Komuravelli Mallanna Temple

Introduction

Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of the Komuravelli Mallanna Temple. The Temple is located in the Komuravelli village on a hillock in the Siddipet district in Telangana. Here, Shiva is accompanied by Golla Kethamma, Medalamma, Goddess Parvathi, and Ganga. The main deity is known by different names like Komrelly Mallanna, Mallikarjuna Swamy, and Komrelly Mallanna Swamy. In Maharashtra, he is known as Mallanna Khandoba.

Legends of Komuravelli Mallanna Temple

The clay mould deity of Mallanna is believed to have been made 500 years ago. There is no recorded history of the Temple. The only scripts available are the Oggu Katha sung on Mallanna. The story reveals that Mallanna and Medalamma tied the knot after fulfilling the conditions of the Goddess brothers. Her brothers wished her to become a Bandari or the Pasupu Kommulu. On his quest for Bandari, Mallanna approaches Shiva and, from there, is asked to meet Lord Ganesha.

On meeting Lord Ganesha, Mallanna knows Yellamma knows the secret of getting Bandari. She tells him that it is in Macca Masjid. Mallanna continues his journey to Macca despite a warning from Yellamma about its distance and powerful people who can defeat him. She also told him that it is a one-way passage and no one who went in search of the Bandari never returned.

Mallanna seeks the help of Shiva, and he gives him a flying horse. Mallanna reaches Macca Masjid on the horse. He befriended Malku Malloji and spent years gaining the trust of the Muslims. Trusting Mallanna, they revealed the identity of Bandari to him.

Mallanna reaches the secret location, secures Bandari, and escapes from the land disguised as a black dog, even as Haseen and Hussain chase him. He reached the banks of the River Ganga. To save Mallanna from Haseen and Hussain, Goddess Ganga loses her right hand. Mallanna fixes a stick in place of the lot hand and also vows to observe a ritual every Year as a mark of the sacrifice made by the Ganga.

On his return to Komuravelli on his flying horse, he gives a portion of Bandari to Yellamma and marries Medalamma. Medalamma is also called Bramarambika; she is the consort of Mallanna.

The Architecture of Komuravelli Mallanna Temple

It is believed that Komaranna consecrated the idol on the hilltop. It is 8 feet high and is made of clay. Besides, the main deity is seen as his consorts, Golla Kethamma and Balija Medalamma. Below the deities is a Shiva Linga. Mallanna is seen with a curled mustache armed with a trident and a hand drum in the upper hand, and in the lower hand, he holds a pearl bowl with turmeric or bandari. You can also see golden serpents around his waist and arms. Right in front of Mallanna's idol are the three slain heads of Tripurasuras, the demon. Next to the shrine is the Utsava idols of Lord Mallanna and Veerabhdra.

When you enter the Temple, you see a huge statue of saint Saint Renukacharya and Saint Basaveswara; a Sacred plum tree is spotted on the Temple premises. Next to the Mallanna Temple is the Yellamma Temple. A cave Temple for Veerabhadra is spotted as you climb down the hill.

Festivals of Komuravelli Mallanna Temple

The famous festival at the Komuravelli Mallanna Temple is the Komuravelli Mallanna Jathara. The Jathara is celebrated with pomp and gaiety, from Sankranthi to Ugadi. During this period, devotees visit the Temple every Sunday and worship Lord Shiva. On the previous Sunday of Ugadi, Agni Gundaalu is observed. Since the primary deity of the Temple is Shiva, one cannot forgo the Maha Shivaratri festival celebrated every year. Moreover, the main deity in the Temple is colored once a year. During this time of the year, lakhs of followers visit the Temple.

The prayers are offered at the Mallanna Temple by the Oggu Pujaris. They draw a rangoli called the Patnam in the Temple's main hall.

Benefits of worshipping in this Temple

Mallanna is seen as the incarnation of Lord Shiva. He is also the protector of the village. Mallanna is married to the Yadav family. The leaves of the Sacred plum tree are believed to ward off diseases.