Telangana govt. eyes Komuravelli Mallanna temple to boost temple tourism
Hyderabad: With a view to developing temple tourism circuit, the state government is stress on the Komuravelli Mallanna temple in Siddipet which is fast emerging as a prominent religious spot. The other two temples in the circuit are the Yadagirigutta temple, the Bhadrakali temple in Warangal.
Sri Komuravelli Mallikarjuna Swamy Kalyanam on December 29 and the annual religious fair which starts on January 19 and runs for 10 weeks, attract lakhs of people. Ahead of the Kalyanam (celestial marriage), minister Konda Surekha directed officials to make it a grand event, asking them to popularise the unique rituals of the temple.
The rituals are deeply rooted in folklore, devotion and unique traditions, making them both famous and spiritually significant.
Mallaiah, an Oggu Pujari, said Oggu Katha performance, a traditional storytelling art form, is performed by the community, narrating tales of Lord Mallanna, His consort Medaramma (Goddess Parvati), blending Shaivite and folk traditions.
This folk art, accompanied by music and rhythmic beats, immerses devotees in the lore of the deity. The priests carry out elaborate rituals, invoking divine blessings for prosperity and well-being of devotees.
Unique to Lord Mallanna’s worship, the folk priests sing devotional hymns and facilitate the rituals, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Devotees turn up in large numbers, offer Bonalu and bidis, as a symbolic tribute to the deity, reflecting Lord Mallanna’s folk character as a God close to the common man.
The devotees tie coconuts at the temple’s sacred trees and structures, seeking fulfillment of their vows and blessings, Malliah said.
The state government, looking at the devotee participation and community spirit in Komuravelli Kalyanam, the annual fair lasting till Shivratri festival, offers community meals where devotees partake of food offerings. The festival usually takes place during the Samkranti season, marking the harvest time. It coincides with a time of community celebration and is seen as a prayer for agricultural prosperity.
Besides having improved connectivity as these three temples lie on a state highway, the Central government has started developing a railway station at Komuravelli village in view of heavy pilgrim rush.
At a review meeting, minister Surekha reviewed the status of ongoing developmental works at the Komuravelli temple, funded by Rs 36.18 crore from the endowment department and Rs 9.776 crore from the special development fund. She and asked the officials to make arrangements for Kalyanam in a sprawling area in view of the past experience of large crowds turning up for the events.
Minister Surekha asked officials to make use of old flowers in preparation of agarbattis, arrange buses for devotees, set up barricades for streamlined darshan and place CCTV cameras and make a special queue for VIPs.
She asked officials to arrange battery operated vehicles for the convenience of aged persons, pregnant women and those with physical challenges. She also asked the officials to take all the care in preparation of prasadam.