The historic Sri Mailaralingeshwara Temple (Sri Mylaralingeshwara Temple), located in Mailapur (also spelled Mailapura) in Yadgir district, is believed to date back to the 15th century. The temple is one of the region's most revered Shaivite shrines and is renowned for its grand annual fairs held during Deepavali and Makara Sankranti.
The temple's celebrations are especially famous for the
Pallakki Utsava (palanquin procession) and the unique Sarapali Hariva ritual,
both of which attract thousands of devotees every year. Because of its deep
association with the legendary manifestation of Lord Shiva as Mailara (Khandoba), the
deity is also worshipped as Sri Mailara Koti or Yelu Koti Mallaiah (Lord of
Seven Crore Divine Hosts).
This is a hilltop shrine and is accessed through several steps, nearly hundred. Monday and Amavasya are important days here. Sundays huge crowd due to holidays.
The Legend of Sri Mailaralingeshwara
According to local tradition, during the Krita Yuga (Satya
Yuga), seven righteous sages known as the Sapta Dharma Putra Rishis lived
peacefully on Manichura Hill. Along with their virtuous wives and children,
they established hermitages where they devoted themselves to meditation,
penance, Vedic sacrifices, and spiritual practices. Through their intense
austerities, they became spiritually radiant.
Near Manichura Hill stood the magnificent city of Manipura,
ruled by the mighty demon king Mallasura. Blessed by Lord Brahma after severe
penance, Mallasura possessed extraordinary strength and unmatched power. His
younger brother, Manikasura, was equally valiant. Manipura was described as a
prosperous and splendid city, so magnificent that even Indra's celestial
capital, Amaravati, seemed insignificant in comparison. The people of the
kingdom lived peacefully and harmoniously.
Over time, however, Mallasura became arrogant and misused
the divine powers granted to him by Brahma. Instead of upholding righteousness,
he turned against dharma. During one of his hunting expeditions through the
forest, he came upon the beautiful hermitage of the seven sages on Manichura
Hill. Enchanted by the peaceful surroundings but driven by pride and greed, he
disrupted their sacred rituals, destroyed their hermitages, and drove the sages
away.
The March of the Divine Army
Unable to bear the suffering inflicted upon the sages, the
celestial forces resolved to restore righteousness. Under the leadership of
Lord Kartikeya, commander of the divine army, the Deva Sena advanced towards
Manichura Hill to confront Mallasura.
Scouts informed Mallasura about the approaching celestial
army. Initially confident of victory because of his immense strength, he later
learned that the war had been declared because of the injustice he had
committed against the seven sages.
Determined to fight, Mallasura assembled a massive army
under the command of his brother Manikasura, along with powerful demon warriors
such as Khadgadishta, Ulkamukha, Kuntaloma, and many other fierce commanders. A
terrible battle soon erupted between the seven-crore divine army led by
Martanda Bhairava and the even larger forces of Mallasura.
The Fall of Manikasura
During the opening stages of the battle, Lord Kartikeya
defeated Khadgadishta, Lord Ganesha slew Ulkamukha, and Nandi destroyed
Kuntaloma. Furious after learning of the deaths of these commanders, Manikasura
assumed a terrifying magical form and launched a fierce attack against the
divine army.
Witnessing his immense power, Martanda Bhairava himself
entered the battlefield. Seeing Shiva's fierce form, Manikasura mocked him,
saying that a wandering mendicant had abandoned begging to fight in battle.
Enraged by the insult, Martanda Bhairava pierced
Manikasura's chest with his trident. As the demon fell to the ground, Shiva
placed his foot upon his head. At that very moment, the touch of Shiva's feet
awakened divine wisdom within Manikasura.
Filled with devotion, the dying demon praised Lord Shiva
with great sincerity. Pleased by his transformation, Shiva revealed his true
divine form and offered him a boon.
Manikasura prayed that Shiva's sacred feet should forever
remain upon his head. He also requested permission to serve the Lord eternally
as his divine mount in the form of a horse. Martanda Bhairava granted both
wishes, and from that moment, Manikasura became the divine vehicle of the Lord.
The Appeal of the Seven Sages
Witnessing this transformation, the seven sages rejoiced.
Lord Vishnu appeared before them and assured them that he was pleased with
their devotion. He asked them to reveal the cause of their suffering.
The sages described in detail the destruction caused by
Mallasura and the hardships they had endured. After listening carefully, Lord
Vishnu acknowledged that Mallasura had indeed become nearly invincible through
the immense power gained from his penance. He declared that only Lord Shiva of
Mount Kailasa possessed the strength to defeat such a formidable demon.
Lord Vishnu therefore proposed that they all proceed
together to Mount Kailasa and request Lord Shiva to protect the world from
Mallasura's tyranny.
The Visit to Kailasa
Lord Vishnu, Sage Narada, and the seven sages journeyed to
the sacred Mount Kailasa. There they beheld Lord Shiva seated majestically with
Goddess Parvati.
Shiva welcomed the visitors warmly and inquired about the
purpose of their visit. The sages respectfully praised him and narrated how
Mallasura had destroyed their hermitages, interrupted their sacred sacrifices,
assaulted them, and driven them away from their homes.
They prayed earnestly for divine protection.
After hearing their plea, Lord Shiva assured them that
Mallasura's end was near. He declared that he himself would destroy the demon
and restore righteousness. He instructed the sages to remain fearless,
promising that justice would soon prevail.