever since.

Legends
Most legends might have been lost in antiquity. It is believed that the Goddess appeared in the dream of his ardent devotee Sri Maganlal Samaj and asked him to restore the temple. The devotee obliged and in 1950 CE, made necessary arrangements towards the worship of the Goddess.

Places of Interest
There are many temples in the hilly area surrounding the Bhadrakali temple and traditionally, devotees pay a visit to these temples along the way before proceeding to take the blessings of the Supreme Mother Goddess Bhadrakali. The Ayyappa Swamy temple, the Narasimha Swamy temple, Kusuma Haranath Temple, Shirdi Sai Baba Temple and the Veerbrahmmam Temple are some of the religious attractions along the way.

People who visit Bhadrakali Temple also visit Hanamkonda Fort which is just a kilometer away from the another well known thousand pillared Hanamkonda Temple. Inside the fort is the Siddeshwara Temple housing a small Linga shrine.

Accommodation
The twin cities of Warangal and Hanumakonda offer numerous private lodgings that suit most budgets.

Best Time to Visit Bhadrakali Temple
The best time to visit the famous Bhadrakali Temple in Warangal is the Telegu month of ‘Sravana’ which corresponds to the month of August - September according to Gregorian Calendar. At this time a festival is organised and the deity is aesthetically decorated in various forms. Housing about 8 major and 12 minor temples surrounding mountains of Bhadrakali Temple exude a sacred aura when a large number of devotees gather to offer prayers.