Inavolu, the place where Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy resides, was filled with a large crowd on the first day of the annual jatara. This day also happened to be Bhogi. The jatara is celebrated during Bhogi, Sankranti, Kanuma festivals and continues until Ugadi.
The jatara began with a ritual called ‘Dhwajarohanam’. People believe that visiting this temple, which is almost 1,000 years old, can bless childless couples with children.
Behind the main shrine, there are women who stay still and deeply engrossed in prayer, with their hands folded and raised vertically, seeking blessings from the deities for a child.
The temple was built in the 11th century by Ayyanna Deva, a minister of the Kakatiya dynasty. The presiding deity is Lord Mallikarjuna, also known as Mylarudeva, along with his consorts Balija Medalamma and Golla Kethamma.
The district administration has made extensive arrangements for the smooth functioning of the temple. They have ensured orderly queues for devotees and set up a medical camp and ambulance facility. The jatara is being monitored by the police through CCTV cameras. The RTC has also provided enough buses for the convenience of the devotees.
