Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple at Inavlolu village near Warangal
is an ancient Shiva temple built prior to Kakatiyas around 700 AD and developed
by Kakatiya rulers. Inavolu Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is located on the Warangal
– Khammam Road and is around 12 KM from Warangal Town.
Shiva is worshipped here as Mallikarjuna Swamy. It is a
fierce form with stern looking eyes. The murti has four hands and they hold sword,
vessel of blood, Dhamaru or hourglass drum and trident or trishul. His right
leg stamps on the head of demons. Golla Kethamma and Balija Medalamma are his consorts.
The Shivling worshipped in the shrine is unique and rare.
Only half of the Yonipitha or panavattam is visible. The Shivling has a canopy
of five-hooded snake and is covered with gold.
The temple is noted for its architectural beauty especially
the Keerti Toranams.
The main festival in the temple coincides with the Bhogi and
Sankranti festival in Telangana in January month. The festival ends three
months later on Ugadi day. Carrying Bonam on the first day of the festival is
considered highly meritorious. People fulfill numerous vows during the period.
The main temple festival known as jatara mainly celebrates the
celestial wedding of the presiding deity Mallikarjuna Swamy with his consorts
Golla Kethamma and Balija Medalamma.
Bandari (turmeric) is the main offering to the deity. Devotees
also offer earthen pots with newly-harvested rice cooked with milk and jaggery.