Bhadrakali Temple, Warangal

The Bhadrakali Temple stands on a hilltop in Warangal and is counted among the oldest temples to the goddess Bhadrakali. Writing on its wall is taken to show that the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II built it in 625 CE to mark his victory over Vengi. The Kakatiya kings later made Bhadrakali their family deity, and Ganapati-deva built a lake beside the temple. Tradition links the temple with the Koh-i-Noor diamond, said to have been set by the Kakatiyas as the goddess's left eye. The temple lost importance after the Kakatiyas fell and was renovated in 1950.

Its chief treasure is a stone image of Bhadrakali about 2.7 metres square, with fierce eyes and eight arms, each holding a weapon. Her lion mount faces the sanctum, and the temple also has a flagstaff and a bali pitham for offerings. Apara Ekadashi is observed here as Bhadrakali Ekadashi. Warangal and Kazipet are the nearest railway stations.