My Visit to Shiva’s Temple at Marpadaga near Siddipet (Telangana)

 

 

                                          

                     

                         

                   

After two and a half years’ confinement in home during Covid times, God has given me an opportunity to visit this famous Shiva temple located in a small village in the scenic natural rural setting surrounded by paddy and cotton fields. Sri Vijaya Durga Sametha Santhana Mallikarjuna Swamy temple was built during the rule of Kalyani Chalukya kings. Though the temple is small, it has a beautiful temple tower with the idol of Durga flanked by the majestic idols of Mahalakshmi and Maha Saraswati with typical features as described in Devi Purana. The statue of Nandi in front of the temple also looks very beautiful decked with gold-painted ornaments. In the entrance hall or Mukha Mantapa, one can see the beautiful idol of Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman smeared with Sindur. In the inner sanctum one can see two Shiva Lingas side by side. Adjacent to this temple there is a separate shrine for Goddess Vijaya Durga in sitting position with eight hands holding weapons, a beautiful idol made of black granite. In the Mukha Mantapa one can also see two guardian deities of Chandi and Mundi standing on either side. In the inner sanctum utsava vigrahas are seen.

This temple came into limelight when the Telengana Chief minister, Sri Chandrasekhara Rao, performed Sahasra Chabdiyagam in 2006 under the supervision of Dr. Harinatha Sharma of this village. The temple of Vijaya Durga was constructed on 25^th October, 2009. Forty-five days after this event, on December 9^th, the Central Government announced Telangana State Formation.  This temple is just ten kilometers away from Siddipet.  Marpada is in Kondapak Mandal in Siddipet district. This village is on the border of the Siddipet District and Warangal District. The village is surrounded by lush green fields. Tiny tiled houses are seen on both sides of narrow lanes. The temple is located in spacious premises. There is immense scope for development of this temple. If the roads and transport facility are improved, and publicity about this historic temple is given, one can expect many more pilgrims. The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. Special poojas are performed in this temple during Sravana and Kartika months. Abhishekam is done to the Goddess Vijaya Durga on every Tuesday and Friday. Rahu Kala Pooja, Rudrabhishekam and Kumkumarchana are also performed here. Though the priests are North Indians, they are well-versed, and perform poojas with great care and devotion. One can experience peace of mind and devotion in this holy temple.

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