My Visit to Komuravelli Mallanna Temple, Komuravelli (Siddipet Dist.)

 

             

                                 

                               

Konda Pochamma

 This temple is a popular pilgrimage place for many people of Telangana region and Maharashtrian people. The presiding deity is Komuravelli Mallikarjuna Swamy popularly known as Komuravelli Mallanna, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. This deity is also called Khandoba by Maharashtrian devotees. This temple is constructed in Kakatiya and Chalukya syle and is located on a hill in Komuravelli village of Siddipet district in Telangana State. This pilgrimage spot is nearly 85 kms from Hyderabad and 22kms from Siddipet. Mallanna along with his two consorts, Golla Kethamma and Balija Medalamma are seen in a cave. A Shiva Linga is seen just below the deities. The idols are made of clay and are believed to be 500 years old.  The idol of Mallanna is of eight feet and is colourfully painted in blue colour and is decorated with golden crown and ornaments. Mallanna looks majestic with a curled moustache holding a trident and a hand-drum (dhamaruka) in his two upper hands. He holds a sword and a pearl bowl filled with bandari (turmeric powder) in his lower hands.  His arms and waist are decked with ornamental serpents made of gold. Three demon-heads of Tripurasuras (slain by Lord Shiva) are seen in front of the main idol. Utsava vigrahas of Lord Mallanna and Lord Veerabhdra are seen beside the shrine. On the way out to exit one can see beautiful painted sculptures of various gods and goddesses. 

 At the entrance of the temple there are big statues of Saint Renukacharya and Saint Basaveswara seen on either side of the temple outside. There is a big plum-tree (Ganga Regu ) considered very sacred  by devotees. People go round the tree and tie their votive offerings to the branches of the sacred tree. There is a shoe-stand and also a store room to keep devotees’ belongings. Mobiles are not allowed and they should be deposited in the store room. In Mukha  Mantapa there are fresco carvings of Lord  Veerabhadra, Saint Renukacharya and Lord Ganapati and sages in sitting position.

  The deity is worshipped mainly by Kurumas(shepherds), Golla folk (cowherds) and Balijas(farmers) of this region. Devotees offer prayers to Maallanna with the help of Oggu priests who draw a rangoli called “Patnam” in front of the Lord inside the temple and also in the temple verandah. The devotees bring bonums (rice cooked in new pots) and place them on rangoli designs.  The story of Mallaanna called “Oggu Katha” is sung by priests playing music on drums. The story narrates how Mallanna married Medalamma also called Bramarambika. According Oggu folk story, Mallanna was born to Veera Shaiva couple, Madiraju and Madamma and was believed to be an incarnation of Shiva and who came down to this world to protect his devotees. A festive fair (Jatara) is held on every Sunday and Wednesday from Sankranti festival to Ugadi(Telugu New Year). Kalyonotsavam (marriage ceremony) for Lod Mallanna and His holy consorts before Sankranthi. Lakhs of devotees come here to offer bonams in new pots. Veera Shaiva Priests after worshipping Lord Veera Bhadra and Bhadra Kali do fire-walking ritual in early dawn carrying idols of God (Utasava Vigrahas). A subsidiary temple for Sri Renukacharya, a Veera Shaiva saint, is seen beside the main temple.

 Next to Mallanna’s temple is seen Yellamma’s temple on the nearby hillock. She is considered as Lord Mallanna’s sister. A little farther away there is Saligrama Hanuman temple.  Navagrahas are seen on an elevated platform. If one climbs a few steps further, there is a cave temple for Veera Bhadra along with an idol of a sacred Shiva Linga and Nandi. There is a temple for Konda Pochamma at a distance of 20kms from this place. Devotees worship Konda Pochamma and offer bonams on Tuesday.

In Mallanna’s temple, turmeric powder called Bandari is applied on the brows of devotees. The main entrance tower, the compound wall, Mukhamantapa and cottages are painted in yellow.  There are separate passages for entrance and exit from the cave temple. Devotees can avail quick darshan by paying one hundred rupees each. Devotees buy Bandari packets from pooja stall as they believe that bandari protects devotees from all diseases. Outside the temple there are many stalls selling pooja materials. There are many photo studios with replicas of inside view of the temple and images of various gods and goddesses. One can get photographed standing beside these replicas. The Endowments Department renovated the temple mantapams and choultries. Nearly two hundred rooms are made available for devotees’ accommodation by Komuravelli Devasthanam Board. But there are too many beggars obstructing the devotees and pursue them asking for money. The outside surroundings and temple premises are not cleanly maintained. The menace of beggars should be solved as early as possible.

 The temple is open from 4.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. and from 12.00 p.m. to 3.00 p.m. Th darshan timings are from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and from 3.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.