Keesara Ramalingeshwara Swamy temple is just 30 kilometres away from Hyderabad. Ramalingeshwara Swamy temple is situated at a small village, Keesara, which is also known as Keesara Gutta.

According to Archeologists, this place was called as ‘Gatika’ in ancinet days, and it was a great educational institution in the third century. The Keesara temple is on a hill, which is also called as Keesara Gutta (Gutta means hill in Telugu). This Ramalingeshwara temple has a great history as it is existing since time immemorial.

History or Legend of Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple:
Keesara has a great cultural backdrop as this place has several number of ruined shrines in the Gupta’s architecture dated of the fifth century. The

presiding Deity, Ramalingeswara Swamy’s temple was ruined and renovated recently. We can see a giant Hanuman idol near the temple. We can also see the results of excavations held here, in the Museum.

In threthayuga Lord Sri Ram along with his wife Sita and Lord Hanuman were searching a means to get rid of Rama’s sin (Brahmana Hatya Paapam) – killing the demon Ravanasura who is a brahmin and a great devotee of Lord Parameshwara. Lord Rama met some great Saints and Sages in Gatika (Keesara) who advised him to consecrate a Shiva Lingam.

Lord Sri Ram requested Hanuman to bring a Shiva Lingam. By Hanuman’s kind request and worship, Lord Siva manifested before him in the form of 101 Sivlings. But, it was too late as it was not an auspicious time. Then, Lord Rama prayed to Lord Siva and Lord Shiva manifested as Sivalinga Before Sri Ram. Sri Ram and Seeta consecrated the Shiva Linga and prayed to the Lord with utmost devotion to remove their sin.

But, Lord Hanuman was unhappy and lost his nigraha (calmness) and darted away those 101 shivlingas. By understanding the anger of Hanuman, Lord Sri Ram gave a boon to Hanuman that who prays 101 Shivalingas, darted by Hanuman, would get blessings of all 33 crores Devatas (Gods).

Significance of 101 Shiva Lingams:
Among these Shiva lingas, some are of upto 1 meter. Several legends say that these lingas indicate the life and fertility. The lingas have a base structure which represents the womb.