The priceless Kohinoor diamond, which is now on display at London’s Jewel House, originally belonged to a temple in Telangana. King Pulakeshin II of the Chalukya dynasty constructed the Bhadrakali Temple in 625 A.D in Warangal, Telangana. When the Kakatiya rulers took control of the region, they made Goddess Bhadrakali their “Kula Devatha” and attached the Kohinoor diamond to the deity’s left eye. During the Kakatiya era, Kohinoor diamond was quarried first in Kollur mines.
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In around 1310 AD, the Sultan of Delhi Alauddin Khalji acquired the diamond with the help of his general Malik Kafur. As per sources, it was also one of the stones of the Mughal Peacock Throne. It passed through several hands and dynasties until the British took over Punjab in 1849, captured the Kohinoor diamond and gifted it to Queen Victoria.
Bhadrakali Temple-The Original Owner Of Kohinoor Diamond
Lying between Warangal and Hanamkonda, the Bhadrakali Temple is one of the oldest shrines dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. As revealed by the scripts on the temple wall, King Pulakeshin II had established the shrine to celebrate his victory over the Vengi region. The temple lies on the bank of Bhadrakali Lake, encircled by echoing greens. The picturesque lake sits amid the charming hills. Many looting activities had reduced the temple to ruins until Sri Ganesh Rao Sastri renovated it in the 1950s along with some wealthy natives.
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The Deity Has Powerful Eyes And Eight Hands
Goddess Bhadrakali or Bhadrakali Ammavaru is believed to be an epitome of strength for women. The ancient Chalukya architecture of the temple with the natural splendour in the backdrop will take your breath away. The entrance of the temple has touches of Kakatiya architecture too. Bhadrakali Temple is a highly tranquil spot where the historic charm meets the calmness of nature. The golden-hued temple wears a celestial shimmer during sunrises and sunsets. The single stone sculpture of Goddess Bhadrakali at the temple has powerful eyes and eight arms with different weapons.
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The shrine is around 2.5 kilometres away from Warangal city. To get to the location, tourists can hire auto-rickshaws and other modes of transportation.