Sri Veerabhadreshwara Temple is a famous pilgrimage center located in Humnabad, about 2 kilometers from the Humnabad railway station and 51 kilometers from Bidar. The temple was built in 1725 by Raja Ramachandra Jadhav and is dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra, a fierce form of Lord Shiva.
This temple is renowned for its "moving pillar", a unique feature that draws many devotees.
The idol inside the sanctum (garbhagudi) is grand and majestic. The temple also features two tall deepasthambhas (lamp towers), each approximately 50 feet high.
Humnabad Temple Story
According to Hindu mythology, Veerabhadra was born out of Shiva's wrath. Sati, the daughter of Daksha (the king of all men), was a devout worshipper of Shiva. At her swayamvara (self-choice marriage ceremony), Daksha invited all gods and princes except Shiva. In response, Sati threw her garland into the air and called upon Shiva to accept it. Shiva appeared, placed the garland around his neck, and stood in the middle of the court. Left with no choice, Daksha was forced to marry Sati to Shiva.
Later, Daksha organized a grand horse sacrifice (yajna), once again deliberately excluding Shiva. Out of deep affection for her parents, Sati insisted on attending the uninvited event, going against social norms. At the ceremony, Daksha insulted her in front of everyone. Unable to bear the humiliation, Sati jumped into the sacrificial fire and ended her life. The place where Sati died later came to be known as Jwalamukhi Devi.
When Shiva heard of Sati’s death, he was overcome with grief and rage. In his fury, he pulled out a lock of his hair and struck it on the ground. From it emerged Veerabhadra and Rudrakali, fierce forms created to destroy the yajna.
Veerabhadra is believed to be the destroyer of ignorance. He is described as a towering figure who reached the skies, dark as thunderclouds, with three fiery eyes and blazing hair. He wore a garland of skulls and wielded terrifying weapons. To empower him further, Bhadrakali, another fierce form of the goddess, appeared.
Eventually, Sati, Shiva’s wife, immolated herself in the yajna fire. Veerabhadra is considered one of the main deities of the Veerashaiva Lingayat tradition, and he is especially revered by followers of the Panchacharyas in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Annual Festival
An annual seven-day Veerabhadreshwara Jatra (fair) is held in January or February, attracting thousands of devotees from across the region.