When a Woman Built a Temple: Viriyala Mailamba and the Kakatiya Sovereignty

 Introduction

Hidden away in the quiet village of Katkur, Bheemadevarapally mandal, Hanamkonda district, stands a 12th-century marvel of Kakatiya architecture – the Katkur Trikutalayam.

This temple, though lesser known compared to the Thousand Pillar Temple at Hanamkonda, tells us a fascinating story of devotion, power, and the artistic brilliance of the Kakatiya age.

The Story Behind the Temple

According to an inscription discovered in the temple, dated Śaka 1094 (1172 CE), the shrine was built by Viriyala Mailamba, wife of the Kakatiya general  Chounda Senani who served under King Ganapatideva.

What makes the temple special is the personal devotion Mailamba expressed through its construction. She consecrated three Shiva lingas in the sanctums, each carrying a personal connection:

1. Mallikarjuneswara Devara – in her own name.

2. Anneswara Devara – in the name of her brother.

3. Aiteswara Devara – in memory of her mother.

This reveals not only her piety but also the important role played by the Viriyala family in shaping the spiritual and cultural landscape of Kakatiya Telangana

Architectural Splendour

The Katkur temple follows the Trikutalayam design – a layout with three sanctums connected to a common mandapa (hall). This is a hallmark of  Kakatiya architecture, where temples often served as both places of worship and cultural centers.

Some striking features include:

1. Stone pillars carved with intricate motifs.

2.  A star-shaped base (stellate design) visible in the overall plan.

3.  Fine sculptural detailing, though many parts have been damaged over time.

What makes the temple even more remarkable is that 21 smaller shrines (upalayas) were built within the enclosure by Mailamba. Each shrine housed a Shiva linga, making the site home to  Ekavimshati (21) lingas in total.

Here’s our Orugallu Andhalu video on Katkur Trikutalayam – the temple built by Viriyala Mailamba under Kakatiya sovereignty:

 

 Temple–Tank–Town (TTT) Model

Like many Kakatiya projects, the Katkur Trikutalayam was not just about worship – it was also about sustaining communities.

The Viriyala family who patronized this temple contributed to the famous Temple–Tank–Town (TTT) model of the Kakatiyas:

1. Tanks (cheruvulu) were excavated to store rainwater and irrigate fields.

2. Temples like the Trikutalayam were built near these tanks, serving as spiritual centers.

3. Towns and settlements  grew around these spaces, creating self-sufficient ecosystems.

Katkur itself is one such example where the temple and tank together supported agriculture, livelihoods, and social life. This sustainable vision helped the Kakatiyas transform the dry Deccan into a flourishing cultural heartland.

 Historical Significance

The Katkur Trikutalayam is not just a religious site, but also an important historical marker:

1. It represents the spread of the Trikutalayam style in the Deccan.

2. It highlights the patronage of the Viriyala family, showing how influential families contributed to the Kakatiya cultural vision.

3.  It preserves a unique story of a woman patron, Viriyala Mailamba, whose devotion and resources created a legacy that still stands centuries later.

4.  It is part of the Kakatiya TTT model, linking temple construction with water management and community life.

 Present Condition

Though weathered by time, the temple still stands as a silent witness to the Kakatiya era. The main structure survives, but many parts are in need of conservation. Local devotees continue to visit, and researchers often highlight it as an undervalued jewel of Telangana’s temple heritage.

 Why Visit Katkur Trikutalayam?

For anyone interested in:

1. Kakatiya architecture,

2. Women’s contributions in history,

3. Water heritage and the TTT model,

4. or simply the hidden spiritual treasures of Telangana,

the Katkur Trikutalayam offers a unique experience. It may not have the fame of the Thousand Pillar Temple, but it carries the soul of the Kakatiya legacy.

 Conclusion

The Katkur Trikutalayam is more than just an ancient temple – it is a story of love, memory, devotion, and sustainability carved into stone. It shows how faith, water management, and community life were intertwined in the Kakatiya vision of society.

As we rediscover such sites, it becomes our responsibility to protect and preserve them, ensuring that future generations understand the rich heritage of Telangana.

#KatkurTrikutalayam #ViriyalaMailamba #KakatiyaDynasty #TelanganaTemples #OrugalluAndhalu #కాకతీయవాస్తు #తెలంగాణఆలయాలు