Celebrating the Divine at Komuravelli Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple: A Tradition of Faith and Festivities
NEWS CHARIOT : The Komuravelli Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, located in Siddipet district of Telangana, is one of the state’s most prominent pilgrimage destinations. Revered by devotees, the temple is known for its divine aura and the fulfillment of prayers, often symbolized by the golden aura surrounding Lord Mallikarjuna. Along with his consort, Lingabalijala and Gollakethamma, the temple is a hub of religious fervor, attracting visitors from far and wide.
Annual Celebrations: Every year, the temple witnesses grand celebrations with various rituals, including an elaborate Kalyanam (marriage ceremony) for Lord Mallikarjuna, which follows two distinct methods based on regional customs. The Virashaiva Agama tradition is followed on the last Sunday of the Margashira month, coinciding with Maha Shivaratri, when a significant number of pilgrims gather for the sacred occasion. This period, from January 19th to March 24th, sees an influx of devotees from across Telugu states, as well as from Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka.
The Jatara (festival) is organized over ten Sundays, during which devotees engage in worship and rituals. This tradition of visiting temples and performing rituals extends beyond Komuravelli to places like Ainavolu and Odela, where similar practices have been maintained for years.
Pattam and Rituals: A unique feature of the temple’s celebrations is the Pattam, a ritualistic offering using five natural colors that represent the divine. The colors used are:
- Turmeric (yellow)
- Kumkum (red)
- Gulabi Rang (rose color)
- Tangedu (a green powder made from dried leaves)
- Rice flour (white powder)
Devotees create Patnams at various locations around the temple, such as the Chilaka Patnam, Nazar Patnam near the Gangi Reni tree, and the Mukhamandapa Patnam inside the temple. These offerings are made during the festival to please the deities.
The Grand Patnam: Once every few years, a massive Patnam is laid out at the Thota Bavi area near the temple. This spectacular arrangement stretches across approximately 50 yards and is built with 41 rows of offerings. The Oggu Pujaris tell folk tales as they build the Pattam, symbolically inviting Mallikarjuna to bless the devotees and fulfill their wishes. After the ceremonial Kalyanam, the rituals continue with the Pujaris offering prayers and chanting sacred hymns.
A distinctive feature of this ritual is the single-horned trident (known as Orragommu) used in the worship, alongside a Damaruka (a musical instrument), which holds special significance. The various colors used in the Pattam—turmeric, kumkum, rice flour, green powder—are combined to create intricate designs, offering a visually beautiful and spiritually uplifting experience.
After the Patnam Rituals: Once the Patnam is complete, the Utsava Vigrahas (processional deities) are placed upon it for prayers. Devotees, in the final part of the ritual, eagerly await the opportunity to step over the Pattam, collecting the muggupodi (colored powder) from it, believing that spreading it on their fields will ensure abundant harvests. Following the ritual, some devotees participate in a fire-walking ceremony, walking barefoot over hot coals as a symbol of their devotion and faith.
A Tradition of Faith and Celebration: The celebrations at Komuravelli Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple are a rich blend of tradition, devotion, and community spirit. Pilgrims from all over gather to offer their prayers, participate in the grand rituals, and celebrate the deep-rooted religious traditions that continue to thrive in this sacred space.
