The saga of childless couples' tryst with ‘Inavolu’ continues

Warangal: Kala Toranam (gate), the symbol of the Kakatiya dynasty in front of Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple at the tiny Ainavolu village in the district stands tall, not just typifying the past glory, but also epitomising the devotion and fervour associated with the place.

Keeping its date with the Sankranti festival, the otherwise sleepy village, 20 km from Warangal, came alive for its annual carnival (jatara) at the historic temple on January 12. The fete would continue till Ugadi.

Not many are aware of the belief that childless couples will be blessed with offspring at the temple if they offer worship Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy and His consorts Golla Kethamma and Balija Medalamma.

Unperturbed by all the hysterical processions outside the temple and the shrills by thousands of devotees inside, a few women stood deeply immersed with their hands raised and bodies clasped close to the rocky back wall of the sanctum sanctorum.

They presented a picture of serenity and appeared engrossed in appeasing the deities not for the prosperity but for a child, a longing that none other than a childless couple, specially women, will understand.

Speaking to The Hans India, chief priest Nandanam Siva Rajaiah said a large number of couples without children in the region come here to worship, 'varalu pattadam' (seeking favour), in local parlance. They believe that their longing would surely be blessed by the Lord.

K. Ravinder of Jangaon, who regularly visits the temple, said that he and his wife had prayed for a child three years back and were finally blessed.

By: A Mahender