Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple – Important Information
| Temple / Deity | Sri Mallikarjuna (Lord Shiva) |
| Type of Deity | Jyotirlinga |
| Address | Srisailam, Dist- Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh- 518101 |
| Temple Timings | 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM (All days) |
| Poojas /Rituals | Rudrabhishek, Rudra Homam |
| Best Time to Visit | March to October |
| Festivals | Mahasivaratri Brahmothsavams, Kartheekai Mahothsavam, Sravanamahothsavam |
| Nearest Airport | Kurnool Airport (180 km) and Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (202 km away) |
| Nearest Railway Station | The nearest railway station to Mallikarjuna jyotirlinga temple is Markapur which is 80 km away from Srisailam. |
| Nearest Bus Stand | The nearest bus stand is Srisailam Bus Stand, which is only 1km away from Srisailam Temple. |
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple is situated in Srisailam, a hill town in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. Mallikarjuna is one of the most popular Jyotirlingas in India among the twelve.
The temple also called Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple or Srisailam Temple, is the combined form of both Shiva and Parvati. The word Mallika refers to Goddess Parvati and Arjuna refers to God Shiv. This temple is referred to as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva and as one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas of Goddess Parvati.
Srisailam Temple Andhra Pradesh
Srisailam is identified with a wildlife sanctuary and a dam as it is situated on the top of the Nallamala hills and on the banks of River Krishna. The temple is located at a height of around 457m from sea level. The Nallamala forest ranges with multifarious flora and fauna lie in close proximity to the Srisailam hills.
Legends Of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple
Although there are many legends attributed to Srisailam, the best one is arguably the legend of reconciliation between Lord Shiva and his son Lord Kartikeya.
According to the Shiva Purana, when Shiva and Parvati decided to find suitable brides for their sons and first got Lord Ganesha married with Buddhi (intellect), Siddhi (spiritual power), and Riddhi (prosperity) before Lord Karthikeyan, Lord Karthikeyan got angry and left for the Kraunch Mountain to stay alone on Mount in the name of Kumarabrahmachari.
Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati tried to console him but were unable to do so. On seeing his father coming over to pacify him, he tried to move to another place, but on the request of the Devas, stayed close by. The place where Shiva and Parvati stayed came to be known as Shrishailam.
Another legend perhaps the most interesting one is that of Princess Chandravati. Chandravathi, daughter of Chandragupta Patana ran away from her father who made amorous advances towards her. She crossed the River Krishna and went up to the hilltop where she lived with her servants. She observed that one of her cows would stand over a rock formation and shed milk over it daily.
That very day, Lord Shiva appeared in her dream and told her that the rock is a self-manifested Shiva Linga. Then she began to worship the Linga on a daily basis, adorning it with Jasmine (Mallika) flowers. Lord Shiva was very pleased, so he granted her Mukti and salvation.
Another legend about Parvata gives rise to the belief that Lord Shiva resides on top of the hill. When Parvata, a stout Shiva devotee asked him to grant three wishes, Lord Shiva did. One of the wishes was to have Lord Shiva reside on his body. Parvata assumed the shape of Srisailam hill, and Lord Shiva made it his abode as Sri Parvatha Swamy.
History Of Srisailam Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple
According to the history of Srisailam Temple, the reference to the Srisailam hills may be traced back to the Nasik inscription of Satavahana King Vasisthiputra Pulumavi in the 1st century AD. There is further inscriptional evidence from the Satavahana dynasty that dates the temple to the 2nd century.
From 200 to 300 AD, Srisailam was ruled by the Ikshavakus Kingdom. The Vishnukundis were devotees of Sri Parvathsawamy, according to inscriptions dating from roughly AD 375–612. The majority of modern additions were made during the reign of King Harihara-I of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple Architecture
The Sirsailam temple complex is covered in two hectares and houses four gateway towers known as gopurams. The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Mallikarjuna and Bhramaramba being the most prominent. The temple complex houses many halls; the most notable is the Mukha Mandapa built during the Vijayanagar period.
The temple is enclosed by tall walls measuring 183 m (600 ft) by 152 m (499 ft) and 8.5 m (28 ft) tall. There are a number of sculptures in the precinct each rising above another. The Mukamandapa, the hall leading to the sanctum, has intricately sculpted pillars.
The shrine where Mallikarjuna is housed is considered the oldest in the temple, dating back to the 7th century. There is a Sahasra linga (1000 linga), believed to have been commissioned by Rama, and five other lingams believed to have been commissioned by Pandavas.
Srisailam Temple Poojas
The following pujas take place at Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple:
- Rudra Homam
- Sahasralingam Abhishekam
- Ganapathi Homam
- Ganapathi Abhishekam
- Kumkuma Pooja
- Gouri Vratham
- Laksha Bilwarchana
Srisailam Temple Timings
Srisailam Temple Timings: Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple remains open from 4:30 am to 10 pm. But the darshan is permitted between 6:30 AM to 1 PM and 6:30 PM to 9 PM. During this time, the temple also performs different rituals. Devotees are welcome to take part in these rituals, which include morning, afternoon, and evening poojas and aartis.
| Darshan and Rituals | Timings |
|---|---|
| Suprabhatha Darshan | 5:00 AM |
| Mahamangala Aarti (Morning) | 5:30 AM |
| Mahamangala Aarti (Evening) | 5:00 PM |
Best Time to Visit Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple
The best time to visit Mallikarjuna Temple Srisailam is from October to March. The favorable weather during these months ensures that devotees do not have to deal with crowds while waiting in long queues (sometimes) for the Shiva Linga Darshan and Puja.
Festivals Celebrated At Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple
Some of the festivals celebrated at Srisaila Mallikarjuna Temple are:
- Mahasivaratri Brahmothsavams: The Mahasivaratri Utsav is celebrated in February or March as per the Hindu calendar. The Mahasivaratri day (the 29th tithi of Magha Mah) marks the start of a seven-day celebration season. The significant events include Ankurarpana, Dhwajarohana, and Vahana Seva to God and Goddess, as well as Lingodhbhavakala Maharudrabhishekam to Lord Shiva.
- Sravana Mahothsavam: This festival occurs in the Shravan month (July / August). Also, the Akhanda Sivanama Sankeerthana (Bhajans) takes place around the clock throughout these months.
- Ugadi: This festival lasts five days, and thousands of people visit the temple to seek blessings. The celebration begins three days before Ugadi (Telugu New Year), which falls in late March or early April. Vahana Seva to God and Goddess, Alankaras to Goddess, Veerachara Vinyasalu, and Rath Yatra are the main events of the festival.
- Kartheekai Mahothsavam: It is considered to be one of the most auspicious months in the Hindu calendar. Devotees light hundreds of deepam in the Srisailam temple premises. On the full moon day of the month, they also perform Jvalathoranam (bonfire) in the temple.
Things to Do and See in Srisailam | Places Near Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple
- Visit the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the holiest adobe of Lord Shiva. Perform poojas and darshan.
- Visit Sakshi Ganapathi, which is located about 3 km away from Srisailam. Devotees believe that Ganapathi keeps attendance / Sakshi of the pilgrims visiting the Srisailam holy town. Also, in the sculpture, the god holds a book in the left hand and a pen in the right hand to note down the names.
- Visit Phaladhara Panchadhara, which is located 4 km away from Srisailam. Sri Adi Sankaracharya performed penance at this place and composed the famous Sivanandalahari.
- Visit Hatakeswaram, which is about 5 km away from Srisailam. The legend says that God Siva appeared to a potter in Atika (Piece of Pot). Hence, this place was famous as Atikeswaram which later became Hatakeswaram.
- Visit Sikhareswara, which is located about 8 km away from Srisailam. The temple is located at 2830 feet above sea level making it the highest peak in Srisailam. Also, the temple is an ancient stone structure.
- Visit Akkamahadevi Caves, which is located around 10 km away from Srisailam. According to legend, Akkamahadevi, a lyricist and philosopher, spent several years in these caves in the 12th century AD performing penance and adoring the Sivalinga. Also, the Linga naturally existed in the deep parts of the cave, which makes this place, an attraction for the devotees.
How To Reach Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple
- By Air: The nearest airport to Mallirajuna temple is Kurnoor Airport, which is around 180 km from Srisailam. There is a limited flight to/from Kurnool Airport. Another nearest airport is Hyderabad Airport. Hyderabad to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga distance is around 213 km.
- By Train: Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga’s nearest railway station is Markapur which is 80 km away and another nearest station is Tarlupadu which is around 92 km from Srisailam. These stations are between 2 and 2.5 hours by road. The Kacheguda-Guntur passenger passes through the Giddalur railway station which is 139 kilometers from the temple.
- By Road: You can reach here by road also. Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is located around 180 kilometers from the Kurnool district headquarters, and 213 kilometers from Hyderabad. The nearest bus stand is Srisailam Bus Stand which is only 1km away from Mallikajuna Swamy Temple.
Where To Stay In Srisailam
Multiple accommodation options are available in Srisailam, ranging from budget hotels to Dharamshala.
The temple management (Devasthanam) launched the Kuteera Nirmana Pathakam, a donation scheme under which they have built several suites, cottages, and rooms as well as dormitories for the pilgrims.
You can book your accommodations in any of these available options. Make sure to bring your photo ID card to confirm the booking, which you can not cancel after the confirmation. You can book those rooms by visiting the official website at https://www.srisailadevasthanam.org.
Private hotels are also available near the Sri Sailam Temple. All the hotels are well-furnished and laced with modern amenities.
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple Contact Details
Address: Srisaila Devasthanam, Srisailam, Kurnool (Dist.), Andhra Pradesh- 518101
Phone: +91-8333901351 /2 /3 /4 /5 /6
Official Website: https://www.srisailadevasthanam.org
Location on Google Maps: Srisailam Temple
FAQs – Srisailam Temple, Andhra Pradesh
1. Is the Srisailam Temple open throughout the year?
2. Is there any facility for specially abled and senior citizens?
3. Is there any Online Darshan facility available?
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