Divine Bliss of Komuravelli Mallanna
The state of Telangana is dotted with many temples, of historical significance. Some of the shrines are devoted to Lord Shiva, while others are dedicated to the worship of different avatars of Lord Vishnu. Every district is known for its own set of popular temples and the village of Komuravelli in Siddipet district is also quite popular for the shrine of Mallikarjuna Swamy.
Komuravelli Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, also known popularly known as Komuravelli Mallanna is a Hindu shrine located on a hillock in Komuravelli village. It is located close to the town of Siddipet on Rajiv Rahadari, a well-developed highway that connects Hyderabad with Karimnagar.
The primary deity of this shrine is Mallanna or Mallikarjuna Swamy, considered an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The deity is also called by the name Khandoba, by the people of Maharashtra.
Mallanna in this shrine, is seen along with his consorts Golla Kethamma, a form of Goddess Ganga and Medalamma, another form of Goddess Parvati. The temple is known for its legendary association with the singers and performers of Oggu Katha whose lyrics eulogize the deity of Mallanna.
The devotees visiting this popular temple, offer prayers to Lord Mallanna, in the presence of Oggu Pujaris who draw a form of rangoli which called as Patnam (considered a divine way of offering prayers to Lord ) in front of the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Mallanna inside the shrine as well as the temple's verandah. Devotees throng the Mallanna temple in thousands during Maha Shivaratri when the occasion of Pedda Patnam is celebrated and also during the event of Agni Gundaalu, celebrated on the Sunday which falls before the Ugadi. The festive season, also called as Jatara starts during Sankranti, which lasts till the Telugu New Year occasion of Ugadi.
There is another shrine called Konda Pochamma temple, located close by which is visited by devotees during their trip to the Mallanna temple. The temple is located at a distance of about 85 kilometers from the capital city of Hyderabad.