Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple

Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple is a prominent Hindu temple in Vemulawada, Telangana, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Known as Dakshina Kashi, it was established during the Vemulawada Chalukya dynasty (750-973 CE). The temple features a massive Shiva Lingam and is famous for the sacred Dharma Gundam tank and the unique Kode Mokku bull offering ritual.

Visitors can expect a traditional Hindu temple experience with darshan of Lord Shiva and other deities including Raja Rajeshwari Devi and Siddhi Vinayaka. The temple complex includes the sacred Dharma Gundam tank where devotees take holy baths before darshan. Visitors witness daily rituals, abhishekams, and the distinctive Kode Mokku tradition where devotees circumambulate with bulls.

The temple was established during the Vemulawada Chalukya dynasty period (750-973 CE) when Vemulawada served as their capital. Rock-cut inscriptions found in and around the temple establish its historical importance. The temple is associated with King Raja Raja Narendra who reportedly recovered from leprosy after bathing in Dharma Gundam. Kannada poet Pampa lived here as court poet of Arikesari-II.

Known as Dakshina Kashi, the temple represents spiritual inclusiveness with shrines dedicated to multiple deities including Shiva, Raja Rajeshwari Devi, Rama, Vinayaka, and Anjaneya. The temple is famous for the unique Kode Mokku tradition where devotees offer bulls. It demonstrates religious harmony with a 400-year-old Baba Fasiuddin Dargah located nearby, visited by devotees after temple darshan.