Mallikarjuna Temple: 7 Essential Things To Know About The Temple
Mallikarjuna Temple Srisailam is in the holy place Srisailam in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. It is dedicated to the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva and the Shakti Peeth of Parvati Devi. The temple’s grand structure and intricate detailing on every inner and outer wall make it among the most majestic temples in the country. The various Dwaralu – Siddavatam, Alampuram, Trupuranthakam, and Umamaheswaram – are gateways to the Mallikarjuna Temple. The other notable features include holy precincts and holy springs. So, add this wonderful temple to your itinerary for the best time.
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History Of Mallikarjuna Temple
Srisailam, also called Sirigiri or Sriparvatam, is a sacred place mentioned in the Puranas, though it is unclear when the site was first manifested. Among the 12 jyotirlingas, the second one is the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga (Mallikarjuna Swamy Lingam) located at the Mallikarjuna Temple Srisailam. Additionally, out of the 18 maha shakti peethas, the sixth one is the Sri Bhramaramba Devi temple in Srisailam. This makes the Mallikarjuna Temple unique, as it is the only shrine where both the jyotirlinga and Shakti Peeth are found together.
It is said that in different yugas, devotees visited the Mallikarjuna Mandir to seek blessings of Lord Shiva and Parvati in the forms of Mallikarjuna Swamy and Bhramarambika Devi respectively. In the Satyayugam, Narasimhaswamy visited the holy place. In the Tretayugam, Lord Rama and Goddess Sita Devi came to Srisailam. In Dvaparayugam, the five Pandavas visited the temple. In Kalayug, various spiritual leaders, preachers, masters, rishis, yogis, munis, and kings have continued to visit the temple to seek blessings from the deities.
Spectacular Architecture
The Mallikarjuna Temple Srisailam is a blessing to the eyes because of its spectacular looks at any time of the day. The highlight of the holy place is the oldest shrine, where Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is housed. The temple consists of walls resembling forts and four towers called gopurams. There is enough sculptural detail to keep you busy for hours. The Mallikarjuna Temple is considered an architectural phenomenon as it was improved and built by various dynasties over centuries.
How Lord Shiva Became A Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga?
The story of the Mallikarjuna Temple Srisailam and its Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga all started when Silada Maharshi performed Tapasya to appease Lord Shiva. When Lord Shiva was pleased with his worship, he granted Silada the wish to have two sons. Silada Maharshi named his two sons Nandi and Parvat. Both children extensively studied Lord Shiva to possess all the knowledge they could about him.
Parvat did intense Tapasya to please Lord Shiva, due to which Lord Bhola Sankara appeared before him one day. Parvat then prayed and asked Lord Shiva to turn him into a mountain so that all things holy could reside in him just like in Kailasa. Lord Shiva was surprised by his wish and taken aback because none of his previous devotees had ever asked for such a blessing. Lord Shiva allowed Parvat to reside in Srisailam as a mountain. This is when Lord Shiva manifested as the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga in the sacred Mallikarjuna Temple at Srisailam.
How Goddess Parvati Became Bhramarambika Devi?
Arunasura was a rakshas who wanted to achieve immortality. Gayatri Devi turned him away, saying she did not possess the power to grant him his wish for immortality. He then did Tapasya to please Lord Brahma. When his prayers started to cause trouble, the other Gods asked Lord Brahma to find a solution. Lord Brahma also rejected his wish and asked him to wish for something else. The rakshas asked him if he wished no 2-legged or 4-legged creature had caused his death. His wish was granted.
When Arunasura achieves his wish, he starts destroying everything and even causes problems to the Gods. The Gods ask Lord Shiva and Parvati Devi’s help in the matter. Goddess Parvati becomes Bhramara, which is a form of a thousand bees and slays Arunasura to put an end to his evil ways. The Gods become elated to find out that she put an end to him. They ask her to take abode in a place of her choice so they can pray to her for eternal time. They also required her to turn to Bhramaramba.
Unable to decide on a place of residence, goddess Parvati asks Lord Shiva which place is the most beautiful after the Kailasa he created. He replies that Srisailam is the next best place in the universe after Kailasa. This is when the two decide to stay in Srisailam as Mallikarjuna Bhramaramba so they can bless their devout devotees for eternity. This is what became the Mallikarjuna Temple.
Darshan Timings And Tickets
Mallikarjuna Temple Srisailam opens at 6:00 am onwards, and anyone older than 10 must purchase a ticket for darshan at the temple. The ticket rates are as follows: You can purchase tickets online (through the official Devasthanam website) or offline (at the temple premises).
- Cost of Athiseeghra darshanam: Rs. 300
- Cost of Seeghra darshanam: Rs. 150
- Cost of Sparsha darshanam: Rs. 500 (For an individual)
You need your government ID for online booking, and once the tickets are booked, you cannot cancel them. Moreover, you cannot change the date of the darshanam. You cannot give your ticket to someone else as this is prohibited. At the time of darshanam, you need to provide your government ID. Due to its popularity in South India, you can expect a rush to visit the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga. However, there is a separate queue for the elderly, pregnant women, postnatal women, and those with disabilities, making the Mallikarjuna Temple accessible to all devotees.
Interesting Facts About Mallikarjuna Temple
- Many people have reportedly heard a buzzing sound in the Mallikarjuna Temple Srisailam, symbolising Parvati Devi’s avatar, Bhramarambika Devi. Devotees believe it is her way of showering blessings on them. Some say that Lord Shiva took the avatar of a hunter and fell for a Chenchu girl. They later married, which is why some refer to Lord Shiva as Chenchu Mallayya.
- Sati’s upper lip is said to have fallen at the Shri Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple site when Lord Shiva carried her after she sacrificed herself. Srisailam is also called the Kailasa of the South because of its prominence and significance, with the Mallikarjuna Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati Devi.
- The Mallikarjuna Temple is among the few Lord Shiva temples that allow devotees to touch the Shivalinga when they bathe it in milk, making the darshan of the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga even more divine and unique.
Do’s And Don’ts At Temple
When visiting the Shri Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple, it is best to follow the rules below to maintain decorum.
- Only traditional Indian attire is allowed
- Avoid wearing sleeveless clothes
- Carry your ID proof for darshan
- Avoid taking any food items etc. into the temple as it is prohibited
- Deposit your mobile phones in the Devasthanam clock room available at the Mallikarjuna temple premises
- Book accommodation 15 days in advance through an online booking service if you are planning to stay
- Avoid taking mobile phones, cameras, and other electronic devices inside the temple
- Avoid making noise unnecessarily inside the temple premises
- Book your tickets for darshan in advance if possible through online modes
Mallikarjuna Temple is an ancient temple with rich cultural and historical significance that you should visit on your trip to Srisailam. You can go on a solo trip for a complete spiritual rejuvenation or take your family and friends along to embrace the beauty of the revered Hindu temple. Going there during special occasions such as Shivaratri is recommended because you will see the place filled with devotees like never before.
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FAQs About Mallikarjuna Temple
Why is the temple famous?
The Mallikarjuna Temple Srisailam is unique because it is the sole shrine where Lord Shiva and Parvati Devi’s Shakti form are found together in a Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga within the same temple.
How much time does it take to get darshan at Mallikarjuna Temple?
It depends mainly on the number of devotees and the darshan type. Athi Seeghra darshan can take half an hour or more, while Seeghra darshan may take about 1.5 hours. The Sarva darshan can take up to an hour during weekdays and nearly two hours on weekends.
What happens to people who visit all the 12 jyotirlingas in the country?
People who visit all 12 jyotirlingas, including the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, are believed to achieve moksha — freedom from fear and spiritual awakening.
How to reach Mallikarjuna Temple from Hyderabad?
The quickest way to reach the Mallikarjuna Temple is by hiring a taxi from Hyderabad airport. It takes nearly 3 hours to reach the temple premises.
Does the ticket include prasadam?
No, the darshan ticket does not include prasadam. However, prasad can be purchased separately at the temple.
Can I go to the Mallikarjuna Temple at night?
Yes, the Mallikarjuna Mandir is open until around 9:00 pm. However, you can expect a higher crowd in the evening due to the pleasant weather.
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