Historically renowned as Manimandapa
Kshetra, the Sri Alagha Mallari Krishna Swami Temple stands as one
of the most celebrated Vaishnava shrines in Andhra Pradesh. Situated at Mannaru
Poluru, near the Kalingi River and just 5 km from Sullurupeta,
the temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna along with His consorts Sri
Satyabhama and Sri Jambavathi.
Sthala Puranam
The temple’s legend is
rooted in the story of the Samanthakamani jewel. King Satrajit received
the jewel from Lord Surya, but suspicion and conflict arose when his brother
Prasena was killed while wearing it. The jewel eventually reached Jambavantha,
who gave it to his daughter Jambavathi. Lord Krishna wrestled with Jambavantha,
defeated him, and married Jambavathi. Later, Satyabhama too was given in
marriage to Krishna along with the jewel.
This divine wrestling
encounter gave Krishna the name Mallari Krishna Swami (“Malla Hari” –
the one who fought), and the place itself became known as Malla Hari Poru
Vuru, later evolving into Mannaru Poluru.
Temple Architecture &
Shrines
- The temple dates back to the 10th
century Chola dynasty, reaching its peak under the Manumasiddhi
kings of Nellore.
- A gigantic Garuda statue (9.5
feet) stands before the sanctum, symbolizing humility after his pride
was shattered by Lord Hanuman’s Viswaroopa.
- Shrines within the temple include:
- Sri Rukmini Devi (Soundaryavalli)
- Sri Jambavantha (Kshetrapalaka)
- Sri Kodandarama Swami with Sita and
Lakshmana
- Sri Andal, Lord Venkateswara, Lord
Anjaneya, Sri Ramanuja, and the twelve Alwars
Uniquely, the temple houses both Krishna and Rama shrines within the same compound, each with its own Dwaja Stambha, symbolizing the confluence of two avatars of Lord Vishnu.
Festivals & Rituals
- Brahmotsavams
are celebrated twice a year with grandeur.
- Chitra Pournami
is a major festival, featuring Garuda Seva and river blessings.
- Daily rituals follow Vaishnava
tradition: Suprabhatam, Tirumanjanam, Archana, Aaradhana, and Ekanta
Seva.
- Special pujas are held on Ekadasi,
Rathasapthami, Purattasi, Margazhi, and Bhogi.
Cultural Legacy
- The temple inspired poets like Sri
Venkata Narasimha Kavi (16th century), who composed Sri Mannari
Krishna Satakam and Sri Rama Chandra Satakam.
- Sri Ayyalarayala Narayana Kavi
wrote Hamsa Vimsati, elevating the temple’s status alongside
Chidambaram, Tiruttani, and Sri Kalahasti.
- Inscriptions reveal donations of five
villages (1477 acres) by Venkatagiri rulers for temple development.
Unique Features
- Garuda shedding tears
– a rare depiction symbolizing humility.
- Dual shrines of Krishna and Rama
– highlighting the unity of Vishnu’s avatars.
- Swami Pushkarini
– a sacred temple tank used for daily Tirumanjanam.
- Mukha Mandapa, Maha Mandapa, Kalyana
Mandapa, and Rajagopuram – built with
artistic grandeur.
- Historic Patronage: Chola dynasty, Manumasiddhi kings, Venkatagiri rulers