Sri Shaila Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple

Srisailam Jyotirlinga or Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple is a jyotirlinga temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati located at Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh. The temple is located in a picturesque environment of Nallamalai hills on the banks of River Krishna, surrounded by forests. The hill is known as the ‘Kailasa of the south’, because of the presence of Lord Mahadeva in the form of linga.

The significance of this place is it has one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and also one of the eighteen shaktipeethas of Goddess Parvati (Ujjain and Varanasi are the other two places). Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Mallikarjuna Swamy and Parvati is worshipped as Goddess Bhramaramba Devi. The lingam in the temple is believed to be self-manifested (Swayambhu). Since Mallika is another name of Goddess Parvati and Arjuna is the name for Shiva, the temple is named as Mallikarjuna temple. Also, Lord Shiva is worshipped here with Mallika (jasmine) flowers.

What is Jyotirlinga

Srisailam Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India, where it is believed that the supreme deity of Hinduism, Lord Shiva himself resides in different manifestations in the form of linga. Jyotirlinga means a column of light. Lingam signifies the infinite nature of Lord Shiva, without the beginning and the end.

History of the Sri Shaila Mallikarjuna Temple

It is not known exactly when the temple was constructed. However, from the inscriptional references, it is clear the temple has existed from ancient times. There is an inscription found which directs to a period of the 2nd century of the Shatavahana dynasty. Later on, many additions and renovations were made during Vijayanagara Empire, Chalukya Empire, Krishnadevaraya, and Maratha King Shivaji.

Various Hindu scriptures mention the name of Mallikarjuna temple. In Agni Purana, it is said that demon king HIranyakashipu did penance in this place. There is a mention of this place in Ramayana and Mahabharata also. In Treta yuga, Sri Rama along with his wife Sita visited this place during the period of exile. In Dwapara yuga, the Pandava brothers visited here and offered prayers. Also, Adi Shankaracharya, Akkamahadevi, Renukacharya, Hemareddy Mallamma, Allama Prabhu are other important saints and philosophers who have visited this place. Adi Shankaracharya visited here and wrote a beautiful devotional hymn called Shivananda Lahari. At the beginning of this poem, there are hymns of Mallikarjuna and Bhramarambika.

Mythology behind Mallikarjuna Temple

There is a legend behind the place. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati had two sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya. Shiva and Parvati decided to arrange a marriage to one of them. Shiva conducted a race in which, whoever finishes the parikrama of the earth three times will be eligible for marriage. Kartikeya without wasting any time immediately sat on his vehicle, peacock, and started his journey. Ganesha knew it would be impossible for him to beat Kartikeya, because of his big belly. But Ganesha didn’t want to lose, so he went around his parents 7 times and said he won the competition. On being asked, he said parents are the world for him. Kartikeya got angry from the incidents that happened back home and went away to stay alone on this hill. Then, Shiva and Parati came over here to pacify him. Lord Shiva and Parvati settled there in the form of Linga.

Mallikarjuna Temple Architecture

The temple is constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture with vast interiors and big towers. Here you can see an amazing model of the Vijayanagara style of construction. The temple complex covers 2 hectares and houses 4 huge towers (gopurams). There are many shrines within the complex and the shrine of Mallikarjuna (the main shrine) is said to be the oldest, dating back to the 7th century. There are many halls or mandapas with several pillars. The central hall has a huge statue of Nandi, which is facing Lord Mallikarjuna. There is a famous lingam called sahasra lingam (1000 linga), which was believed to be made by Sri Rama before the construction of Samudra setu. There are five more lingams that were believed to be worshipped by Pandavas.

Temple Timings

Darshan Timings – 5:30 AM 10 PM

Aarti Timings – 5:30 AM, 12 Noon and 7 PM

Entry Fee: Free - Special Darshan: Rs. 300

Special Days –Maha Shivaratr (7 days)i, Yugadi festival (5 days), Dasara Festival, Devi Sharannavaratri etc.

How to reach Mallikarjuna Temple

Mallikararjuna Temple is located 181 km from Kurnool city, 230 km from Hyderabad, and 527 km from Bangalore. The nearest airport is in Hyderabad and the nearest railway station is at Markapur (91 km). There are frequent buses from major cities.

The ideal time to visit the temple is between September and March. Sept-Dec and Feb-May are seasonal times. One can view a breathtaking view of forest and hills on the way to the temple from Hyderabad city. There is also a Sisailam dam over the Krishna river.

Places to visit near Mallikarjuna Temple

Pathala Ganga

Pathala Ganga is a scenic and sacred place on the backwaters of River Krishna. It is considered very sacred to take a dip in this place. It is located 1 km from Mallikarjuna temple. One can reach Pathala Ganga either going down by steps (approx.. 600 steps) or using ropeway cable. You can also take a boat ride, in which you can enjoy the scenic beauty and srisailam dam.

Akkamahadevi Caves

Akkamahadevi caves located 10 km from Srisailam, which are naturally formed caves just above the flow of the river Krishna upstream. It is named after a famous ascetic poet and philosopher Akkamahadevi from Karnataka in the 12th century AD. She spent some years in these caves doing penance and worshipped the shivalinga in the deep and dark end of the cave. You can take a boat ride from Patala Ganga through forests and beautiful sceneries on the Krishna river and trek forward for a few minutes to reach this place.

Srisailam Dam

Srisailam Dam is one of the largest hydroelectric power projects in India, constructed across river Krishna. It is one of the main centers of attraction. It is surrounded by Nallamala hills and a beautiful landscape.

Shikhareshwara Temple

Shikhareshwara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Shikhareshwara Swamy, situated on top of a mountain peak. It is the highest peak of Srisailam. It is located 8 km from the Mallikarjuna temple. This place gives a panoramic view of the Srisailam with forests and river Krishna.

Paladhara Panchadhara

Paladhara Panchadhara is a beautiful scenic spot located 4 km from Srisailam. Adi Shankara visited here and composed the famous Shivananda lahari here.