Mallikarjuna Jyotirling Temple, also known as the Srisailam Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deities Shiva and Parvati located in Andhra Pradesh, India. This temple is significant to the Hindu sects of Shaivism and Shaktism because it is one of Shiva’s twelve Jyotirlingas and one of the Goddess’s Shakti eighteen Shakti Peethas.

Lord Shiva is worshipped as Mallikarjuna in this temple, and the lingam represents him. Bhramaramba represents his consort, Goddess Parvati. Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna Jyotirling Temple is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peetha. Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is located on the top of Nallamala Hills, with the Krishna River flowing on its right side, providing breathtaking scenic beauty. The hill on which the temple is built is also known as Sri Parvatha, Srigiri, Srirangam, Siridhan, and so on.

Mallikarjuna Jyotirling Temple Story

According to Legends, Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati couldn’t decide which of their sons, Ganesha or Kartikeya, should marry first. They set a contest for the two to determine who would be first: whoever went around the world first would be the winner.

Lord Kartikeya immediately mounted his peacock mount and set off. Lord Ganesha, on the other hand, went around his parents proclaiming that they were the most important people in his life. Going around one’s parents is said to be equivalent to going around the world. As a result, he outwitted his brother and triumphed in the race. The delighted parents wed their son to Siddhi (spiritual powers) and Riddhi (prosperity). Buddhi (intellect) is also thought to be his wife in some legends.

Kartikeya was enraged upon his return and went to live alone on Mount Krauncha under the name Kumara Brahmachari. When he saw his father approaching to comfort him, he attempted to flee, but the Devas persuaded him to stay. The location where Shiva and Parvati stayed became known as Srisailam.

According to Hindu legend, the presiding deity in the form of Linga (an iconic form of Shiva) was worshipped with jasmine (locally known in Telugu as Mallika), giving rise to the name Mallikarjuna.

Mallikarjuna Jyotirling Temple History

Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple has been around since ancient times. This temple is mentioned in various inscriptions and historical finds dating back to the 2nd century AD. The Chalukyas (AD 624-848) and Kakatiyas (AD 953-1323) are said to have helped build Mallikarjuna Temple. Although the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple was built much earlier, major renovations took place during the reign of Vijayanagara, from 1336 to 1678. The Mukha Mandapam of Mallikarjuna Temple was built during Vijayanagara rule, along with a gopuram on its southern side.

There is inscriptional evidence from the Satavahana dynasty that places the temple in the 2nd century. The majority of modern additions were made during the reign of King Harihara I of the Vijayanagara Empire. During the Reddi Kingdom, the veerasheromandapam and paathalaganga steps were built. Salu Mandapas and Rajagopuram were also built during the reign of Sri Krishnadevaraya, adding a new level of grandeur to this ancient temple. Later, in 1674, Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji oversaw various temple renovations as well as the revival of the temple festival.

Later, the area was taken over by the Mughals, Nawabs, and then the British, who also administered the temple. The British established a committee to manage the temple in 1929. Later in 1949, the temple was placed under the administration of the Endowments Department.

Mallikarjuna Jyotirling Temple Architecture

The Mallikarjuna Jyotirling complex is Spread over 2 hectares and contains four gateway towers known as gopurams. The shrines of Mallikarjuna and Bhramaramba are the most prominent in the temple. The Mukha Mandapa, built during the Vijayanagar period, is the most notable hall in the temple complex. The temple is oriented eastward. The central mandapam is surrounded by pillars and houses a massive idol of Nadikeshwara.

The temple is surrounded by tall walls that measure 183 m (600 ft) by 152 m (499 ft) and 8.5 m (28 ft) in height. There are several sculptures in the precinct, each one rising above the others. The pillars in the Mukamandapa, the hall leading to the sanctum, are intricately sculpted. The shrine where Mallikarjuna is housed is 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, as well as five other lingams believed to have been commissioned by the Pandavas. A mirror hall in the first precinct has images of Nataraja.

Interesting facts about Mallikarjuna Jyotirling Temple

• The Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna Jyotirling Temple is about 180 kilometres from Kurnool district headquarters and 213 kilometres from Hyderabad.
• The name Mallikarjuna is derived from the belief that Lord Shiva appeared as Arjuna on Amavasya (a day with no moon) and Goddess Parvati as Mallika on Poornima (a day with a full moon).
• According to Hindu legend, the presiding deity in the form of Linga (an iconic form of Shiva) was worshipped with jasmine (locally known in Telugu as Mallika), giving rise to the name Mallikarjuna.
• The Panchapandava Lingas were placed in the temple courtyard by the Pandavas. Sadyojatha, Vamadeva, Aghora, Tatpurush, and Eesana are the names given to the five Lingas after the various forms of Siva.
• Stories from the Mahabharata can also be found on the temple’s walls. The Srisailam temple is mentioned as a holy hill in the Mahabharata.
• Mallikarjuna Jyotirling temple complex is spread over 2 hectares and contains four gateway towers known as gopurams.
• Mallikarjuna Jyotirling is unique in that it is both a jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha, only three such temples exist in India.
• Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy is the main deity of this temple. The deity is said to manifest itself. Another important deity on the temple grounds is the Goddess Bhramaramba Devi, one of the 18 Mahasakthis.
• The devotees believe that going to this temple will make them famous and wealthy.
• Abhishekam and Archana to the Mallikarjuna Linga can be performed by anyone, regardless of caste, creed, or religion. You can touch the Linga and perform the Puja yourself, which is a unique feature.
• According to legend, Lord Rama himself installed the Sahasralinga in the Srisailam Temple. The Linga is divided into 25 facets, each of which represents 40 Lingas. This results in 1000 small Lingas carved on a single Linga.

What are the festivals celebrated at Mallikarjuna Jyotirling Temple?

• Mahasivaratri Brahmothsavams: The Mahasivaratri Utsav takes place in February or March. The 29th day of Magham marks the beginning of a seven-day festival period known as Mahasivaratri.
• Ugadi: The festival starts three days before Ugadi (Telugu New Year) in late March or early April.  The festival lasts five days, and thousands of people flock to the temple to seek God’s blessings.
• Kartheekai Mahothsavam: This month is considered to be one of the most auspicious in the Indian calendar. In the Srisailam temple grounds, devotees light a number of Deepams.
• Sravanamahothsavam: This festival takes place in the month of Shravan (August/September). Throughout the month, the Akhanda Sivanama Sankeerthana (Bhajans) are also performed around the clock.

Location & How to Reach Mallikarjuna Jyotirling Temple?

It is located in Srisailam  Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh State

By Airways:  Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad is the nearest airport. Mallikarjuna Jyotirling Temple in Srisailam is 202 kilometres away from the airport.

By Rail: The nearest Railway Station is Markapur which is 80 km away followed by Nandyal and Kurnool.

By Road: The Mallikarjuna Jyotirling Temple is connected with major cities of India. The Mallikarjuna Jyotirling Temple is situated just 1 km away from the Srisailam Bus Stand.

Also Read –  Rameshwaram Jyotirling