A Comprehensive Exploration of the Majestic Mallikarjuna Temple

Mallikarjuna Temple also known as Srisailam Temple, positioned at Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, is devoted to Lord Shiva as Mallikarjuna Swamy, one of the 12 jyotrilinga and Parvati as Bhramaramba Devi, one of the 18 mahasakthis. The presence of both the jyotirlinga and Mahasakthi at the same complex is a veritably rare point. The Temple is erected on top of the Nallamala hills near the banks of the Krishna River. The mountain is also mentioned in Mahabharat, Skanda Purana, and others. This Temple is a Paadal Petra Sthalam. It’s believed that having darshan there one doesn’t get revitalization. Krishna River is also called Patal Ganga. The Shiva linga is bathed in Patal Ganga waters. 

Legend about  Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga 

A veritably intriguing and wise story is in association with the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, the nature of the two sons of Shiva and Parvati comes in disclosure. It’s believed that there came a time when Shiva and Parvati contemplated their sons ’ marriage. Both Ganesha and Kartikeya get caught in a disagreement and competition as to who should marry first.

To settle this disagreement, Shiva came up with an offer that the bone who took a round of the world could get wedded first. On hearing this Kartikiya set off to complete his competition over the world, while Ganesha took games around his parents 7 times. 

It’s mentioned in the Shastras that going around one’s parents in Pradakshinam is original to going through and covering the world. Lord Shiva was impressed with Ganesha’s act and he got him married to, Buddhi( intellect), Siddhi( spiritual power), and Riddhi( substance), they had great merits.  

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga History

The Mallikarjuna temple history and its adjuncts are mentioned in the 1st-century bulletins of the first group builders, the Shatavahanas, who, successively, came with a series of fiefdoms of the Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Chalukyas, Reddis, who were its followers, Mallikarjuna Swami. Also Temple in the hands of several autocrats passed progression and conservation. 

From the Reddi dynasty, in the 14th century, Prolaya Reddi constructed the pathway to the Temple. Later, the Vijayanagara Empire contributed to the improvement of the sanctum. Eventually, the last Hindu King, Chhatrapati Shivaji made great trouble to ameliorate the Temple; he constructed the Gopuram on the Northern side, 1667 bulletin 

Mallikarjuna Temple Architecture 

The Mallikarjuna Swamy temple is 2 hectares and has 4 gateways or Gopurams- Tripuranthakam faces eastwards it is located in the Prakasam quarter, Siddhavatam faces south- It is located in the Kadapa quarter, Alampur faces towards the west It located the Mehboobnagar quarter, Umamaheswaram facing northwards- It’s located in the Mehboobnagar quarter. The Mallikarjuna temple Srisailam is a mega complex that has separate temples for both divinities. The inner courtyard consists of Nandimandapa, Veerasiromandapa, the shrine of Mallikarjuna, and the shrine of Bhramaramba, which are in a row from east to west. Some of the minor sanctuaries similar to the Temple of Vriddha Mallikarjuna, Sahasra Lingeswara, etc. are located in the inner yard. 

The most notable mandapa, Mukha mandapa was erected during the Vijayanagar conglomerate. This mandapa, which leads the sanctum, has intricately carved pillars. Mallikarjuna’s sanctum is the oldest Temple, dating back to the 7th century. The Sahasra Linga (1000 Lingas) is believed to have been established by Rama and the other 5 Lingas were established by the Pandavas. A glass hall has images of Nataraja. 

Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple Timings:

Morning: 4:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Evening: 6 PM to 10:00 PM

How to Reach Mallikarjuna Swami Temple 

Srisailam, in the state of Andra Pradesh, is about 212 km down from one of the major metropolises and the capital of Andra, Hyderabad. The place doesn’t have direct junctions, but one can fluently find a way to get there. 

By Air: There are no straight air services from the major metropolises to Srisailam. Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad is the nearest one and the distance between the two places is approximately 156 km. Vijayawada Airport is another field, at a distance of 199 km in Vijayawada. 

By Rail: Direct rail installations aren’t available in Srisailam, the nearest road station, lies at a distance of 60 km. There’s another road station, around the same distance as the former one, Tarlupadu station. 

By Road: There are colorful public vehicles and private vehicles too, that take you to Srisailam. It takes around 6 hours from Hyderabad, express motorcars are the stylish way to travel. Enjoy the winding roads of Nallamala Hills on your way to Srisailam by private vehicles.  The Hyderabad to Mallikarjuna jyotirlinga distance is 152 km.

Best Time to Visit Srisailam 

Srisailam, due to a tropical climate, throughout time, the rainfall has been fairly affable. The place receives the summer, thunderstorm, and downtime seasons. Summers remain hot and sticky while it’s cold and breezy during the layoffs. The stylish time to visit is from October to February. 

Important Facts

1. The Mallikarjuna Temple Jyotirlinga enshrines one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The main divinities are addressed as Mallikarjuna Swami and Bhramaramba, they’re believed to be the embodiers of Lord Shiva and Parvati. 
2. The place is rare as it contains both the Jyotirlingas and one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas within the same complex.
3. There are many mythological legends associated with the temple and the place, one of them is that of the son of Silada Maharishi. He’d performed penance and pleased Lord Shiva, in return he asked him to live on his body. It’s said that he took the shape of a big hill of Shriparvatha and Shiva resides on the top as the Mallikarjuna swami. 
4. Srisailam Mallikarjuna held great significance in the ancient period; references are made in the Puranas and other textbooks. There’s a whole chapter in the Skandha Purana by the title Srisailam Kandam that sings praises of the sanctum. 
5. The Temple is also known as Shriparvatha and is enclosed by altitudinous walls, giving it a fortified effect. The girding walls were erected in 1520 A.D and in aggregate correspond to around 3200 monuments. 
6. There are numerous lower sanctuaries in and around the emulsion like the Sahasra Linga, Panchapandava, and Vata Vriksha. There’s a Shiva Temple on the top of the loftiest hill; a beautiful Ganesha Temple is present too. All the puppets inside the Temple are magnificent. 

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

1. Where is the Mallikarjuna Swami Temple located? 

The Mallikarjuna Swami Temple is located in Srisailam, a city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It’s positioned in the Nallamala Hills on the banks of the Krishna River.  

2. Who’s Mallikarjuna Swami? 

Mallikarjuna Swami is a form of Lord Shiva, one of the top divinities in Hinduism. He’s worshipped as the presiding deity of the Mallikarjuna Swami Temple.  

3. What’s the significance of the Mallikarjuna Swami Temple? 

The Temple is considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are sacred sanctuaries devoted to Lord Shiva. It’s a largely deified passage point for Hindus.  

4. What are the main rituals and carnivals celebrated at the Temple? 

The Temple conducts diurnal rituals and pujas in honor of Lord Mallikarjuna Swami. Major carnivals like Maha Shivaratri and Ugadi are celebrated with great enthusiasm. 

5. Are there any nearby places of interest near the Temple? 

Srisailam is also known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the thick Nallamala timbers and the Krishna River. The city is also home to several other temples and literal spots. 

6. How can I reach the Mallikarjuna Swami Temple? 

Srisailam is well-connected by road, and buses and private vehicles are common modes of transportation. The nearest major road station is in Nandyal, and the nearest field is in Hyderabad.