Om Namah Shivaya!
I desired to visit Jyotirlingas and had been looking forward to visiting Srisailam Temple for a long time. I couldn’t be happier as I arrived above the Nallamala hills. Devotion was filled in the atmosphere, and Lord Shiva and Goddess Bhramaramba’s presence was felt at every turn. I cannot convey more in words the spiritual experience that made a deep impression on my heart.
The more I visit a Shiva temple, be it a Jyotirlinga or otherwise, there is some feeling of bliss and humility I cannot explain in words. I’m eager to tell you more about the temple.
Introduction to Srisailam Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
Situated on Srisailam Hills in the middle of the Nalla Malla forests in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, is the “Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga”. The Srisailam hill is also known as the Kailash of South India. The Mallikarjuna swami Jyotirlinga is considered the second Jyotirlinga out of 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple is situated on the banks of the Krishna river.
Apart from Shri Mallikarjuna swami Jyotirlinga, this holy site has another importance. Srisailam is also one of the eighteen Shaktipeeth. This makes Srisailam Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga a rare place where both Svayambhu Jyotirlinga of Shiva and Shaktipeeth reside. The Brhamramba Devi Shaktipeeth is within the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga complex.
Quick Information
| Nearest Airport | Hyderabad Airport |
| Travel Time from Hyderabad Airport | Approximately 4 Hour 30 minutes |
| Travel Options from Hyderabad Airport | Uber/Ola from Airport or from within the city / Train from Hyderabad Railway Station / Private Taxi cabs |
| Nearest Railway Station | Kurnool (Station Code – KRNT) – Approximately 180 Km |
| Travel Options | Private cabs from Kurnool Airport or from within the city / state Bus services are available |
| Nearest Bus Station | Srisailam Bus Station |
| Temple Timings | 06:00 AM to 03:00 PM and 06:00 PM to 10:00 PM |
You can visit pilgrimage sites near the Jyotirlinga via autorickshaw. The charges range from Rs 500/- to Rs 600/-
History
The history of Srisailam Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga as to why Lord Shiva resided on Srisailam hill relates to his elder son “Kartikeya”. In South India Lord “Kartikaya” is known by name “Swami Murugan”. He holds a spear in one hand and is worshiped here as the god of war. Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva came here in search of him after he was upset and left Kailasa. Lord Kartikeya requested his father and mother to reside here in self-styled form. And since then, Lord Shankara appeared on this mountain with Goddess Parvati and became eminent as “Mallikarjuna”.
Here, Goddess Parvati is known as “Bhrambhrambha”. Goddess Parvati killed the demon Bhanwra and therefore, she is called “Bhrambhrambha Devi”. When the demon created havoc, Goddess took the form of the bumblebee to kill the demon. Therefore, she is called “Bhrambhrambha” Devi. “Bhrambharamba” means mother of bees.
There is another legend which goes like this. A demon named “Arunasur” had created havoc on the earth. He had a boon from Lord Brahma that neither a 2 legged nor a 4-legged creature could kill him. So, the Goddess assumed the form of innumerable 6-legged bees and killed Arjunsar and killed his army. And since then, Mother has been worshiped in the form of “Bhrambharamba”.
Bhrambharamba Devi temple here which is within the main Jyotirlinga temple complex is a Shaktipeeth site as well. When Devi Sati’s body was cut into pieces by Maha Vishnu using his Sudarshana Chakra, the neck part of Devi Sati is believed to have fallen at Srisailam.
The kings of South and Central India have shown special faith in Srisailam Jyotirlinga. 400 years ago, when the Vijayanagara Empire’s King ‘Krishna Dev Rai’ came to visit the Jyotirlinga, he built a canopy here, whose pinnacle is made of gold. Similarly, Maratha King Chatrapati Shivaji also used to come to this Jyotirlinga to do Darshan.
Goddess Bhrambhrambha is the family Goddess of King Shivaji. Goddess personally gave a sword to King Shivaji. On the work of service done by Krishna Deva Rai around the temple, you will still see the carvings of the Vijayanagara Empire there. These carvings are 400 years old, and you can still see them on the walls of Mallikarjuna temple. Trilinga desa was the name given to ancient Andhra as together with Srisailam Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, there are two other sacred linga kshetras – Kalesvaram on the north and Daksharama Bhimesvara on the east.
References about Srisailam Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
This Jyotirlinga’s description and ancient history are found in several scriptures of “Sanatana Dharma”, whether its Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana, Padam Purana, or Mahabharata. It is even described in the epic Mahabharata that by worshiping Lord Shankara on Srisailam Mountain one gets the merit equivalent to Ashvamedha Yagya.
Srisailam Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is considered the navel of India. Salvation is attained after death in Kashi. However, it is believed that salvation is attained here by merely having the darshan of the Sikkar (Kalash) on top of the temple in the Srisailam area. There is a reference to this in the Skanda Purana (Srisaila Kandam). Shri Adi Shankaracharya composed the Sivananda Lahari during his visit to the Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple.
Temple Architecture
The Sanctum Sanctorum of Srisailam Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is facing east. The current temple complex is spread across 2 hectares of land.
4 gopurams with beautiful sculptures, Mukha mandapa leading to the sanctum and tall walls, Srisailam Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple is constructed in typical Dravidian style architecture. The temple is also known for Sahasra Lingas – 1000 Shiva Lingas. Dhwaja Stambha (flagpole) has special significance in South Indian temples. In the Srisailam temple, the Dhwaja Stambha is made of Gold.
Festivals at Srisailam Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
Maha Shivaratri is one of the important festivals celebrated at Srisailam Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple.
Kartik Maas, the month of Oct-Nov is celebrated in Srisailam Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple specially. Thousands of people gather at the Srisailam temple every evening and light a lamp on the Amla. Here it is known as “Amla Deep Jyoti”. Many devotees come during Kartik month to light lamps.
Brahmotsavam is another important festival at Srisailam Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple. This festival is observed during the month of September/October. Various rituals and processions are carried out at the temple during the Brahmotsavam festival. The Brahmotsavam festival usually is celebrated for nine days. Telugu New Year, Ugadi, is celebrated with spiritual prayers and cultural programs.
Nearby Places of Importance/attraction
On Srisailam hills there are many other pilgrimage sites too.
The first one among them is “Sakshi Ganpati”. It is said that one should perform the darshan of this temple before reaching Srisailam Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga. It has a special significance and history. Srisailam is known as “Bhoomi Kailash”. Lord Ganpati is a witness that you came here, that is why it is known as “Sakhshi Ganpati”.
In this holy site, the river Krishna is called “Patal Ganga”. To reach there one must go 852 steps downstairs. Apart from the steps, a ropeway facility is available. While going via ropeway Srisailam Dam looks extremely beautiful.
Hathkeshwara temple, Paaldhara Panchadhara, and Shikhareswara temple are other pilgrimage sites nearby.
Akkamahadevi Caves is another place of tourist attraction near the Srisailam Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple.
Srisailam dam which is one of the largest hydropower projects in India is yet another place of attraction for tourists.
