Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple


 Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, which are considered

the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in Hinduism. It is located in the town of Srisailam in

the state of Andhra Pradesh, India.





The temple is dedicated to Lord Mallikarjuna, who is another name for Lord Shiva, and his consort, Devi Bhramaramba, who is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The temple has a rich history dating back to the 7th century when it was first built by the rulers of the Satavahana dynasty.

The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple has stunning architecture with intricate carvings, sculptures, and paintings. The temple complex comprises several halls and shrines, including the main sanctum, where the Jyotirlinga is situated. The Jyotirlinga is a lingam, which is a representation of Lord Shiva, and it is believed to be self-manifested or Swayambhu.

The temple attracts millions of devotees every year, especially during the annual festival of Maha Shivaratri, which is celebrated with great pomp and show. During this festival, the entire temple complex is adorned with lights and decorations, and there are various rituals, processions, and cultural events held in and around the temple.

Overall, the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus, and it is considered a sacred place where one can attain spiritual enlightenment and blessings from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.


The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated in the town of Srisailam, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines and is considered to be a very sacred place for Hindus.

The temple has a rich history that dates back to the 7th century when it was built by the Satavahana dynasty. It has undergone several renovations and has been patronized by various dynasties over the years, including the Chalukyas, the Vijayanagara Empire, and the Kakatiyas.

The temple complex is vast and consists of several halls and shrines, each with its own significance. The main shrine, which houses the Jyotirlinga, is a large structure with beautiful carvings, sculptures, and paintings adorning the walls.

The Jyotirlinga is the main attraction of the temple, and it is a representation of Lord Shiva in the form of a lingam. It is believed that the Jyotirlinga is Swayambhu, which means that it is self-manifested and not man-made. The Jyotirlinga is considered to be one of the most powerful and sacred manifestations of Lord Shiva, and it is believed to have immense power.

The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple is also famous for its association with the Bhramaramba Devi Temple, which is located adjacent to it. Devi Bhramaramba is the consort of Lord Mallikarjuna, and her temple is an essential part of the temple complex. The temple is also known as Shri Parvathi Ammavari Temple and is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas in India.

The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple is also famous for its annual festival of Maha Shivaratri, which is celebrated with great pomp and show. During this festival, the entire temple complex is adorned with lights and decorations, and there are various rituals, processions, and cultural events held in and around the temple. Devotees from all over the world come to Srisailam to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva during this festival.

The temple has several other shrines dedicated to various gods and goddesses, including Lord Venkateswara, Lord Subramanya, and Goddess Durga. There is also a sacred tank, known as Patala Ganga, located in the temple complex. It is believed that a dip in the Patala Ganga can cleanse one of all sins and provide spiritual benefits.

The temple also has a rich literary history, with several literary works related to the temple written in various languages, including Telugu, Sanskrit, and Tamil. The temple has been mentioned in several Hindu scriptures, including the Skanda Purana and the Padma Purana.

The temple's architecture is a unique blend of various styles, including Dravidian, Chalukyan, and Vijayanagara. The temple has several halls, each with its own significance. The Mukha Mandapa, which is the entrance hall, is a large hall with intricate carvings and sculptures. The Sabha Mandapa, which is the main hall, is an enormous structure with several pillars, each adorned with carvings of various deities.

The temple has several other halls, including the Ranga Mandapa, which is used for conducting cultural events and other festivities. There is also a separate hall for conducting marriages and other auspicious ceremonies.

The temple has several other structures, including the Kalyana Mandapa, which is used for conducting marriages, and the Nandi Mand


What is the story of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga?


 It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared as Arjuna on Amavasya (No moon day) and


 Goddess Parvati as Mallika on Poornima (full moon day), and hence the name


 Mallikarjuna. The temple is a work of architecture with its tall towers and beautiful carvings. Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peetha. The legend of Daksha Yaga and Sati's self-immolation resulted in the emergence of Sri Parvati in the place of Sati Devi and made Shiva a householder. This mythology is the story behind the origin of Shakti Peethas.



Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple is located in the town of Srisailam, which is well-connected by road, air, and train.

By Road:

Srisailam is situated on the banks of the River Krishna and is well-connected to various cities in Andhra Pradesh and nearby states by road. The town is located about 213 km from Hyderabad and can be reached via NH 765. Private buses, taxis, and state-run buses are available from nearby cities to Srisailam.

By Air:

The nearest airport to Srisailam is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, which is approximately 215 km away. From the airport, one can take a taxi or bus to reach Srisailam.

By Train:

The nearest railway station to Srisailam is at Markapur Road, which is approximately 85 km away. From the railway station, one can take a taxi or state-run bus to reach Srisailam.

Another nearby railway station is at Kurnool, which is approximately 180 km away from Srisailam. Kurnool is well-connected to major cities in India by rail.

In summary, one can reach Srisailam by road, air, and train. The nearest airport is in Hyderabad, the nearest railway station is at Markapur Road, and the town is well-connected to nearby cities by road.


Srisailam, where the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple is located, is a popular pilgrimage site and attracts a large number of devotees and tourists every year. As a result, there are several accommodation options available in and around Srisailam to cater to the needs of visitors.

There are various guesthouses, lodges, and budget hotels located in the town, which provide basic amenities and comfortable rooms at reasonable prices. These accommodations are usually run by the state government or local trusts and can be booked in advance or on the spot.

In addition to budget accommodations, there are also a few luxury hotels and resorts located in and around Srisailam that offer high-end amenities and services to guests. These accommodations are ideal for tourists looking for a more luxurious experience.

Apart from hotels and guesthouses, there are also several Dharamshala and Ashrams located near the temple that offers accommodation to devotees at minimal or no cost. These accommodations are usually run by trusts and charitable organizations and are a good option for budget travelers.

It is advisable to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons or festivals, to avoid any last-minute hassles. Many hotels and guesthouses also offer package deals that include accommodation, food, and other facilities. Visitors can choose the package that best suits their needs and budget.

In summary, there are several accommodation options available in and around Srisailam for devotees and tourists visiting the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels and resorts. Visitors can choose an option that best fits their budget and requirements.

Srimad bhagawat mahapuran, 1 st skanda ,17 th chapter