Important Places in Warangal Fort

Warangal Fort which is known as the stronghold of the Kakatiya Dynasty is known for its architecture and sculptures. The way it is build makes us know the technology they have used in those days. Apart from the forth the warangal fort has many other attractions inside the fort.

The places to visit inside the warangal fort are

1. Swayambhu Temple
2. Tank and Baths
3. Linga Shrine
4. Ganesa Shrine
5. Khush Mahal

Swayambhu Temple

Swayambhu Temple is dedicated to Lord Shambhulingeshwara and this temple is build in the center of the Warangal Fort and was one of the master pieces of the Kakatiyas with walls covering the temple with an area of about 10.36 sq. kms. The temple pillars were made out of large granite and the ceilings, brackets etc were made out of granite. The temple had a sanctuary entrance and mandapams. There are small shrines in and around this temple. This is the only place which has a Shiva lingh which dates back to the Kakatiyas period.

Tank and Baths

In the Swayambhu Enclosure to the south-east side is a square tank which might be associated with the Siva Temple. The tank has steps with sculpted balustrades at the centre on each side of the steps. it is unique to see that row of identical bathrooms surrounding the tank. Each bathroom is designed in such a way that it has a raised platform at the centre and at the entrance is a decorated slab. There are water channel from each bathroom which connects to a larger main channel. In the center of the room is a stone carved as a lotus with double rows of petals having eight sided star. This lotus is surrounded by a circle of hamsas. Around this hamas are eight lotuses each within eight sided stars.

Linga Shrine

Even though these shrine is ruined but one can understand from how the original temple would have been. This shrine is at the west of the fort and the idols were beautifully carved. The idols wear conical headgear, hold the trishul, damaru or sarpa and are flanked by diminutive attendants. The linga which forms the main part of the temple is placed on a platform which has a continuous procession of hamsas. Above the linga is row full of yalis and the final row consists of lotuses and swans. The shrine is held by a block that has a panel with thick creeper circles which consists of hamsa and other animals This block is held by large mandapa columns.

Ganesa Shrine

One can find the Ganesa Shrine on the right of the linga shrine. With the ruined and left over unearthed fragments one can easily find out that they belong to the Ganesha Temple. one can find the formally arranged fragments as a Ganesa temple. you can also see the broken ceiling panel containing a krittimukha framed by dense foliage and creeper circles. To the extreme right is the entrance torana.

Khush Mahal

Khush Mahal is a public hearing hall built by Shitab Khan who was the Qutb Shahi governor of Warangal in the 16th century.This structure is said to be built over the Kakatiya palace site. The hall is very big with beautifully designed walls and also there are no pillars inside the halls to support the celling. The sloping walls resemble the typical feature of Tughlak architecture. The east and west walls of the building have projecting parapet and six high arches framed by narrow rectangles. This is so built because light passes through these to the interiors. The entrance arch which is wide on the north wall will lead to a single spacious chamber which has small storage rooms inside the chamber on each side.

Important Places in Warangal Fort