Introduction
Deep in the forested Nallamala Hills of Andhra Pradesh, on a hilltop above the sacred Krishna River, stands one of the holiest temples of Lord Shiva: the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga at Srisailam. It is the second of the twelve Jyotirlingas named in the Dwadash Jyotirlinga Stotram, which begins with "Shrishaile Mallikarjunam."
What makes Srisailam truly special is that it is both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peeth. Here Lord Shiva is worshipped as Mallikarjuna and Goddess Parvati as Bhramaramba Devi, which is why devotees often call Srisailam the place where Shiva and Shakti reside together.
Surrounded by forests, deep valleys, and the river far below, the temple town has an atmosphere of peace that has drawn saints, kings, and pilgrims for many centuries. For devotees of Mahadev, a darshan here is a meeting with both the divine father and the divine mother.
History of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
Srisailam has been a sacred mountain since ancient times and is mentioned in the Mahabharata, the Skanda Purana, and the Shiva Purana. Over the centuries, many dynasties of South India, including the Satavahanas, Ikshvakus, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, and the Reddi kings, worshipped here and supported the temple.
The temple complex grew greatly under the Vijayanagara Empire. Kings such as Harihara and the great Krishnadevaraya made rich gifts, and many of the mandapas, gopurams, and the strong fort-like walls belong to this period. The great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj also visited Srisailam and built the northern gopuram of the temple.
Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have visited Srisailam and composed the Shivananda Lahari here. Today the temple is managed by the Srisailam Devasthanam and welcomes lakhs of pilgrims every year.
Mythological Significance
The Story of Lord Kartikeya
According to the Shiva Purana, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati wished to get their sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya, married. It was decided that whoever first went around the whole world would be married first. Kartikeya set off on his peacock, but Ganesha simply walked around his parents, saying that they were his entire world. Pleased with his wisdom, Shiva and Parvati arranged his marriage first.
When Kartikeya returned and learned what had happened, he felt hurt and left Mount Kailash for the Krauncha mountain in the south. Out of love for their son, Shiva and Parvati followed him and stayed on the nearby Srisaila mountain. Shiva appeared here as a Jyotirlinga, and it is believed that he visits on Amavasya and Parvati on Purnima.
The Meaning of the Name
The name Mallikarjuna is often explained as the union of Mallika (a name of Parvati, also the jasmine flower) and Arjuna (a name of Shiva). Another local legend tells of a princess named Chandravati who worshipped Shiva here with jasmine (mallika) flowers, and the Lord came to be known by this name.
Bhramaramba Shakti Peeth
Goddess Bhramaramba is believed to have taken the form of a bee (bhramara) to destroy the demon Arunasura, who could not be killed by any two- or four-legged creature. Many devotees say that if you place your ear to the wall behind the goddess's shrine, you can still hear a soft humming sound. Srisailam is counted among the Ashtadasha (18) Shakti Peethas.
Architecture of the Temple
The Mallikarjuna temple is built in the Dravidian style and is surrounded by high stone walls with four gopurams, one on each side. The walls are covered with carvings of scenes from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Puranas.
Inside the complex, the main shrine of Mallikarjuna stands at the centre, and the shrine of Bhramaramba Devi is located on a higher level behind it. The Mukha Mandapa has finely carved pillars, and the complex also contains many smaller shrines, including the Sahasra Linga and the Panchapandava temples.
- Dravidian temple architecture with four gopurams.
- Fort-like outer walls with detailed stone carvings.
- Northern gopuram built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
- Separate shrine of Goddess Bhramaramba (Shakti Peeth).
- Many mandapas from the Vijayanagara period.
Religious Importance
Srisailam is one of the rare places where a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peeth stand together, so devotees believe that a single visit brings the blessings of both Shiva and Shakti. It is also an important centre of Veerashaiva (Lingayat) devotion, and many pilgrims from Karnataka and Maharashtra come here on foot.
Major Festivals
- Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavam: The biggest festival of the year, with special pujas, processions, and extended darshan hours.
- Ugadi: Large numbers of devotees from Karnataka and Maharashtra arrive for the Telugu-Kannada New Year.
- Kartika Masam: The holy month of lamps, especially auspicious on Mondays.
- Dasara (Navaratri): Special celebrations for Goddess Bhramaramba.
- Shravan month: Considered very auspicious for Shiva worship.
Mallikarjuna Temple Timings
| Activity | Timing |
|---|---|
| Mangala Aarti | 4:30 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 4:30 AM to 3:30 PM |
| Evening Aarti | Around 5:20 PM to 6:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM |
Note: Timings change during Maha Shivaratri, Shravan, and other festivals. Please check the official Srisailam Devasthanam website before your visit.
Best Time to Visit
October to March
The cool winter months are the most comfortable time for the drive through the Nallamala forests and for exploring the temple town.
Maha Shivaratri
The Brahmotsavam around Maha Shivaratri is the most auspicious time to visit, but expect very large crowds and book your stay early.
Monsoon
From July to September, the forests turn green and the Srisailam dam often opens its gates, which is a beautiful sight, though roads can be slow.
How to Reach Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
By Air
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad is the nearest major airport. From there, taxis and buses take you to Srisailam by road.
By Train
There is no railway station at Srisailam. The nearest stations are Markapur Road (about 80 km) and Cumbum (about 60 km), from where buses and taxis are available.
By Road
Srisailam is well connected by road to Hyderabad, Kurnool, and Vijayawada. The road passes through the Nallamala forest and the tiger reserve, so the forest checkposts may close at night. Plan to travel during the day.
Things to Remember Before Visiting
- Wear traditional and modest clothing. Special darshan tickets may have a dress code.
- Check whether forest checkposts on the ghat road are open before travelling at night.
- Book darshan and accommodation online in advance during festivals.
- Keep mobile phones and cameras in the lockers if they are not allowed inside.
- Visit the Bhramaramba shrine as well, as it completes the darshan.
- Respect the forest and wildlife, and do not litter.
Nearby Places to Visit
Pathala Ganga
The sacred bathing ghat on the Krishna River below the temple, reached by steps or a ropeway, about 2 km away.
Sakshi Ganapati Temple
It is believed that Lord Ganesha here records the names of pilgrims who visit Srisailam, so devotees stop here to "sign in" their visit.
Shikhareswaram
The highest point of Srisailam, from where devotees take a first glimpse of the temple's shikhara.
Akkamahadevi Caves
Natural caves associated with the 12th-century saint-poet Akka Mahadevi, reached by a boat ride on the Krishna River.
Srisailam Dam and Tiger Reserve
The huge dam on the Krishna River and the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, one of the largest tiger reserves in India.
Interesting Facts About Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
- It is the second Jyotirlinga named in the Dwadash Jyotirlinga Stotram.
- Srisailam is both a Jyotirlinga and one of the 18 Shakti Peethas.
- Goddess Parvati is worshipped here as Bhramaramba Devi.
- The legend of Lord Kartikeya is closely linked with this temple.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built the northern gopuram.
- Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have composed Shivananda Lahari here.
- The temple stands inside one of India's largest tiger reserves.
- The Krishna River flows through a deep gorge below the temple.
Explore More Jyotirlingas
Sacred Shiva shrines: 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra Guide · Somnath · Mahakaleshwar · Rameshwaram · Kedarnath
Worship at home: Shiv Ji Ki Aarti · Durga Chalisa (for Bhramaramba Devi) · Gauri Shankar Rudraksha · 5 Mukhi Rudraksha Mala
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Where is Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga located?
It is located at Srisailam in the Nandyal district of Andhra Pradesh, on the Nallamala Hills above the Krishna River.
2. Why is Srisailam special?
Srisailam is both a Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva and a Shakti Peeth of Goddess Bhramaramba.
3. Which is the nearest airport?
Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is the nearest major airport.
4. Is there a railway station at Srisailam?
No. The nearest stations are Markapur Road and Cumbum.
5. What is the best time to visit?
October to March is the most comfortable. Maha Shivaratri is the most auspicious time.
6. Can I visit Srisailam at night?
The forest ghat road may close at night, so it is best to travel during the day.
Conclusion
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is a place where the love of a father and mother for their child became an eternal blessing for the world. On the forested hill of Srisailam, Shiva and Shakti reside side by side, and every devotee who climbs this sacred mountain receives the grace of both.
Whether you are completing your 12 Jyotirlinga yatra or seeking peace in nature, a darshan of Mallikarjuna and Bhramaramba Devi is an experience you will carry in your heart forever.
Om Namah Shivaya! Har Har Mahadev! 🙏
Disclaimer: The legends in this article are based on the Shiva Purana and traditional accounts. Temple timings and rules change from time to time, so please check the official temple website before you travel.