Thousand Pillar Shila Shasanm
The Thousand Pillar Shila Shasanm (Stone Inscription) is a crucial historical artifact located near the main Thousand Pillar Temple complex in Hanamkonda. This inscription is a primary source document, commissioned by King Rudra Deva (the first sovereign ruler of the Kakatiya Dynasty), detailing the construction of the temple, its endowments, and the political and religious climate of the time. Written primarily in the Telugu-Kannada script and the Sanskrit language, the text provides invaluable genealogical information about the Kakatiya kings and their administrative structure. It confirms the temple's construction in 1163 CE and its dedication as a Trikutalayam to Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya. Historians and epigraphists study this stone edict extensively as it offers direct evidence of the Kakatiya period's language, religion, and socio-political history. While the inscription itself is not as visually grand as the temple, its historical significance is arguably greater, providing the narrative for the monument it stands near. Its preservation is vital for understanding the foundational history of Warangal and the Kakatiya empire.:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
30 minutes to 1 hour (for detailed study):Place Type:
Historical Inscription/Epigraphy Site:Entry Fees:
General Entry (No Fee): Since the inscription is located near the main Thousand Pillar Temple and is an outdoor protected monument, there is typically no separate entry fee to view the Shasanm. :
Inscriptions and Artifacts Preservation Fee: W...General Entry (No Fee): Since the inscription is located near the main Thousand Pillar Temple and is an outdoor protected monument, there is typically no separate entry fee to view the Shasanm. :
Inscriptions and Artifacts Preservation Fee: While the Shasanm is free, the principle of monument preservation often means that funds for its protection come from general donations to the main temple or from the small fees collected by the ASI at other major monuments. :
Guided Explanation Fee: Hiring a local guide for an in-depth explanation of the inscription's Sanskrit text and historical context will be a paid service, generally around INR 100 to INR 200 for a dedicated explanation, which is highly recommended for full appreciation. :
Security and Viewing: The inscription is often protected by a railing to prevent vandalism. There is no fee to stand outside the railing and photograph or read the script. :
Photography Fee: Taking photographs of the inscription, even with a professional camera, is usually free unless special permissions are required from the ASI for commercial use. :Timing:
Regular Viewing Timings: Since the inscription is an outdoor artifact, it can generally be viewed during the main temple's hours, which are typically from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, allowing ample time for reading and photography. :
Ideal Visit Time:Regular Viewing Timings: Since the inscription is an outdoor artifact, it can generally be viewed during the main temple's hours, which are typically from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, allowing ample time for reading and photography. :
Ideal Visit Time: The best time for clear viewing and photography is in the early morning (8:00 AM to 10:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM), when the sunlight is not too harsh, making the script lines stand out. :
Avoid Midday Sun: The midday sun (11:00 AM to 3:00 PM) can create a glare on the black stone, making the inscriptions difficult to read and photograph, so this is an Ideal Time to Avoid. :
Security/Closing: Although the Shasanm is open, the area around it might be secured after the main temple's closing time at 8:00 PM. :Special Events:
Rudra Deva Jayanti (King Rudra Deva's Birthday): Though not a major public festival, local cultural and historical organizations sometimes host small commemorative events near the Shasanm to honor the builder of the temple, featuring historical lectures and small cultural pr...Rudra Deva Jayanti (King Rudra Deva's Birthday): Though not a major public festival, local cultural and historical organizations sometimes host small commemorative events near the Shasanm to honor the builder of the temple, featuring historical lectures and small cultural programs. :
Heritage Walks: During the annual World Heritage Week (usually in November), the ASI or local heritage groups often conduct guided heritage walks that focus specifically on the inscription's historical importance and context, providing an in-depth, special experience. :
Epigraphy Conferences: When national or regional epigraphy conferences are held in Warangal, scholars often gather at the inscription to discuss its contents, creating a unique opportunity for an interested visitor to overhear expert discourse. :Best Photo Spots:
Close-up of the Script: Focus your camera on the detailed script carved into the stone, attempting to capture the texture and clarity of the writing, which is a testament to the skill of the ancient stone carvers. :
Contextual Shot: Photograp...Close-up of the Script: Focus your camera on the detailed script carved into the stone, attempting to capture the texture and clarity of the writing, which is a testament to the skill of the ancient stone carvers. :
Contextual Shot: Photograph the stone inscription with the backdrop of the Thousand Pillar Temple complex or the ancient temple tank, establishing the physical and historical relationship between the two monuments. :
The Shadow and Light Play: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the low-angle sun creates deep shadows, highlighting the raised letters and making the inscription legible in the photograph. :
View from the Side: Capture the thickness and height of the monolithic stone slab, emphasizing its permanence and the effort required to install such a heavy historical document. :
Inscribed Panel Focus: For a truly unique image, focus on the area of the stone that contains the genealogy of King Rudra Deva, the most historically significant portion of the text, highlighting the written history of the Kakatiya dynasty. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Read the Inscription (with help): If you can read the Telugu-Kannada script or find a translation, spend time reading the text to directly connect the words of King Rudra Deva to the magnificent temple you just visited. Look for the modern information board that usually provides an English summary. :
Contemplate the History: Use the inscription as a starting point to mentally reconstruct the original purpose of the temple and the reasons behind its construction and dedication to the three deities, as detailed in the stone's text. :
Photography for Study: Take clear, well-lit photographs of the entire inscription for later study, especially if you are a student of history or epigraphy, ensuring you capture the detailed script and any modern signage provided. :
Observe t...Read the Inscription (with help): If you can read the Telugu-Kannada script or find a translation, spend time reading the text to directly connect the words of King Rudra Deva to the magnificent temple you just visited. Look for the modern information board that usually provides an English summary. :
Contemplate the History: Use the inscription as a starting point to mentally reconstruct the original purpose of the temple and the reasons behind its construction and dedication to the three deities, as detailed in the stone's text. :
Photography for Study: Take clear, well-lit photographs of the entire inscription for later study, especially if you are a student of history or epigraphy, ensuring you capture the detailed script and any modern signage provided. :
Observe the Setting: Note the historical location of the inscription—it is often near a gate or water source, which suggests an important public point within the ancient temple complex, reflecting the Kakatiya's foresight in public communication. :
Engage with the ASI or Guides: Ask the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) staff or local guides about the specific details of the Shasanm—its discovery, the meaning of the key verses, and its importance relative to other Kakatiya inscriptions. :
Explore Raganna Darwaja: The inscription is located in the Raganna Darwaja area, a historical part of Hanamkonda, providing a chance to see a more traditional, older neighborhood in the vicinity of the main temple. :
Mindful Observation: Appreciate the inscription as a fragile link to the past, realizing that this one stone carries the historical narrative for the entire monument, making it a powerful, quiet point of historical focus. :
Information
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Why Famous:
Kakatiya Primary Source: It is famous as one of the most important surviving primary inscriptions from the Kakatiya Dynasty, providing direct, dated evidence of King Rudra Deva's reign and his public works, including the temple's construction. :
...Kakatiya Primary Source: It is famous as one of the most important surviving primary inscriptions from the Kakatiya Dynasty, providing direct, dated evidence of King Rudra Deva's reign and his public works, including the temple's construction. :
Dating the Temple: The inscription is the official document that authenticates the construction date of the Thousand Pillar Temple to 1163 CE, making it a critical landmark for historians studying the timeline of the Kakatiya Empire. :
Linguistic and Scriptural Value: The edict is invaluable for linguists and epigraphists, showcasing the use of the Sanskrit language with the then-prevailing regional Telugu-Kannada script, providing insight into the period's official language and orthography. : -
Architecture:
Material and Script: The Shasanm is carved onto a large, upright slab of black stone (Dimension: typically 1. 5 to 2 meters in height, 0. 5 to 1 meter in width). The script used is primarily the Telugu-Kannada script, with the language being Sanskrit, a common practice for ...Material and Script: The Shasanm is carved onto a large, upright slab of black stone (Dimension: typically 1. 5 to 2 meters in height, 0. 5 to 1 meter in width). The script used is primarily the Telugu-Kannada script, with the language being Sanskrit, a common practice for royal edicts and religious decrees of the period. :
Epigraphic Content and Significance: The inscription's design is purely utilitarian, focusing on the text's clarity rather than decorative elements. It contains historical narrative (Rudra Deva's genealogy), a religious dedication of the temple, and details about land grants and endowments for the maintenance of the temple. The content acts as the blueprint and historical record for the adjacent Thousand Pillar Temple. :
Preservation and Presentation: As a protected monument, the stone is typically placed on a small platform or base with a protective railing. The simplicity of the architecture emphasizes the importance of the text itself, which is a perfect example of royal Kakatiya state documentation from the 12th century. : -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest major airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) in Hyderabad (160 KMS). From HYD, hire a pre-paid taxi or take a state transport bus to Warangal (about 3. 5 hours drive), then use local transport to reach Hanamkonda. :
Read MoreBy Air: The nearest major airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) in Hyderabad (160 KMS). From HYD, hire a pre-paid taxi or take a state transport bus to Warangal (about 3. 5 hours drive), then use local transport to reach Hanamkonda. :
By Train: The closest railway stations are Kazipet Junction (KZJ) (12 KMS) and Warangal Railway Station (WL) (10 KMS). Take a train to either station, then hire an auto-rickshaw or local cab specifically to Raganna Darwaja or the Thousand Pillar Temple area in Hanamkonda. :
By Road: Warangal is excellently connected by NH 163 to Hyderabad. State-run TSRTC buses and private buses regularly ply between major cities and the Warangal/Hanamkonda bus stands. The inscription is located very close to the Hanamkonda area, easily reachable by road. :
By Local Transport: From anywhere in Warangal, take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to the Thousand Pillar Temple or Raganna Darwaja. Since it is within the temple complex area, it's a short, convenient ride from the city center, and the auto drivers are familiar with the location. :Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Winter Season (October to March): This is the Best Time to Visit for comfort. The weather is cool and pleasant, allowing for a focused and detailed study of the inscription's text and its surroundings. :
Summer Season (April to June): The in...Winter Season (October to March): This is the Best Time to Visit for comfort. The weather is cool and pleasant, allowing for a focused and detailed study of the inscription's text and its surroundings. :
Summer Season (April to June): The intense heat makes careful reading and outdoor study difficult. The only tolerable time is the very early morning (Sunrise), but the stone can still be hot to the touch, which is highly discouraged. :
Monsoon Season (July to September): This season is excellent for cooler weather, but sudden heavy rain can make the area around the inscription wet and viewing difficult. The late morning or early afternoon, between rain spells, is ideal. :
Different Parts of the Day: The early morning (8:00 AM to 10:00 AM) is preferred for the best photographic light that highlights the carving of the script. The late afternoon is also good, but avoid the midday glare for clear viewing. :Near Tourist Places:
Thousand Pillar Temple (0. 1 KM) Jain Temple Hanamkonda (1 KM) Kakatiya Musical Garden (5 KMS):
Bhadrakali Temple (6 KMS):
Kakatiya Rock Garden (7 KMS):
Warangal Fort (10 KMS):
Padmakshi Temple (7 KMS):
Regional Science Centre (5 KMS):
Warangal Museum (7 KMS):
Pakhal Lake (50 KMS):Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The inscription is an open-air monument, so apply sunscreen and carry drinking water, especially on sunny days. Do not touch or attempt to clean the stone, as the oils from your hands can accelerate its erosion. Be aware of the ground surface near the ston...Health & Safety: The inscription is an open-air monument, so apply sunscreen and carry drinking water, especially on sunny days. Do not touch or attempt to clean the stone, as the oils from your hands can accelerate its erosion. Be aware of the ground surface near the stone, which can be uneven. :
Packing Essentials: Bring a high-resolution camera for detailed shots of the script. A small notepad and pencil can be useful if you wish to copy or sketch portions of the text. Carrying a printed translation or accessing one on your phone will greatly enhance your understanding. :
Accommodation: Staying in Hanamkonda is ideal, as the Shasanm is located here. Several hotels are available near the Thousand Pillar Temple area, offering easy access to the monument. :
Other Travel Tips: Treat the inscription with the utmost respect; it is a sensitive historical artifact. If a local guide is available to translate or explain the content, the visit's value increases exponentially. The whole experience can be enhanced by visiting the Thousand Pillar Temple first and then examining the inscription as its historical context. :
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