Mallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam
Also known as: ஸ்ரீசைலம் மல்லிகார்ஜுனர் கோயில் · శ్రీశైలం మల్లికార్జున స్వామి ఆలయం · श्रीशैलम मल्लिकार्जुन मंदिर
Andhra Pradesh Shiva
A Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha in one place, on the Nallamala hills above the Krishna river.
- Deity
- Mallikarjuna (Shiva), Bhramaramba (Parvati)
- Tradition
- Shiva
- Place
- Srisailam, Nandyal
- State
- Andhra Pradesh
- Sacred tank / theertham
- Patala Ganga (Krishna river)
Sthala Puranam
Shiva and Parvati set out to find brides for their sons. Shiva arranged the marriage of Ganesha to Riddhi and Siddhi first. Kartikeya was angry when he came back and left for Mount Krauncha.
When Shiva and Parvati went to calm him, Kartikeya moved on. At the request of the devas he stayed nearby. The place where Shiva and Parvati remained became Srisailam.
The lingam is said to have been worshipped with jasmine (mallika), so Shiva is called Mallikarjuna.
Speciality
- One of the twelve Jyotirlingas and also one of the Shakti Peethas. Few places hold both.
- The Krishna river, called Patala Ganga here, flows below. Pilgrims go down 852 steps to bathe in it.
- The temple lies in the forest of the Nallamala hills.
Festivals
- Maha Shivaratri (February–March), the main festival
- Ugadi
- Dasara (Navaratri)
How to reach
Location is approximate.
Before you go
- Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
- Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
- Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
- The ghat road passes through forest. Check for any night-time travel limits before you plan the drive.
- Maha Shivaratri is extremely crowded.
Prayers for this temple
Facts on this page were checked against the sources listed above. If you find a mistake, please tell us.