Location
The temple is located at the outskirts of Odela town, Peddapalli District and is of 25km from Peddapalli
Description
The temple is dedicated to Shiva who in the form of Mallikarjuna or Mallana and it follows the Dravidian form of architecture.
According to the sthala puranam, which is recorded on temple pillars, a sage named Sri Pankaja Maha Muni used to offer prayers to the Lingam (Shiva deity) in the temple. After his passing, the Lingam he worshiped was left abandoned and eventually covered by an anthill.
A farmer named Chinthakunta Odelu was plowing the land when his plough unexpectedly struck the Shivalingam. He felt grateful to the Lord and, as an expression of his devotion, constructed a temple on the site. This act led to the naming of the village as Odela, and it gained prominence due to the temple. Adjacent to the temple, on its southern side, is the shrine of Sri Bramarambha Mata.
Local folklore suggests that Lord Shri Rama sought the blessings of Lord Shiva at this sacred place, leading to the inclusion of a shrine dedicated to Lord Shriram and his consort, Sita Devi.
Over time, several additional shrines have been added to the main temple complex. To the west of the temple, there is the Veera Shaiva Mattam, and nearby stands a significant banyan tree known as Matta Marri.
Existing Condition
The temple is maintained by the temple trust.
Archive
References
Gadwal district website : https://gadwal.telangana.gov.in/tourist-place/jogulamba-devi/
Contributors
NIUM