Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comMallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam
Mallikarjuna Temple is Lord Shiva's sacred abode on the banks of the Krishna river at Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, regarded as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and also worshipped as the Bhramaramba Shakti Peeth.
Significance of Mallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam
It is believed that Shiva and Parvati's sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya, once competed to be the first to circle the world. Ganesha won by simply circling his own parents, considering them to embody all creation, which so upset Kartikeya that he left Kailash to settle at Srisailam's Krauncha hill. To console their son, Shiva and Parvati themselves appeared here as Mallikarjuna (Shiva) and Bhramaramba (Parvati).
A distinctive feature of Srisailam is that Shiva's Jyotirlinga form (Mallikarjuna) and Parvati's Shakti Peeth form (Bhramaramba) both stand within the same complex, according to Shakta tradition, Sati's neck fell here. Goddess Bhramaramba is also worshipped as Bhramari (goddess of bees), who slew the demon Arunasura.
Visiting Mallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam
The temple stands on the banks of the Krishna river within the dense Nallamala forest, and is easily reached by road from Hyderabad. A large fair (jatara) is held here on Maha Shivratri, drawing lakhs of pilgrims.
Alongside general darshan, paid options like Sparsha Darshanam, Atiseeghra Darshanam, and Seeghra Darshanam are available, bookable in advance on the official website. The Srisailam Dam and the Nallamala Wildlife Sanctuary nearby are also worth visiting.
How to Reach Mallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam
About Mallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam
Mallikarjuna Temple is a sacred abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Bhramaramba, holding a special place in both the Jyotirlinga and Shakti Peeth traditions. This page covers the temple's mythological significance, the legend of Kartikeya and Ganesha, and general information about visiting and darshan.
The information on this page is presented with easy-to-read sizing and print support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mallikarjuna Temple located?
It is located at Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, on the banks of the Krishna river, within the Nallamala forest region.
How is Mallikarjuna Temple regarded as both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peeth?
Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Mallikarjuna (the Jyotirlinga) and Goddess Parvati as Bhramaramba (the Shakti Peeth), both within the same complex, according to Shakta tradition, Sati's neck fell here.
Why did Kartikeya come to Srisailam?
After Ganesha won a contest with Kartikeya to be first to circle the world, an upset Kartikeya left Kailash to settle at Srisailam's Krauncha hill.
What is the significance of Maha Shivratri at Srisailam?
A large fair (jatara) is held at Srisailam on Maha Shivratri, drawing lakhs of pilgrims.
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Best Time to Visit
October to March is best, avoiding Andhra Pradesh's peak summer heat. A large fair (jatara) is held here during Maha Shivratri, when crowds are at their heaviest.