Telangana, a land of ancient tales and deep faith, is home to many holy places that reflect its rich past. The Surendrapuri Panchamukha Hanuman Temple in Yadadri, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is located near Yadagirigutta in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, showcasing its towering statues, beautiful sculptures, and spiritual environment draw Hindu pilgrims and visitors from across India.
Legend of the Temple
The Surendrapuri Panchamukha Hanuman Temple carries sacred stories. One tale tells of Hanuman taking his five-faced Panchamukha form to save Rama and Lakshmana from Mahi Ravana, Ravana’s brother, during the Ramayana. Hanuman’s five faces—Vanara, Narasimha, Garuda, Varaha, and Hayagriva—helped him defeat five bees holding Mahi Ravana’s life, showing his divine power. Rhe temple’s 16-foot black stone idol murti, carved in this form, holds Hanuman’s strength, blessing devotees with protection. Another story links the site to sage Yadarishi, who prayed near Yadadri, and Hanuman’s presence blessed the area. People believe worshipping here brings courage and removes obstacles, making it a key Hanuman shrine.
History of the Surendrapuri Panchamukha Hanuman Temple
The temple’s history begins in 2003, when Sri Kunda Satyanarayana, a farmer’s son from Khammam, built it as part of the Kunda Satyanarayana Kaladhamam, a mythological museum. Yadadri, 60 km from Hyderabad, was already a spiritual hub due to the nearby Yadagirigutta Narasimha Temple, old records say. Satyanarayana, starting at age 70, spent over ten years creating this 17-acre complex to share Hindu mythology, naming it after his son Surendra. It opened to the public in May 2003, with the Panchamukha Hanuman Temple as a main feature, logs note.
The temple grew with support from local leaders and the Telangana government, which promoted it as a cultural site. In 2009, Andhra Pradesh’s former Governor Narayan Dutt Tiwari inaugurated the museum, old writings show. The temple follows Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham’s guidance, ensuring rituals align with tradition. Today, it stands as a beacon of faith and artistry, drawing thousands to Yadadri’s plains, near Bhongir’s fort.
Temple Architecture and Design
The Surendrapuri Panchamukha Hanuman Temple, part of a 17-acre complex, blends North and South Indian styles, built with Vaastushastra and Agamashastra rules. The gopuram, carved with Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara, stands tall with serpent gods guarding it, painted in white and red. A 60-foot double-sided statue of Panchamukha Hanuman and Shiva at the entrance, one of India’s tallest, shows Hanuman’s five faces and Shiva’s Pancha Bhoota form, catching the morning light. The sanctum holds a 16-foot Panchamukha Hanuman idol, chiseled from black stone from Kanchi, under a plain vimana, its stepped roof showing purity. The sanctum’s walls, smooth and new, glow with ghee lamps.
Small shrines for Venkateswara, Lakshmi, and a Mahashivalinga, like Nepal’s Pasupatinath, are within the complex, carved from local stone with open canopies. The Venkateswara shrine shows him with a conch, offering wealth. The Lakshmi shrine, near the sanctum, has her with lotuses, carved for grace. The Mahashivalinga shrine allows abhishekam, its base etched with snake motifs. Nine Navagraha temples, each for a planet with its consort and vehicle, stand unique, painted in colors like red for Mars. These shrines tie the temple’s worship, offering paths to faith.
Set near Yadagirigutta hill, the temple is reached by a short walk from Yadadri’s bus stand. The complex has 3 km of walkways with over 3000 statues, showing Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata scenes. A 101-foot Shivalinga on Nagadri Hill, made of anthill mud, is a key spot for Naga Dosha puja. The courtyard, paved with granite, feels open yet holy, with neem trees giving shade. A small tank near the entrance is for ritual dips, its edges plain but sacred. Carvings on walls show Hanuman’s tales—his leap to Lanka, his fight with Mahi Ravana—etched to guide devotees. The 2003 build centers on worship, with every statue pointing to Hanuman’s strength.
Festivals and Rituals
Hanuman Jayanti, in April or May, is the grandest, marking Hanuman’s birth with chants and laddus offered to the idol. Rama Navami in March or April has homams and processions, tying to Hanuman’s loyalty. Deepavali in October or November sees lamp-lighting by the statues. Daily worship includes Suprabhata Seva (morning prayers), Archana (offerings), and Deeparadhana (lamp ritual). Services like Abhishekam and Hanuman Homam can be booked at the office. A prasad stall gives free laddus to devotees. Tulasi Archana, offering basil leaves on Saturdays, is for strength.
Information for Travelers
Hours and Entry: Open daily, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Entry costs 350 rupees for adults, 300 rupees for children under 10, free for those under 5. Rituals cost 100-500 rupees.
Clothing: Wear simple clothes covering shoulders and knees. Men doing rituals wear dhotis, often bare-chested, as custom.
How to Get There:
Air: Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, 88 km away, is nearest. Taxis take 2 hours, costing 2000-3000 rupees.
Train: Raigir Railway Station, 8 km away, links to Hyderabad (1 hour) and Warangal (2 hours). Autos cost 100-150 rupees.
Road: Surendrapuri is 60 km from Hyderabad. Buses from Hyderabad’s Jubilee Bus Stand (1.5 hours) stop at Yadadri Bus Stand, 2 km away. Autos cost 20-40 rupees.
Places to Stay: Yadadri has Haritha Hotel (500-1000 rupees), run by Telangana Tourism, with restaurants. Hyderabad, 60 km away, has more hotels. Stalls sell idli, dosa, and tea.
Best Time to Visit: October to February has cool weather, 20-30°C. Weekdays are calm. Hanuman Jayanti brings crowds, so book early.
Final Thoughts
The Surendrapuri Panchamukha Hanuman Temple in Yadadri is one of Telengana’s best, attracting devotees from all over India. Hanauman’s grace touches all his devotees visiting here making it a must-see among the state’s sacred places.
