Mailar Mallanna Temple

Mailar Mallanna Temple is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Mallanna (Khandoba), a form of Shiva, located in Mailar village, Hadagali Taluk, Vijayanagara district, Karnataka, on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Revered as the family deity of many communities in Karnataka and Maharashtra, the temple is known for its distinctive architecture, annual Mailara Jatre festival, and association with Gorava ritual traditions, attracting pilgrims year-round.

Visitors can expect a traditional South Indian temple complex dedicated to Lord Mallanna with a sanctum, pillared halls and courtyard situated near the Tungabhadra River. The surroundings include temple shops selling offerings, open grounds used during festivals, and views of the river landscape. Inside, visitors can observe daily puja rituals, Gorava devotees in traditional attire, and stone architecture. The atmosphere is devotional, especially crowded during the annual Jatre festival.

The Mailar Mallanna Temple is an ancient shrine with traditions linking its origin to early medieval period and later developments under regional dynasties. The temple is associated with the legend of Lord Shiva as Mailara defeating the demon Mallasura, from which the deity and place derive their names. The complex reflects layered architectural additions over centuries and remains a historic centre of Shaiva worship in the Tungabhadra region.

The temple is dedicated to Mailara/Mallanna, worshipped as Khandoba and regarded as a family deity (Kuladevata) by many communities in Karnataka and Maharashtra. It is the centre of the Gorava tradition, where devotees dressed in woolen attire perform ritual dances and songs. The annual Mailara Jatre, held for several days in February-March, draws lakhs of pilgrims and features processions, folk performances and ritual worship.