Kotilingala, Karimnagar - Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 19 km from Dharmapuri, 55 km from Karimnagar and 218 km from Hyderabad, Kotilingala is a major and famous pilgrimage site in Telangana.

Kotilingala is situated at the confluence of Peddavagu and Godavari River. It was one of the capitals of Satavahana dynasty. It was also the capital of Assaka Janapada, one of the 16 great janapadas of early India.

Kotilingala is well known for Sri Koteswara Siddeshwara Swamy Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple was built by Sathavahana Kings between 2nd and 3rd centuries. It is one of the oldest and historical temples in Telangana.

According to the legend, sages used to meditate in the caves adjoining the hillocks called Munula Gutta and visit the banks of the Godavari for bathing. The sages decided to construct a temple and asked Lord Hanuman to get a Siva Lingam. When Lord Hanuman failed to come on time, the sages installed a Siva linga made of sand. By the time Lord Hanuman arrived the Siva linga was completed leaving him angry. It is a custom here to first offer prayers to the Shivalinga brought by Hanuman and later to the linga made with sand.

The temple is located inside the Kotilingala fort. It is a mud fort with several gates and a watch tower. The State government has decided to construct a protection wall along the shores of river Godavari to protect the site from submergence under the backwaters of the Sripada Yellampalli project.

Kotilingala is about 4 km from Velagatur between Karimangar - Dharmapuri ( a right diversion required before Velagatur town). Road condition is good till Velagatur and it's a narrow road from there. Kotilingala is connected by bus from Karimnagar, though frequency is less. More transportation options are available till Velagatur from where autos can be hired.

Many pilgrims visit this place during the festival of Mahashivaratri. This is also famous for Godavari Pushkaralu and a ghat is built for this purpose.