Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga

Shree Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, enshrined on the flat top of the Nallamala Hills on the banks of the River Krishna, is the second among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and simultaneously one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas — a combination found nowhere else in India. This dual sanctity draws both Shaivites and Shaktas in their millions.

The name Mallikarjuna comes from the Sanskrit words Mallika (jasmine flower) and Arjuna (a name for Lord Shiva, meaning radiant white). According to legend, the presiding deity was first worshipped with jasmine flowers — leading to the name "Mallikarjuna." The goddess here is Bhramaramba Devi, worshipped in the form of a bee (bhramara), representing one of the manifestations of the Great Goddess.

The mythological origin begins with a domestic dispute on Mount Kailash. When Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya (Murugan) both desired to marry first, a contest was held: whoever circumambulated the universe first would marry first. Kartikeya mounted his peacock and flew around the earth. Ganesha circumambulated his parents — declaring them to be his entire universe — and won. Kartikeya, furious and heartbroken, retired to Mount Krauncha (identified with Palani in Tamil Nadu). Parvati, overcome with grief for her son, beseeched Shiva. Together they went to Krauncha — but each time they approached, Kartikeya moved three yojanas (leagues) farther. To make their presence permanent at the nearest point, Shiva and Parvati manifested as a Jyotirlinga. Since then, Shiva is said to visit on Amavasya (new moon) and Parvati on Pournami (full moon).

A separate legend recounts the princess Chandravati, who renounced her palace and came to Kadali Vana (the banana forest) for penance. There she witnessed a Kapila cow repeatedly letting her milk flow into the earth at the base of a Bilva tree. When Chandravati dug the spot, a brilliant, self-luminous Swayambhu Linga emerged — blazing like the sun. She built the original Mallikarjuna temple around this linga.

Historically, the earliest mention of Srisailam appears in King Vasishthiputra Pulumavi's Nasik inscription of the 1st century AD, placing the Satavahana dynasty as the first patrons of the temple. Subsequently, the Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Vishnukundis, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Reddy Kings, Vijayanagara Emperors, and Chhatrapati Shivaji all contributed to the temple's development. The golden age of Srisailam was under the Reddy Kings (14th century), who built the Mukhamandapam and stepped pathway to Pathala Ganga. Sri Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara constructed the Rajagopuram in the 15th century. Chhatrapati Shivaji funded a gopuram's construction in 1667 AD.

The temple complex spans two hectares with walls measuring 183m × 152m and soaring 8.5 metres high. Built in the Dravidian style, it has four towering gopurams on all sides, a Sahasra Linga (1000 lingas believed to have been commissioned by Lord Rama), five lingas installed by the five Pandavas, a Nandi hall, a mirror hall depicting Nataraja, and the silver-plated doorway to the inner sanctum.

Srisailam is accessible by road from major cities across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, though no direct railway service exists to the town itself. The forested ghat roads are scenic but require care after dark — check forest checkpost timings before travel.

The temple follows a traditional two-session darshan schedule with an afternoon break. During Shravan Maas (July–August) and major festivals, timings are extended.

Finding a comfortable place to stay near the temple is generally straightforward, with options ranging from trust-run guest houses to private hotels and dharamshalas.

The following guidelines ensure a respectful and smooth experience for all devotees and visitors.