Sri Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, located at Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and also one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas. This dual sanctity makes it one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Mallikarjuna Swamy, and Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Bhramaramba Devi.
Foundation & History
The temple is situated on the Nallamala Hills, on the banks of the Krishna River.
References to Srisailam are found in the Skanda Purana, Shiva Purana, and epics like the Mahabharata.
It is believed that Lord Shiva himself manifested as a Jyotirlinga here.
Historically, the temple received patronage from Satavahanas (2nd century CE), Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagara kings, and later rulers who expanded the complex.
The Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya and his queens are said to have richly donated to the temple.
Mythological Significance
According to legend:
Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati came to Srisailam to pacify their son Kartikeya, who left Mount Kailash after being upset with Ganesha’s marriage.
Shiva manifested as Mallikarjuna (Lord of Jasmine) and Parvati as Bhramaramba to stay close to Kartikeya.
This is why the temple is both a Jyotirlinga and Shakti Peetha.
Religious Importance
Visiting Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is said to absolve sins and doshas, especially Pitru Dosha and Graha Dosha.
It is believed that seeing Mallikarjuna Swamy grants Moksha (liberation).
Since Bhramaramba Devi is also present, devotees receive blessings of both Shiva and Shakti together.
Daily Worship & Rituals
Suprabhatam Seva (early morning prayers) – Waking the deities.
Abhishekam – Ritual bathing of the Jyotirlinga with milk, honey, ghee, water, and sacred items.
Archana & Alankaram – Decoration of the deity with flowers and ornaments.
Mahamangala Aarti – Final offering with lamps and mantras.
Prasadam – Devotees receive holy food offerings.
Important Pujas
Rudrabhishekam – Chanting of Rudra hymns while bathing the linga.
Kalyanotsavam – Symbolic wedding of Shiva and Parvati.
Navagraha Pooja – Performed for planetary doshas.
Chandi Homam & Mahanyasa Purvaka Rudrabhishekam – For removal of doshas and prosperity.
Festivals
Mahashivaratri – The grandest festival, with lakhs of devotees visiting. Night-long jagaran, abhishekam, and cultural programs are held.
Karthika Masam (Oct–Nov) – Month dedicated to Lord Shiva, special deepams (lamps) are lit.
Ugadi (Telugu New Year) – Celebrated with pujas and festivities.
Dasara (Navratri) – Special pujas for Bhramaramba Devi.
Shravan Month – Abhishekams and Rudrarchana performed daily.
Tirthas (Sacred Water Bodies)
Srisailam is home to many sacred tirthas where devotees take holy dips before darshan:
Patala Ganga – On the Krishna River, accessible by ropeway or steps.
Shikhareswara Tirtham – Associated with Lord Kartikeya.
Chandravanka Tirtha – A holy stream.
Pushkarini – Temple tank where ritual baths are taken.
Nearby Temples & Sacred Spots
Sakshi Ganapati Temple – Where Lord Ganapati keeps record of pilgrims visiting Srisailam.
Hatakeswara Temple – Dedicated to Shiva.
Shikhareswara Swamy Temple – On the highest point of Srisailam hill.
Akkamahadevi Caves – Associated with saint Akkamahadevi, reachable by boat.
Paladhara & Panchadhara – Sacred streams associated with Adi Shankaracharya.
Istakameswari Temple – Ancient temple believed to grant wishes.
How to Reach Srisailam
By Air: Nearest airports are Hyderabad (215 km) and Vijayawada (190 km).
By Train: Nearest railway stations are Markapur Road, Cumbum, and Vinukonda.
By Road: Well connected from Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Kurnool. State transport and private buses are available.
Special Note: The road passes through the Nallamala forest, offering scenic views.
Doshas & Remedies
Pitru Dosha: Special pujas and tarpanam performed at Patala Ganga and temple.
Graha Dosha / Navagraha Dosha: Rudrabhishekam and Navagraha pujas recommended.
Naga Dosha: Devotees perform Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Puja at the temple.
Marriage-related Doshas: Kalyanotsavam puja believed to remove obstacles.
Spiritual Importance
Moksha Kshetra: Considered a place where the soul attains liberation.
Dwadasha Jyotirlinga: Integral part of the sacred 12 Jyotirlinga pilgrimage.
Shakti Peetha: Worship of Devi Bhramaramba adds unique divine power.
Parihara Sthala: A place to resolve life problems and karmic obstacles.
Sri Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga at Srisailam is not just a temple - it is a complete spiritual center combining Jyotirlinga, Shakti Peetha, tirthas, and ancient heritage. With its divine legends, sacred rituals, healing pujas, and natural beauty, it holds a timeless place in India’s religious landscape.
🙏 Visiting Srisailam is said to give the combined blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti, making it one of the most powerful pilgrimages in Hindu tradition.
