An alluring hilltop shrine

Warangal: The scenic hilltop shrine and the mesmerising agricultural fields make a perfect match for those thirsty of spirituality and nature lovers. The 300-meter tall hill spread over 100 acres, the abode of Lord Laxmi Narasimha Swamy, near Geesukonda, 10 kilometers from Warangal city, has its history dates back to the times of pre-Kakatiya.

Although the hilltop temple has huge potential to draw tourists apart from the exodus of devotees, it didn’t witness as much development as one would have desired. 

The temple, which is regarded as Swayambhu (self-manifested), has been popular over the centuries drawing huge number of devotees. According to local lore, the hill used to have swarmed by bullock carts carrying pilgrims from all corners of the region. The annual traditional jatara (carnival) of the temple is even famous today.

In the past, devotees had a tough time to reach the temple. However, since the construction of steps a couple of decades ago, the hilltop shrine became accessible more easily. There are two ponds (koneru) on the hill.

Speaking to The Hans India, Muttineni Radhakrishna, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Osmania University, a native of Geesukonda, said: “There is enough space available on the hill to create amenities for devotees and to install cantilever platform to view the surroundings. The hill has tremendous potential to draw the tourists.”

Aravind Arya, Tourism Consultant, said: “The State Archaeological Department had carried excavations in 1996 and 2002 in the land adjacent to hill. During the excavation, the officials collected remnants – pottery, beads, rock tools and terracotta items – of Satavahana times, and they have been on display in the Warangal Archaeological Museum.” He said that cultivators still come across such remnants in the 8-acre site besides the hill during their farm works. 

Further he added that government has plans to develop the hill in the near future. Meanwhile, the three-day jatara that culminate began on January 21 is drawing a large number of pilgrims.