Kusumanchi was known as Krupamani in the Kakatiya period. It is home to Sri Ganapeshwaralayam and Mukkanteswaralayam, the two Siva temples built by the Kakatiya rulers during 12th and 13th centuries.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
These temples stand as testimony to the architectural skills of the Kakatiya kings. The historical shrines have a striking resemblance to famous Ghanpur and Ramappa temples of Kakatiya period in the Warangal district. Ganapeshwaralayam is about 1.7 km from Kusumanchi Bus Stand. This temple constructed using stone resembling thousand pillars temple of Warangal in architecture. The Shiva lingam in the temple is three meters high with a radius of two meters and it is one of the biggest Shivalingas in the state. Built on an elevated platform facing east, the temple consists of pillared rangamandapa and antarala followed by the sanctum. With entrances on three sides, the temple is a beautiful structure.
Ganapeshwaralayam attracts a large number of devotees during Sivaratri festival from Warangal, Nalgonda and other neighbouring regions. There is a 15 ft high idol of Lord Venu Gopala on the southern side of the temple. Mukkanteswaralayam has located a few meters away from Ganapeswaralayam. It is a trikutalaya with three shrines having common mandapa. Each shrine has a portico, garbhagruha and antarala with a common 16-pillared mandapa. The pillars in the common mandapa are wonderfully carved with images of swans and floral designs.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Khammam is the nearby by towns to Kusumanchi having road connectivity to Kusumanchi.
By Rail
There is no railway station near to Kusumanchi Mandal in less than 10 km. Mallemadugu Rail Way Station, Khammam Rail Way Station are the Rail way stations reachable from near by towns. How ever Warangal Rail Way Station is major railway station 103 KM near to Kusumanchi
By Air
The nearest airport is Rajamundry.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Bathukamma and Lashkar Bonalu state official festivals besides these Dussehra, Diwali, Holi, Sri Ramanavami, Shivaratri, Ugadi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Bakrid, Ramzan are the major festivals celebrated in Kusumanchi.
