Mallur Gutta Fort & Hemachala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
Location: Near Mallur village, Mangapet Mandal, Mulugu District, Telangana. Located on the southern bank of the Godavari river adjacent to the Eturnagaram–Bhadrachalam highway.
"It is said to be bigger than Warangal and Golconda forts."
About the Fort
A sprawling ancient fort in the region is the massive 8 km-radius fort wall with seven entry points dating back to the Satavahana period. Locally known as Mallur Fort, it is located 4 km inside the forests. While normal forts are two to four km in radius, this fort wall is much bigger than Warangal and Golconda forts.
The Sacred Temple & Divine Ensemble
The Hemachala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is an ancient architectural divine ensemble located on the Mallur Ghat. Built in a strategic and secluded locale of the hill, it is famous for its Swayambhu (self-formed) deity.
- Physical Attributes: The height of the Moolavirat is up to 10 feet. The belly part of the idol is soft as human skin. The Dwajasthambha is nearly 60 feet in height.
- Divine Wonders: Sandal-like fluid flows from the umbilicus of the deity. It is believed the deity enflames the premises if alone, but a golden Goddess Lakshmi on his chest region ensures tranquility.
- Ugra Anjaneya Swamy: A rock-formed statue near the temple, reportedly the first of its kind known in South India.
Suggested Itineraries
1. The "Sacred Grove" Day Trip
Best for history and nature enthusiasts departing from Warangal.
- 07:00 AM: Depart from Warangal (130 km / 3 hours).
- 10:00 AM: Reach Mallur village; begin the 4 km approach to the hill base.
- 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Visit the Hemachala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple and the Ugra Anjaneya statue.
- 12:30 PM – 02:00 PM: Explore the Chintamani Waterfall and trek a portion of the Satavahana-era 8-km fort wall.
- 03:30 PM: Visit the nearby Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary interpretation center.
- 05:30 PM: Return journey to Warangal.
2. The "Godavari Frontier" Circuit
A 2-day immersive experience of the Koya heritage and Kakatiya forts.
Day 1: Start from Bhadrachalam. Visit Mallur Gutta for the Vasanthothsav (if in May) or the medicinal springs. Overnight stay at Eturnagaram or Tadvai forest huts.
Day 2: Morning visit to Laknavaram Lake (suspension bridges). Afternoon trek to the Pratapgiri Fort (Pedda Gutta) to see the Kakatiya northern frontier bastions. Return via Bhupalpally.
Travel & Logistics Summary
Presently, the 4 km approach to the temple premises is traversed by devotees using various transportation modes. ITDA Eturunagaram has developed pucca roads replacing earlier rough tracks making the travel easier. Mallur is about 90 km from Bhadrachalam and 130 km from Warangal City.
📞 Telephone: +91-9440634985 / +91-9666887393
📧 E-mail: info@hemachelam.info
Nearby Attractions
- Chintamani perennial stream & waterfall (on-site)
- Eturunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary
- Laknavaram Lake
- Bhadrachalam Temple
- Ramappa Temple (nearby region)
- Pratapgiri Fort
Legends & Beliefs
Historical stories state the demon king Ravana gifted this place to his sister, Shurpanaka. Around 14,000 demons led by Khara Dushana were slain here by Rama. The great sage Agastya gave the present name Hemachalam to the shrine. Devotees flock here to beget children and redeem themselves from obstacles.
The Chintamani Waterfall & Springs
The Chintamani Lake and perennial waterfall is a natural stream regarded as sacred. A natural spring running through the dense forest, the Malluru spring waters are believed to have medicinal qualities. People use it for bathing and carry water home.
Sacred Grove & Biodiversity
Mallur Gutta is a hill spread over 1,500 hectares. 200 hectares are designated as a Medicinal Plants Conservation Area. It is home to around 470 species of plants.
Ethnomedicinal Data (167 Taxa)
- Leaf use: 23.88%
- Whole plant: 15.34%
- Root: 12.43%
- Stem bark: 11.46%
- Fruit: 10.10%
Dominant Plant Families
Predominantly Fabaceae (71 taxa), followed by Malvaceae (31), Asteraceae (19), Rubiaceae and Convolvulaceae (16 each).
Rare Species: Aegle marmelos, Celastrus paniculatus, Gloriosa superba, Litsea glutinosa, Stemona tuberosa. Species like Anodendron paniculatum and Flagellaria indica are recorded only in this area in Telangana.
Wildlife
The hill supports species including: Monkey (Macaca mulatta), Hanuman langur, bison, jungle cat, mongoose, wild dog, nilgai, spotted deer, wild boar, monitor lizard, and various snakes like krait and buff-striped keelback.
Ethnic People: The Koyas (Dorla Koitur)
The Koyas are the southernmost section of the Gond group and are vital for ethnomedicinal knowledge. Their subgroups include:
- Gotte Koya: Dance with a bison horn; dress like Marias.
- Manne Koya: Inhabit secluded forest areas.
- Gampa Koya: Specialists in basket making (Gampalu).
- Warre Koya: Hunter-gatherers; not settled agriculture.
- Bunka Koya: Settled farmers.
- Dora Koya: Considered Raja Gonds (Dorla).
Travel & Festivals
Logistics
- Location: 90 km from Bhadrachalam; 130 km from Warangal.
- Approach: 4 km road through forest developed by ITDA Eturnagaram.
- Contact: +91-9440634985 / +91-9666887393
- Nearby: Laknavaram Lake, Ramappa Temple, Eturnagaram Sanctuary.
Inscriptional Timeline & Administrative Units
Satavahana & Early Historic Era (c. 1st – 3rd Century CE)
Administrative Unit: Maha-Talavara-Ahara
Local Rulers: Maha-Talavaras (High Officials/Local Chieftains)
Construction Status: Foundation of the massive 8-km radius fort wall. The site served as a Giri-Gulma (Military Post) monitoring the Godavari river banks and protecting the Sreni (merchant guild) routes.
Ikshvaku Era (c. 3rd – 4th Century CE)
Administrative Unit: Maha-Talavara-Vhara
Local Rulers: Feudatory Maha-Talavaras
Fort Status: Giri-Thana (Sentinel Post)
History: Following the Satavahanas, local chieftains maintained the 8-km perimeter to secure the forest tracts of the Godavari valley against northern tribal incursions.
Vishnukundina Era (c. 420 – 624 CE)
Administrative Unit: Indrapala-Vishaya / Rishika-Nadu
Local Rulers: Madhavavarman II (Sovereign) and local Mahatalavaras
Fort Status: Giri-Thana (Frontier Watch-Post)
History: Utilized to monitor movements across the Godavari river basin. The site was a vital strategic buffer between the Deccan and the Vakataka territories.
Badami Chalukya Era (c. 543 – 753 CE)
Administrative Unit: Sabbi-Vishaya
Local Rulers: Dandanayakas (Military Governors) under Pulakeshin II
Fort Status: Sainika-Vasathi (Military Outpost)
History: The natural medicinal springs were identified as essential for the recovery of the Danda (army) during forest campaigns.
Rashtrakuta Era (c. 753 – 973 CE)
Administrative Unit: Sabbi-Vishaya
Local Rulers: Vemulavada Chalukyas (Vassals)
Fort Status: Rakshana-Kotal (Defense Stronghold)
History: Local rulers utilized the Mallur Gutta ridges to guard the eastern frontiers against the Vengi Chalukyas. This era saw increased patronage of the sacred grove.
Western Chalukya Era (c. 973 – 1150 CE)
Administrative Unit: Sabbinadu-1000
Local Rulers: Muppa Nayakudu and local Thana-Adhipatis
Fort Status: Thana (Strategic Watch-Post)
History: Served as a key intelligence post for the Sabbinadu province. Dry-masonry reinforcements were added to the existing Satavahana layers.
Chola Frontier Administration: Mulugu & Mallur (c. 1013–1015 CE)
Imperial Sovereigns: Rajaraja I & Rajendra Chola I. The occupation was directed from the victory camps in Vengi and the imperial center at Thanjavur during the Kollipakkai campaign.
Immediate Local Rulers: The Vengi (Eastern Chalukya) sub-kings and loyalist branches of the Chola-Chalukya line who provided the logistical base for the push into the Telangana interior.
Garrison Command: Dandanayakas (Chola Military Commanders/Governors). These officers controlled the 8-km fortification at Mallur, commanding the Sibbandi (infantry) to secure the Godavari river supply lines for the siege of Kollipakkai.
Forest Custodians: The Koya and local forest chieftains. Recognizing their control over the "Vana-Desam" (Forest Country), the Chola center granted Sarvamanya (tax-free) status to sacred medicinal groves and mountain passes to ensure safe passage for the Chola Elephant Corps.
*Note: This administration was largely military in nature, serving as a bridgehead before the recapture by Jayasimha II in 1015 CE.
Kakatiya Dynasty (c. 1150 – 1323 CE)
Administrative Unit: Manthani-Sthala / Kotesvara-Vishaya
Local Rulers: Recherla Nayakas (Vassal Generals) and Prataparudra II
Fort Status: Giri-Vana Durga (Hill-Forest Fort)
History: Formalized the defensive works. The 1,500-hectare grove provided medicinal resources for the imperial infantry stationed at the 8-km frontier wall.
Musunuri Era (c. 1323 – 1368 CE)
Administrative Unit: Orugallu-Rajya
Local Rulers: Musunuri Kapaneedu and the Nayaka Confederacy
Fort Status: Rakshana Kotal (Refuge Garrison)
History: Utilized the 8-km perimeter and Chintamani springs as a guerrilla base to resist Sultanate incursions and maintain regional sovereignty.
Qutb Shahi Period (c. 1518 – 1687 CE)
Administrative Unit: Sarkar-i-Warangal
Local Rulers: Qiladars (Fort Commanders) and local Nayakapodu Chieftains
Fort Status: Qila (Garrisoned Outpost)
History: Served as a secondary defense post, while the sacred shrine remained a spiritual focal point for the forest-dwelling communities.
Asaf Jahi Period (c. 1724 – 1948 CE)
Administrative Unit: Subah of Hyderabad (Warangal Division)
Local Rulers: Deshmukhs and Koya Traditional Headmen
Fort Status: Forest Administrative Post
History: Preserved the ethnomedicinal sanctity of the Mallur hill under the oversight of local administrative officials and tribal leadership.
1. Suthari S, et al. (2016). Plant wealth of a sacred grove: Mallur Gutta. Int J Gen Med.
2. Deccan Chronicle – Discovery of Satavahana fort wall.
3. Official Hemachalam Temple Records.