Sri Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple, Srisailam

About Srisailam Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga

Srisailam Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is a highly prominent Hindu temple in the town of Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh. Situated on the banks of the Krishna River (locally known as Pathala Ganga), it features a towering Gopuram built in traditional Dravidian architectural style.

Nestled in the Nallamala hills, this holy site is one of the rare places that houses both a Jyotirlinga shrine (Mallikarjuna) among the 12 Jyotirlinga and a Shakti peeth shrine (Goddess Bhramaramba) in the same temple complex.

Holding great spiritual significance in many ancient texts, Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple attracts millions of devotees across the country to seek the divine blessings. If you are also seeking a visit to this sacred shrine, then you must read this further to know the details about the temple.

Quick information about Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple

• Location/Temple Address: Srisailam town, Andhra Pradesh, India
• District: Nandyal district
• PIN code: 518101
• Main deity: Lord Shiva & Brahmaramba Devi (Parvati)
• River: Krishna River (known as Pathala Ganga)
• Temple timings: 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM
• Best time to visit: October to February
• Nearest airport to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad
• Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga nearest railway station: Marakpur Road Railway Station
• Significance: Known as Dakshina Kailasham & home to sacred Jyotirlinga and Shakti peethas

Where is Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga?

Shri Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is located in the Nandyal district (formerly known as Kurnool) of Andhra Pradesh, India, within the Srisailam kshetra. On the top of the Nallamala hills on the banks of the Krishna River.

What is Famous in Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga?

The famous things and speciality about Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga are that the main temple complex houses a Jyotirlinga of Shiva & a Shakti Peeth dedicated to Brahmaramba Devi, known as Dakshin Kailash (Kailash of the south). It features Nallamal Hills, Patalaganga Kund, & scenic Srisailam Dam.

It holds dual significance as a Jyotirlinga & Shakti Peeth, attracting devotees seeking blessings of marital harmony, making it famous. The towering gopurams, grand gateways, featuring Dravidian architecture, are the main highlights.

Mallikarjuna Temple History

The history of Shri Mallikarjuna Temple is well-documented in Indian historical accounts. Earlier archaeological evidence of the shrine dates back to the 2nd century BCE linked it to the Satavahana Dynasty at Srisailam. 

Throughout the centuries, the architectural expansion of holy shrines has been done by many dynasties. The core structural shrine was built by the Chalukya dynasty after the Satavahana ruler in the century. 

Later monumental additions were made by the Reddi dynasty, who praise themselves as devotees of Brahmaramba Devi. 

The core architecture we show, where devotees visit, features majestic courtyard walls and towering gates (gopuram) built by the kings Harihara & Krishnadev Rai of the Vijayanagar Empire. 

What is the story behind Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga?

The Sri Mallikarjuna temple story lies with one prominent tale in the Shiv Mahapurana, which recounts a divine family dispute and parental devotion.

As per the legend, Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati challenged their two sons, Kartikeya and Ganesha, that anyone who would complete the race of 7 rounds of the universe first would be married first. 

Kartikeya rapidly flew off on his vehicle, a peacock, while Ganesha ran around his parents and declared that his parent is the universe. Ganesha won the race and got married to Riddhi and Siddhi. 

When Kartikeya returned, he was disappointed, his heart broken, and he left Mt. Kailash towards Mt. Kaunch (Srisailam region) to find solitary peace.

To console their son & live near him, Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati appeared as a cosmic column of light at Srisailam Kshetra, where the main shrine is nestled. 

Shiva took the form of Arjuna & Parvati Mallika (a jasmine flower), which was offered to the deity, giving the place its name, “Mallikarjuna.”  

Mythological Significance of Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple

The Mallikarjuna Temple holds immense spiritual significance due to its dual energy: a Jyotirlinga & Shakti Peeth in the same temple complex. Visiting this sacred shrine brings peace, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment for devotees. 

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is a self-manifested Shivlinga born out of the divine parental love of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for their son Lord Kartikeya. 

The mythological origin of the Mallikarjuna temple is in many ancient Hindu texts, like the Shiva Purana. As per the legend, Shiva and Parvati appeared as an eternal pillar of light (Jyotirlinga) to console their son, Mallika and Arjuna, giving the place its name, “Mallikarjuna.”

Mallikarjuna Temple Timings: Daily Darshan & Puja Schedule

The Srisailam Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple timings follow a strict schedule for opening, closing, and puja rituals. Generally, the temple remains open daily from around 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM, including morning and evening darshan slots and a midday break. 

Here are the daily opening, closing, and Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga darshan timings:

Event	Timing
Temple Opening	4:30 AM
Morning Darshan	6:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Midday Break	1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Evening Darshan	4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Temple Closing	At 10:00 PM

Aarti & Ritual schedule:

• Suprabhata Seva/Mangla: 4:30 AM to 5:30 AM, a short awakening ritual
• Mangla Aarti: 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM
• Alankara Darshanam: 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
• Evening Aarti: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM 
• Shayan Aarti: 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM 

Can we touch Mallikarjuna lingam in Srisailam?

Yes, you can touch the Mallikarjuna Shivling, called “Sparsh Darshan,” but only by booking a special Sparsh Darshan ticket or Abhishek Puja ticket. 

During the peak season, pilgrims cannot touch the lingam in regular darshan entry. 

Note: Sparsh Darshan is also free in special visiting slots, which you must check or confirm with locals.

What is VIP Darshan at Mallikarjuna?

VIP Darshan at Mallikarjuna Srisailam is a prior entry access, known as Sheegra Darshan and Sparsh Darshan, and requires a valid ticket. Devotees can book these tickets online via the official website of Srisailam Devasthanam or offline via the designated official counter.

You can get VIP access by completing Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga darshan booking for special Puja slots, such as Abhishek Puja. It allows skipping general queues and offers prayer close to the deity. 

Type of Darshan and Puja facility at Mallikarjuna

• Sheegra Darshan (quick access): ₹150 per person
• Sparsh Darshan: ₹500 for a single person
• Abhishekam at Vrudhmallikarjuna: ₹500-700 for a single person 
• Abhishekam at Kalyanamandapam for a couple: ₹1500 per couple

How To Reach Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga

To reach Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, you must travel to Srisailam, a holy town in Andhra Pradesh where the shrine is located. Mallikarjuna Temple doesn’t have its own commercial airport or railway station, so devotees must combine their air or train journey with road travel.

Below is a short overview of how to reach Mallikarjuna Temple by air, train, and road. 

By Air: Take a flight to the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, which is the nearest airport to the Mallikarjuna Temple, roughly around 200 km away. 

From the airport, take a private taxi or local bus from the Hyderabad bus station directly to Srisailam.  

By Train: Book a train to the nearest railway station to Mallikarjuna, which is Markapur Road Railway Station, around 90 km from Srisailam. Kurool Railway Station is another nearest major railhead, around 180 km away. 

From either of these stations, you can board a state-run bus or take a pirate taxi to reach the shrine. 

By Road: Srisailam has great road connectivity with surrounding cities & states. You can book a train on the APSRTC official booking site or take an outstation cab for convenience directly to the shrine. 

Key distances of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga from various places

• Hyderabad to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Distance: 232 km
• Hyderabad airport to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Distance: 198 km
• Srisailam to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga distance: 1.1 km
• Kurnool to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga distance: 181 km
• Shri Rameshwaram to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga distance: 1,002 km
• Pune to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga distance: 761 km
• Delhi to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga distance: 1813 km
• Ahmedabad to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga distance: 1378 km
• Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga to Tirupati distance: 401 km

Best Time To Visit Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga

The best time to visit the Shri Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple is from October to March, offering pleasurable weather and comfortable temperatures. Spanning the winter & early spring months.

• Winter (October to February): Peak pilgrimage season with ideal weather and temperatures between 12°C and 30°C. Perfect for darshan and local exploration.

• Festive time (February to March): A vibrant spiritual energy time that attracts massive footfall during the Mahashivratri festival.

• Summer (March-June): Hot & dry with temperatures rising up to 40°C, less ideal for traveling.

• Monsoon (July-August): Lush green surroundings & low crowds can be good for seeking peaceful darshan.

Hotels Near Mallikarjuna Temple Srisailam

The best hotels near Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple range from standard guest houses to comfortable luxury hotels. 

Below are some suggested hotels in Mallikarjuna Temple complex area:

• Mallikarjuna Sadan near temple road
• AP Tourism Hotel
• Hotel Grand Akkamahadevi
• Hotel Trishul Grand
• Hotel Green Heavens
• Temple satrams & dormitories run by temple committee

Places To Visit Near Mallikarjuna Temple

Top tourist places near Mallikarjuna temple include religious sites and adventure trails, such as Devi Brahmaramba temple, Patalganga Srisailam, Shri Sakshi Ganpati temple, and Panchdhara water streams.

• Devi Brahamaramba Shakti Peeth temple: Located right inside the main Jyotirlinga temple, the shrine of Goddess Shakti (Parvati) is one of the sacred 18 Maha Shakti Peethas. Believed to be a place where the neck & upper lip of the deity fell, making it such a prominent site for devotees of Shakti. 

• Shri Sakshi Ganapati Temple: Situated near the main temple area; traditionally visited by devotees before entering the main shrine. Holds mythological significance as Lord Ganesha records the testimony of every visitor.

• Shikhareshwar Swamy Temple: Situated at the top of the Srisailam mountain range, this ancient temple offers breathtaking views of the entire forest landscape & Krishna River flow. 

• Patalganga Srisailam: A sacred Ghat on the banks of the Krishna River where devotees take a holy dip. It is accessible by walking down hundreds of stairs or via the scenic ropeway ride. 

• Panchdhara water streams: A natural water stream cascades over rock near the Patalganga Ghat. Believed to be a place where sage Adi Shankaracharya meditated & composed their spiritual treatises. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, a visit to the sacred Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple in Srisailam is a spiritually enriching experience, as the site houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, Mallikarjuna (second among 12), and a Shakti Peetha among 108, Shri Brahmaramba temple in the same complex. 

Being the heart of the state, Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple attracts devotees across the country to seek divine blessings and mental well-being.

So plan your next journey to this divine place to witness the most beautiful and spiritual experience.

FAQs

Which city is nearest to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga?

The nearest major city to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is Markapur; the nearest railway access point is located around 85 km away from the temple. Nandyal (160 km away), Kurool (180 km away), & Hyderabad are the closest towns or cities. 

What happens when you visit Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga?

A visit to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is a highly spiritual experience that brings peace, prosperity, & spiritual enlightenment for devotees. Mallikarjuna temple is such a rare temple where a Jyotirlinga (abode of Shiva) & a Shakti peeth (abode of Shakti) reside in the same temple complex.

Which railway station is near Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga?

Marakpur Road Railway Station, around 80-90 km away, is the nearest railway station to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, connected to nearby cities like Hyderabad. From the railway station, you can easily take a state-run local bus or hire a private taxi to reach the site.

Which part of Sati fell in Mallikarjuna?

According to ancient Hindu texts, Mallikarjuna in Srisailam Kshetra (in Andhra Pradesh) is a place where Goddess Sati’s neck & Upper lip fell, becoming a sacred Shakti Peeth site visited by many devotees of Shakti. 

Is there a ticket available for Sparsh Darshan at Mallikarjuna?

Yes, the Sheegra Sparsh Darshan at Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga requires a ticket, which can be booked online via the official Srisailam Devasthanam website or in person at the counter near the temple. It generally costs around ₹500 per person.

Are Muslims allowed in Mallikarjun?

Well, entry inside the main shrine of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is restricted for non-Hindus, like Muslims. However, they can legally run shops & businesses near the temple area.

How much time will it take for Srisailam Darshan?

The darshan time at Srisailam Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga ranges from 1 hour to at max 2 hours on normal weekdays, while on weekends and festive days, it will take around 4-6 hours.

What is the Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple Srisailam?

Shri Brahmaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, known as the Srisailam Temple, is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga & Goddess Brahmaramba (Devi Parvati) as a prominent Shakti peetha, symbolizing a divine union of Shiva-Shakti.